In another blow to hip hop fans, rap pioneer Biz Markie has passed away after being hospitalized in early 2020 for diabetes. 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,” said Biz Markie’s rep 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.”
Born Marcel Theo Hall, Biz Markie grew up in Long Island before embarking on his music career. In 1988, he would release his debut album Goin’ Off where he would mark his signature beatboxing and knack for inserting humor into his rap lyrics.
By the time he came out with his sophomore album, The Biz Never Sleeps, Markie made a name for himself for the all-time favorite hit “Just a Friend,” released in 1989, which sampled the Freddie Scott song “You Got What I Need.” Markie can be heard humorously belting out the song as he switched gears between singing and rapping. The platinum single landed on the Billboard charts at No. 9 and became a rap classic among hip hop connoisseurs.
The “Human Beatbox” would follow up with 1991’s I Need a Haircut, 1993’s All Samples Cleared!, and 2003’s Weekend Warrior. He would also release eight compilation albums. Biz Markie’s comedic style of rapping has indirectly influenced the recent wave of music artists that have found fame, and sometimes fortune, making comedic raps that have gone viral on social media.
Here’s what friends and fans had to say:
