Former The Roots bassist Leonard Hubbard passes away aged 62

Leonard “Hub” Hubbard, who played as The Roots’ bassist for 15 years, has died at the age of 62.

The Philadelphia Inquirer confirmed the cause of death as multiple myeloma, a type of blood cancer “Hub” had been battling cancer since 2007. He left the Roots that year following his diagnosis.

“It happened quickly,” his wife, Stephanie Hubbard, told Philadelphia's ABC 6. “He didn’t suffer a lot.”

Stephanie Hubbard added that Hubbard was hospitalised on Wednesday night, adding that he was “energetic and mobile” before suddenly becoming unable to move.

“It’s with the heaviest of hearts that we say goodbye to our brother Leonard Nelson Hubbard,” The Roots wrote in a statement. “May your transition bring peace to your family to your friends to your fans and all of those who loved you. Rest in Melody Hub.”

Hubbard joined the Roots in 1992 just as the group — then the Square Roots and led by founding members Tarik “Black Thought” Trotter, Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson and rapper Malik B, who died in 2020 — was on the cusp of recording their debut album, 1993’s Organix.

“Hub” would remain a key member of the Roots for the next 15 years, appearing on the band’s next six studio albums — from 1994’s Do You Want More?!!!??! to 2006’s Game Theory — as well as the group’s appearances as a backing or studio band, including Jay-Z’s Unplugged performance.

Despite his 2007 exit and his diagnosis, Hubbard reunited with the Roots on two occasions. Back in 2008, he appeared at the Roots Picnic for a performance of 'Mellow My Man' and made another appearance in 2010 when he and the Roots joined John Legend onstage.

Stephanie Hubbard said the bassist was still creating music, penning a song called 'The Awakening' last week.

In 2016, Hubbard sued his former bandmates, alleging they failed to pay him per a contract that allegedly made him co-owner of the band. In the lawsuit, Leonard claimed his deal with the band called for him to continue being paid as a co-owner, but the bassist alleged that he received less compensation than other band members. Hubbard also claimed a former unnamed manager for the Roots sent him a letter in 2014 threatening to cut off his health insurance and his portion of the band’s revenue. Hubbard’s wife also claims that he suit was ongoing at the time of his death.

Tributes have since poured in for the talented bassist:

It’s with the heaviest of hearts that we say goodbye to our brother Leonard Nelson Hubbard.
May your transition bring peace to your family to your friends to your fans and all of those who loved you.
 
Rest in Melody Hub pic.twitter.com/2dknTLDNLh

— The Roots (@theroots) December 17, 2021

@RecordingAcad #LeonardHubbard #Rip #TheRoots pic.twitter.com/hpbCDmxnoJ

— Donn T (@Donn_T) December 16, 2021

RIP to Roots guitarist Leonard 'Hub' Hubbard
Always had the chew stick while plucking them strings.
Rest Easy Big Fella #Philly pic.twitter.com/zao6WZtVes

— TheAcknickulous1 (@MikeTroy81) December 17, 2021

God Bless Leonard “Hub” Hubbard and his family. 🕊

I remember going to see The Roots at @MetroChicago “Illadelph Halflife” dropped. I watched Hub do the “star spangled banner” on his bass and it blew me away. The best Roots show I have been to. pic.twitter.com/SkEeLEFwIG

— Eddy “Precise” Lamarre (@PreciseMuzic) December 16, 2021

Damn, RIP Leonard Hubbard aka Hub. Founding member and bassist for The Roots until cancer sidelined him in 2007. One of the best in the game. pic.twitter.com/fHv2rMwNlL

— Matt (@brightloud) December 16, 2021

Rest In Peace
“Leonard Hubbard” On the Bass…
No longer have to suffer brother!!!
They got chew sticks in heaven!!! You set!!! Thanks for your contributions…. pic.twitter.com/D9FNclMyvi

— PHASEONEMUSIC (@PHASEONEMUSIC) December 17, 2021