Malik Abdul Basit-Smart

Who is Malik Abdul Basit-Smart?

Malik Abdul Basit is a hip-hop artist who was a member of The Roots from the early 1990s to their 2000-2001 tour. He has released one EP, entitled Psychological on emcee Haak Blast's publishing company "Future Blast Publishing". He appeared on the first four albums released by The Roots, before departing the group. He returned as a featured artist for some later albums.

On The Roots' album Phrenology, Black Thought dedicated a song to Malik B entitled "Water". The song details how Thought and Malik B met one another and eventually became essential in the development of the Roots.

On The Roots' seventh studio album, Game Theory, released in August 2006, Malik B returned to the group, appearing on three tracks, including the title "Game Theory", "In The Music", and "Here I Come". The nature of his relationship with the group was indicated by the fact that his tracks were billed as "featuring Malik B". In the liner notes, The Roots thanked Malik B, adding the statement: "Welcome Home". Malik B is also featured on two of the tracks on The Roots' 2008 album Rising Down, "I Can't Help It" and "Lost Desire".