Timothy J. Parker “GIFT OF GAB” Passes Away At Age 50

GIFT OF GAB Passes Away At Age 50

“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,” announces his crew Quannum. “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.”

A force of nature whose phenomenal lyrical flow was matched by his lyrical speed and dexterity, Gab was a beloved artist not only within the San Francisco Bay Area but within the music pantheon that extended far beyond the rap world. A genial and peaceful soul, he was embraced for not only his art but for his heart as well.

“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. “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.”

Diagnosed with kidney failure in 2014, Gab underwent dialysis three to four times a week even while on tour, always remaining positive, creative and hopeful. Having received news that a new kidney was awaiting him in Phoenix, AZ coincidentally on the last night of a Blackalicious tour on January 31, 2020, he underwent the operation successfully. Gab worked to recover quickly and, even throughout the pandemic, he was always focused on the creative pursuit and getting back out to perform and interact with his fans.

Praised by All Music Guide as “one of the very finest MCs to ever pick up a microphone” and Pitchfork for his “astonishing verbal dexterity and enunciation”, Gift of Gab was best known for being one half of the Bay Area’s celebrated hip-hop duo Blackalicious who was part of the influential and celebrated crew Quannum that included brothers Lyrics Born, Lateef the Truthspeaker, DJ Shadow, Lifesavas, and Joyo Velarde.

“Our brother was an MCs’ MC who dedicated his life to his craft. One of the greatest to ever do it.” says 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.”

Gift of Gab left behind nearly 100 tracks for future Blackalicious releases. Some of those were already slated for the next release, but more of Gab’s lyrical genius will be heard for years to come.

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