OREANDA-NEWS. One of the founders and bass guitarist of The Roots band Leonard Hubbard, better known as Hub, died in Philadelphia. The cause of death of the 62-year-old musician was multiple myeloma, which is a type of blood cancer. Hubbard was diagnosed with the disease in 2007, after which he decided to leave the band, Rolling Stone writes.

According to the musician's wife Stephanie Hubbard, he was hospitalized on the evening of December 15 and the disease proceeded quite quickly. According to her, Leonard looked «energetic and mobile», but at some point lost the ability to move.

«It is with a heavy heart that we say goodbye to our brother, Leonard Nelson Hubbard. May your passing bring peace to the hearts of family, friends, fans and everyone who loved you. Rest in tune, Hub», reads a statement on the band's official Twitter.

The musician performed as part of a hip-hop collective for 15 years, and after leaving took an occasional part in his concerts and writing music, he also engaged in a solo career. In 2016, Hubbard sued former colleagues, accusing them of not fulfilling the terms of the contract, according to which he is one of the founders of The Roots and receives part of the income. The court proceedings continued until the musician's death.