Biz Markie, the legendary New York rapper and DJ best known for his 1989 hit “Just a Friend,” died Friday evening after a battle with complications from diabetes. He was 57.
The beloved artist died at a Baltimore hospital, and held his wife’s hand as he took his last breath, according to his manager.
No official cause of death was released. Markie had long struggled with Type 2 diabetes, and was hospitalized in April 2020 due to complications from the illness.
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 boxer 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.
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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” where he would perform “Biz’s Beat of the Day.”
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.
Tributes from across the music industry and beyond poured in after word of his death broke Friday evening.
