The Roots Longtime Manager Richard Nichols Passes Away From Leukemia

UPDATE 6:11pm

The Roots have issued the following statement:

The Roots Family are devastated to announce the passing of Richard Nichols, the band’s longtime manager, after a long battle with leukemia. Nichols, 55, a Philadelphia native, managed the band from its inception in 1992, and was instrumental in every aspect of The Roots’ creative, cultural, and professional life  over the past two decades. Nichols is survived by his wife, Mercedes Martinez, his sons Amiri Nichols and Rakim Nichols, his sisters Rochelle Nichols-Solomon, Rebecca Dennis, his brothers Russell Nichols and Reginald Nichols, and the many individuals and artists he mentored in his lifetime.

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This afternoon, Richard Nichols, manager of The Roots for over two decades, passed away at about 3pm est. According to Billboard, a source close to the band confirmed that Ricard succumbed to a lengthy battle with leukemia.

The passing is also confirmed on The Roots' website Okayplayer, which reports that Nichols died at 3:05 pm. Richard had been housed in Philadelphia hospital for several months prior to his death.

The acclaimed group's former manger is noted as an A&R, producer, executive producer, and mixer on several Roots albums.

[Billboard]