“Just a Friend” rapper Biz Markie has passed away.
Just two weeks ago, Biz’s manager, Jenni Izumi, dispelled rumors that the iconic MC had died. At the time, he stated that Biz was “still under medical care, surrounded by professionals” who were working diligently to administer the best treatment to him. However, Friday evening, Biz succumbed to a long battle with Type II Diabetes at a Baltimore hospital with his wife Tara Hall by his side.
Talks of Biz’s declining health have gripped the hip-hop community for over a year. But Big Daddy Kane seemingly gave fans hope during an April interview with The Breakfast Club, where he said that his friend was doing much better while recovering in a rehabilitation facility.
Biz Markie, whose real name is Marcel Theo Hall, was most widely known for his 1989 hit record, “Just a Friend,” which went platinum and was sampled famously by singer Mario in 2002 for a platinum-selling remake.
We send our condolences to Biz Markie’s loved ones and fans.
