Timothy J. Parker passed away on Friday, June 18, 2021, at the age of 50.
Parker, better known as The Gift of Gab, Blackalicious, and Quannum Projects, was diagnosed with kidney failure in 2014 and received a transplant in early 2020.
“He was one of the most positive human beings I have ever known and always looking toward the future,” says Brian Ross, Gab’s manager for his solo and Blackalicious career in a press statement. “He was endlessly brimming with new ideas, philosophical perspectives, and thoughts about the future. He was always ready to learn, grow and engage in a deep conversation about things he was less familiar with. A simple conversation with him about nearly anything could take you places you would never have expected.”
“Our brother was an MCs’ MC who dedicated his life to his craft. One of the greatest to ever do it.” adds his bandmate and lifelong friend Chief Xcel (Xavier Mosley). “He’s the most prolific person I’ve ever known. He was all about pushing the boundaries of his art form in the most authentic way possible. He truly believed in the healing power of music. He viewed himself as a vessel used by a higher power whose purpose was to give positive contributions to humanity through Rhyme.”
The statement also notes that we will see additional Gift of Gab releases in the future, as work was in progress for his next project, and there are nearly 100 tracks in the archives that may eventually see release.
Read a 2004 SPB review of 4th Dimensional Rocketships Going Up.
