Hip-hop fans are still reeling from the untimely death of Mailk "Phife Dawg" Taylor earlier this week, with tributes for the late A Tribe Called Quest member turning up everywhere from the morning news to social media. Busta Rhymes posted some loving words about his late friend on Instagram, reflecting on the role Tribe played in helping catapult him to stardom and on the friendship the two rappers maintained for more than 25 years.

"I had to spend the last 2 days going thru a lot of honest thoughts and emotions b 4 I spoke because this one hurts soooo f---ing much," wrote the 43-year old.

He went on to share his gratitude for ATCQ being his "big brothers" and putting he and his former bandmates Leaders of the New School on Tribe's classic 1991 track "Scenario;" an appearance that is widely considered Busta Rhymes' breakthrough moment. After departing LONS, Busta would go on to become a fixture on Tribe tracks up until the group's breakup in 1998.

Busta also reflected on his last performance with everyone from ATCQ and Leaders--one of the few times both groups met in their entirety to perform "Scenario" as a collective.

"That night was so magical with all the love that was under one roof that it's too much to get into the details of," Busta wrote. "If you notice @iamthephifer had his hand on my back consoling me as I kneeled down to give thanks crying tears of joy because of how proud of a moment that was for me being able to end a 4 hour set with brothers who put me in a position where I was able to tell my mother she will not have to work for anyone over 20 yrs ago."

Beautiful, heartfelt words from Busta. R.I.P. Phife Dawg

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