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How did Gift of Gab die? Blackalicious rapper, 50, had a kidney transplant last year

Gift of Gab, also known as Timothy Parker, was famous for his excellent wordplay and rhyming skills

'Blackalicious' rapper Gift of Gab passed away on Friday, June 25. The rapper was suffering from kidney failure for the past few years. He was 50 years old. Gift of Gab, also known as Timothy Parker, was famous for his excellent wordplay and rhyming skills.

According to reports, Timothy died of natural causes. He suffered kidney failure and had undergone a kidney transplant last year. The hip-hop collective Quannum announced the news on Friday, June 25, "It is with heavy hearts and great sadness that we announce the passing of our dear brother, Timothy J. Parker a.k.a. 'The Gift of Gab.' Tim peacefully departed this earth to be with our ancestors on Friday, June 18, 2021. He is survived by two brothers, one sister, many nieces and nephews, countless friends, and fans across the globe. We ask that the family’s privacy is respected as we mourn the tremendous loss of our dear brother." Halfway into the year 2021, and we have already witnessed the demise of many great names. Actor Frank Bonner, rapper Supa Gates, actress Lisa Banes are among the latest to have passed away.

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An inside source told Rolling Stone that the rapper died of natural causes. Timothy was on dialysis multiple times a week, before undergoing a kidney transplant in January 2020. Blackalicious DJ Xavier 'Chief Xcel' Mosley also released a statement about his bandmate's demise, which said, "Our brother was an MCs’ MC who dedicated his life to his craft. One of the greatest to ever do it. 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." Blackalicious' manager Brian Ross said, "He (Timothy) was one of the most positive human beings I have ever known and always looking toward the future."

Parker aka Gift of Gab was born in Sacramento, California in 1971. He formed Blackalicious alongside Xavier during their time at the University of California Davis. Blackalicious released their debut album, 'Nia', in 1999. Gift of Gab has left behind over 100 tracks set for release with Blackalicious. A source said, "Some of those were already slated for the next release, but more of Gab’s lyrical genius will be heard for years to come."

'He was incredible'

Fans were shocked to learn of the rapper's demise. One fan commented, "Oh no! What a loss! He was incredible, his writing, delivery, that voice! He will be truly missed. Heading to go play Nia and Blazing Arrow in his honor." Another said, "Damn it! Blackalicious is a stand out in an era that brought out so much great hip-hop. Rest in Gift of Gab." One tweet read, "He was one of the nicest guys ever. Used to come through MT on tour, and made a lot of friends along the way."

DJ Shadow remembered the first time he heard Parker rap at an impromptu MC session: “His voice was perfect, his wordplay endlessly inventive,” he wrote, recalling being dumbfounded that the five-minute performance was entirely freestyle, off the top of Parker’s head. “In an industry with so many frauds and followers, Tim Parker was more than just original; he was unique,” he wrote. “And he was, quite simply, the most preternaturally gifted MC I’ve ever worked with.”