Questlove, Run the Jewels’ El-P, Public Enemy’s Chuck D and more are mourning Timothy “Gift of Gab” Parker of hip-hop duo Blackalicious, who died June 18 at age 50.
“Tim peacefully departed this earth to be with our ancestors on Friday, June 18, 2021,” the Quannum collective, a group that the Bay Area rapper belonged to, said in a statement Friday (June 25). “He is survived by two brothers, one sister, many nieces and nephews, countless friends, and fans across the globe.”
Parker reportedly died of natural causes and had previously been battling kidney-related complications. He was diagnosed with kidney disease in 2012 and suffered kidney failure due to Type 1 Diabetes. By 2015, he was on dialysis three times a week. Still, he managed to continue songwriting during his four-hour sessions.
Trending on Billboard
His longtime collaborator and friend Chief Xcel — who is the other half of Blackalicious — shared an emotional post on Gab’s Instagram. The pair met as teenagers. During their time in high school together, they would jokingly argue about “who was doper” between Ice-T and Too Short. Chief Xcel says they had dreams of becoming Sacramento’s “version of Run-DMC.”
He recalls of his late friend Parker, who went by the stage name “Tiny T” in high school, “Out of the blue, Tim who had now changed his rap name to Gabby T, calls me and says ,’Yo X, I need a DJ.’ So I’m thinking he’s asking me to DJ for him for a talent show or school dance so I say, ‘For when?’ Tim then replies ‘Forever’ and I say ‘Cool.’ That day marked the beginning of our journey. 34 years of brotherhood, deep friendship, artistic inspiration, and musical exploration.”
His niece and E! Nightly Pop host Nina Parker described him as a “visionary” in her touching tweet, where she thanked those who’ve sent their own loving remarks. “My family loves and misses him dearly and we appreciate all the love being shown,” she wrote. “He will be missed. Forever a visionary.” She later shared old photos of Gift of Gab on her Instagram Story, writing, “My uncle was a legend. We will love you forever.”
A lot of you didn’t know this, but Gift of Gab was my uncle. My family loves and misses him dearly and we appreciate all the love being shown. He will be missed. Forever a visionary. 🙏🏾 https://t.co/wvYSgdR7Xh
— Nina Parker (@MzGossipGirl) June 25, 2021
See other reactions and tributes to Gift of Gab below.
It is with heavy hearts and great sadness that we announce the passing of our dear brother Timothy J Parker aka The Gift of Gab,” announces his crew Quannum. “Tim departed this earth to be with our ancestors on Friday, June 18, 2021.
/1
— Lateef (@TruthspeakerHQ) June 25, 2021
My statement regarding the passing of Timothy Jerome “The Gift Of Gab” Parker. pic.twitter.com/f5VS5N1zdc
— DJ Shadow Official (@djshadow) June 25, 2021
Gift Of Gab Rest in Beats bro
— Chuck D (@MrChuckD) June 25, 2021
https://twitter.com/therealelp/status/1408469555345756164?s=20
damn. rest in peace Gift of Gab. one of the greatest rap songwriters ever. this man definitely did not get his flowers. he was a giant. https://t.co/Xbuuo9EeQT
— Open Mike Eagle (@Mike_Eagle) June 25, 2021
RIP to a real one. Gab, Lateef, and Xcel always showed @LittleBrotherNC love when we’d open for them and I never forgot that. Condolences. 🙏🏿 https://t.co/k7sbetUEQe
— Phonte (@phontigallo) June 25, 2021
Rest in Power Gift of Gab. 🙏🏽 pic.twitter.com/cKK5VOnhJt
— Immortal Technique (@ImmortalTech) June 25, 2021
RIP Gift of Gab. Great artist and friend. Gonna really miss him.
— I didn’t know u made that (@JakeUno) June 25, 2021
R.I.P. to Gift of Gab of Blackalicious an amazing rapper and big influence on me in high school, made great albums too, was so stoked to play a show with him back in 2012. You are appreciated thank you 🙏 pic.twitter.com/zOfH1h0yqW
— dumbfoundead (@dumbfoundead) June 25, 2021
Oh my goodness. 🙏🏾 Peace to Gift of Gab, one of the most talented emcees ever 🙁 https://t.co/dlmKhvtABN
— Mega Ran’s got a new album. (@MegaRan) June 25, 2021
I wasn't planning on sharing anything today. But, listening to my unreleased music with Gift of Gab, I suddenly felt very selfish to be the only one who could hear this song today.
"I Once Was" RIP Gift of Gab pic.twitter.com/2FhBcpKzf7
— L'Orange (@LOrangeMusic) June 25, 2021
Man… RIP Gift of Gab. Such an amazing talent. Gonna miss you, bro. ❤️
— DJ Z-TRIP (@ztrip) June 25, 2021
My brother Gift Of Gab, Tim, I wish your bright soul a peaceful journey. What a special being you were here on Earth. People will always cherish your music. I will remember you as an amazing artist, a guy I could talk to for hours, argue with for hours, and call my good friend.
— Eligh (@eligh) June 25, 2021
Man, shit. RIP Gift of gab. Dude was an innovative legend and blazed a trail for a lot of mcs. He WAS underground indy rap before that was even a thing.
— Blockhead (@BlockheadNYC) June 25, 2021
💔 Heartbroken !!! Rest In Peace to the legendary mc GIFT OF GAB of Blackalicious. Not only a friend and a great humble human being but a super influential West Coast monster technician. One of the Best !! RIP to a Hip Hop king pic.twitter.com/YzLA3sHzyO
— R.A. the Rugged Man (@RAtheRuggedMan) June 25, 2021
Rest In Peace to the Bay Area Legend, my West Coast Brethen, the great Gift Of Gab of Blackalicious. My deepest condolences to his family & my QUANNUM brothers….you will be missed. pic.twitter.com/WHGTfz67M0
— rhettmatic (@rhettmatic) June 25, 2021
GIFT OF GAB – YOU WILL BE MISSED BY SO MANY 🙏🏽💔
— Ev-Ah-Din-Sss (@Evidence) June 25, 2021