Blackalicious MC Gift of Gab Passes Away at Age 50

With heavy hearts, we say goodbye to Timothy Jerome Parker, best known as Gift of Gab. After fighting Kidney issues since 2014 and receiving a transplant in 2020, Parker passed away on on June 18, 2021.

PC: Al Pereira

As the MC of the duo, Blackalicious, Gab was a true product of the game. A king of the underground, Gab seamlessly assembled complex rhyme schemes and wordplays into his extremely talented flowing abilities. The most famous example is his excellent spitting on ‘Alphabet Aerobics.’  With Blackalicious DJ Chief Xcel, the duo put out four LPs, including the terrific ‘Blazing Arrow.’  Gab also dropped three solo projects and boasted numerous collaborations with other underground hip-hop groups.

Blackalicious in effect!

Despite solo success, Gab planned tours with Blackalicious for the coming years, now a true heartbreak to his many fans. However, on a positive note, one of his representatives announced that Gab has over 100 tracks laid down for future Blackalicious releases. We know that those will be treated with extreme care before release, so we eagerly, but patiently await their arrival.

The legendary DJ Shadow took to Instagram to put out a message celebrating Gab and all of his achievements. Shadow touches on Gab’s brilliant rapping abilities but even more, focuses on what a treat he was to be around. With Shadow’s extensive work over the years, it’s a big deal to crown Gab as “the most preternaturally gifted MC [he’s] ever worked with.”

Gab killing it on stage. PC: Getty Images

While it’s so hard to say goodbye, we’re happy that Gift of Gab is finally at peace. With a bevy of future posthumous releases to come and an avalanche of already released work, we’ll be celebrating this legend until infinity. Rest in peace Gab.

Jason Heilbronner | Twitter: @JasonHeilbronn1