In Memoriam: Biz Markie, hip-hop icon, passes away

Biz Markie, the legendary rap pioneer known for his 1989 hit single “Just a Friend,” died Friday night. He was 57.

“It is with profound sadness that we announce, this evening, with his wife Tara by his side, Hip Hop pioneer Biz Markie peacefully passed away,” the rapper’s family said in a statement.

“We are grateful for the many calls and prayers of support that we have received during this difficult time. Biz created a legacy of artistry that will forever be celebrated by his industry peers and his beloved fans whose lives he was able to touch through music, spanning over 35 years. He leaves behind a wife, many family members and close friends who will miss his vibrant personality, constant jokes and frequent banter. We respectfully request privacy for his family as they mourn their loved one.”

Cause of Death

While a cause of death was not revealed, the rapper had struggled in recent years with health issues related to his decade-long battle with Type 2 diabetes.

Markie was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes in 2011. A few years later, he revealed he had lost 140 pounds in an effort to overcome his illnesses and avoid possible amputations.

“I wanted to live,” he told ABC News in 2014. “Since I have to be a diabetic, If I didn’t make the changes, it was going to make the diabetes worse. I’m trying to get off [the Diabetes meds]. The way you gotta do it is lose the weight. I’m off half my meds, I just got to get off the rest.”

Biz Markie Died In Baltimore

In April 2020, he was hospitalized due to complications related to the disease. Later that year he suffered a stroke after going into a diabetic coma.

According to TMZ, Biz Markie died in a hospital in Baltimore, Maryland.

Known As The Clown Prince of Hip-Hop

Markie, born Marcel Theo Hall, became known within the rap industry as the self-proclaimed “Clown Prince of Hip-Hop” for lighthearted lyrics and a humorous nature.

• He made music with the Beastie Boys
• opened for Chris Rock’s comedy tour
• was a sought-after DJ for countless star-studded events

Started Career With The Juice Crew

The New York-native’s music career began in 1985 as a beat boxer of the Juice Crew, a rap collective he helped Big Daddy Kane join.

‘Just A Friend’ was his breakthrough hit

In 1988, Markie released his debut album, Goin’ Off.

But Markie’s big breakthrough to the mainstream came with his sophomore album, 1989’s The Biz Never Sleeps, which included his hit “Just a Friend.”

Biz Markie appeared in TV and Film

In addition to music, Markie also acted in movies and television, becoming a fixture on the children’s TV series Yo Gabba Gabba! with his “Biz’s Beat of the Day” beatboxing segment.

He also appeared on

• Television show “In Living Color”
• 2002 movie “Men in Black II.” He which had him playing an alien parody of himself in the film starring Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones.

Biz Markie leaves behind a host of family, friends, loved ones, and fans.

Rest in peace. 

Photo Credit : Keith Ellison