Richard Nichols, longtime manager and producer for The Roots, passed away today at the age of 55 after a long battle with leukemia. Nichols, who had been hospitalized in his native Philadelphia for the past few months, was taken off of life support last night.

Nichols managed the band from their inception in 1992 and was instrumental in their rise from Philadelphia street performers to the hip-hop legends they are today. He also produced, executive produced, and mixed a number of The Roots albums, as well as albums by Erykah Badu, Common, Al Green and many more.

Nichols is survived by his wife, Merceds Martinez,his sons Amiri and Rakim Nichols, his sisters Rochelle Nichols-Solomon and Redecca Dennis, and his brothers Russell Nichols and Reginald Nichols.