‘Just a Friend’ rapper Biz Markie dead at 57

Best known for his single “Just A Friend”, the hip hop artist Biz Markie has passed away aged 57 after a long health battle.

Legendary rapper Biz Markie has died at the age of 57 due to complications from diabetes.

Best known for his 1989 hit Just A Friend, the star had been battling ill health for over a year.

Biz Markie died in hospital in Baltimore, US, on Friday night at 6.25pm, confirms TMZ.

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Biz Markie died on Friday night in Baltimore.

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The hip hop artist was holding the hand of his wife Tara Hall when he died.

His representative Jenni Izumi told Rolling Stone the rapper would be remembered as a legend.

“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,” Izumi said.

“He leaves behind a wife, many family members and close friends who will miss his vibrant personality, constant jokes and frequent banter.”

Markie was hospitalised in April 2020 with complications due to his Type 2 diabetes and later suffered a stroke.

The rapper’s brother Diamond Shell took to Facebook to pay tribute to Markie.

“To the baddest in the beats icon legend … my brother BIZ MARKIE … I’LL miss you more than words ….,” he wrote.

False rumours circulated in June that Biz Markie died and Izumi had to quell the hearsay.

“Biz is still under medical care, surrounded by professionals who are working hard to provide the best health care possible,” Izumi wrote in a statement to Rolling Stone at the time.”

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Biz Markie album cover 'Just a Friend'.

Tributes from across the music industry and beyond poured in after word of his death broke Friday evening.

“This one hurts baad … RIP to my Aries bro … ahhh man @BizMarkie damn im gonna miss u so so many memories.. hurts bad. My FRIEND,” Queens rapper QTip tweeted.

“We lost another Rap legend Mr. Biz Markie, an American rapper, singer, DJ, record producer, actor, comedian, and writer. He’s best known for his 1989 single “Just a Friend”! To a lot of us he was more than Just a Friend. R.I.P. Prayers going out to the family & friends,” Parliament-Funkadelic bassist Bootsy Collins wrote.

“Rest In Peace. This man made my laugh, cry, and feel such joy. You will be missed !! The incomparable #bizmarkie Not just a friend, an inspirational soul,” TV host Tamron Hall said.

My close friend Bizmarkie.. Is gone at 57.. We shared a tour bus our very 1st tour ‘The Dope Jam Tour’ @LegendaryCOOLV , TJSwan.. We were all so young and hype. Enjoy every single moment of life with your friends and family. “Life is Short” via RunDMC 🙏

— ICE T (@FINALLEVEL) July 17, 2021

The Harlem native, born Marcel Theo Hall, was raised on Long Island and was lovingly known as “The Clown Prince of Hip Hop,” for his lighthearted and irreverent musical style and persona.

He gained notoriety for his beat boxing and rhyming skills, breaking into the music industry in 1985 as a beat box for Roxanne Shante of the Juice Crew.

The artist recorded five full length albums, and the popularity of his earworm platinum hit about an unavailable romantic interest continues to resonate with international audiences across generational lines.

His song Just a Friend was nominated for an MTV Music Award for best video and reached No. 9 on the Billboard charts, a position that wouldn’t give justice to the tune’s iconic standing and lasting appeal.

Markie was signed at various times to Cold Chillin Records, Warner Bros, Tommy Boy Music and Warner Records.

He was also known for his work in film and TV, including Men in Black II and Nick Jr’s children’s program Yo Gabba Gabba.

Never forget Biz Markie had a beat boxing segment on Yo Gabba Gabba called “Biz’s Beat of the Day” and went out on tour.
There are thousands of kids who first loved music because of him. Thank you, Biz. pic.twitter.com/QqxtBN51XR

— Eric Alper 🎧 (@ThatEricAlper) July 17, 2021

Markie was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes in 2011, and, a few years later, 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.”

“He leaves behind a wife, many family members and close friends who will miss his vibrant personality, constant jokes and frequent banter,” Izumi said.

- With Page Six.