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Biz Markie, Rapper & Pioneer Beatboxer, Dies At 57
Biz Markie, a rapper, singer-songwriter, DJ, and record producer from the United States, has died.
Markie, real name Marcel Theo Hall, was a legendary hip-hop figure. He passed away at the age of 57.
He began beatboxing in Queensbridge as a member of Marley Marl’s Juice Crew, alongside MC Shan and Roxanne Shanté.
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His most well-known song was “Just a Friend,” which he released in 1989. The song went on to become a top 40 hit in a number of countries. “Just a Friend” was ranked No. 100 on VH1’s list of the 100 greatest hip hop songs of all time in 2008.
Markie was dubbed the “Clown Prince of Hip Hop” at times.
His professional career began in 1986. Later in life, he became a beloved cultural figure, celebrated for his vivacious personality as much as his massive 1989 hit, “Just A Friend.”
Markie was admitted to the hospital in April 2020 due to severe complications from Type 2 diabetes. Biz Markie
Markie was reported to be in a rehabilitation facility in December 2020 as a result of a stroke he suffered after going into a diabetic coma.
Rumors of his death began to circulate on Twitter on July 1, 2021. “The news of Biz Markie’s passing is not true,” his representative told Rolling Stone. “Biz is still under medical care, surrounded by professionals who are working hard to provide the best healthcare possible.”
Markie died fifteen days later, on July 16, at the age of 57, in a Baltimore hospital.
