Timothy Jerome Parker a.k.a. Gift of Gab Passes Away at 50

As a solo artist and as one half of Bay Area duo Blackalicious, Parker was an undeniable innovator in the rap underground.
Timothy Jerome Parker a.k.a. Gift of Gab Passes Away at 50

As a solo artist and as one half of Bay Area duo Blackalicious, Parker was an undeniable innovator in the rap underground.

Words: Margaret Farrell

June 25, 2021

Timothy Jerome Parker, who performed under the moniker the Gift of Gab, has passed away. “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,” his crew Quannum said in a statement. “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.”

As one half of the duo Blackalicious, formed with DJ and producer Chief Xcel in 1992, the duo released five albums across three decades. Parker also released four solo albums, beginning with 2004′ 4th Dimensional Rocketships Going Up. “Our brother was an MCs’ MC who dedicated his life to his craft. One of the greatest to ever do it,” his bandmate and lifelong friend Chief Xcel (Xavier Mosley) said. “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.”

“He was one of the most positive human beings I have ever known and always looking toward the future,” added 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.”

 

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