# GIFT OF GAB (Timothy J. Parker) passes away at age 50

- Link: https://www.nyrdcast.com/gift-of-gab-timothy-j-parker-passes-away-at-age-50/
- Published: 2021-06-25T12:04:37-05:00
- Author: Eugene Tierney

[[

**Timothy J. Parker
“GIFT OF GAB”

Passes Away at age 50October 7, 1971 – June 18,
2021

![](https://i0.wp.com/mcusercontent.com/f67b4587af2b2ef9aa80ed984/images/3c02e6b5-
37b6-0541-4d38-7989c9df89f4.jpeg?w=1290&ssl=1)

**GIFT OF GAB**

“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.

_Those of us here are Nyrdcast are saddened by the loss of Gift of Gab; his music,
both as a solo artist and as part of Blackalicious, have been in regular rotation
on at my house and have been used in previous podcasts. His family and friends are
in our thoughts._

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