That was Malik “Phife Dawg” Taylor of A Tribe Called Quest appearing Wednesday at a health care forum at the Service Employees International Union headquarters. Taylor spoke about J Dilla, a rising hip-hop producer whose life was cut short by lupus.
“Normally, I found it kind of odd being apart of things like this.” Taylor said at the “Health Care Remix” discussion.
He also spoke about his own struggle with diabetes and kidney trouble. In 1999, Taylor found out that his kidneys were severely damaged and eventually had to go on dialysis.
“It was rough,” Taylor said as he explained how his conditions worsened in 2006. Fortunately, Taylor’s luck turned for the better when he found out that his wife ended up being a perfect match as a kidney donor.
His experiences with the health care system led him to Washington. “God is good. Whatever I can do to help, I will,” Taylor said.
Also spotted around town:
– Actress Marlo Thomas, speaking at a conference on cause marketing at the Gannett headquarters in McLean.
– And Freddy Adu and the U.S. national soccer team at the Crystal City Marriott, as they prepared for Wednesday night’s game versus Honduras.
