Rapper ‘Biz Markie’ Passed Away at 57

Rapper ‘Biz Markie’ who got famous for his iconic hit “Just a Friend”, died after a series of complications from diabetes that he fought for more than a year, sources confirmed. At 6:25 on Friday night, the rapper passed away in a Baltimore hospital. The source revealed that his wife, Tara Hall, was beside him holding his hand when he took his last breath.

A rep for Biz said the family were grateful for the calls and prayers from people showing support that were received during the difficult time. The 57-year-old rapper had created a legacy of artistry that will forever be celebrated by his peers in the industry and his beloved fans, he touched their lives through music, for over 35 years.

He left his wife, his huge family and friends who are now missing his constant jokes, vibrant personality, and the way he bantered frequently.

Biz Markie was hospitalized last Summer when he had an ailment, sources revealed that it was related to his Type II Diabetes. He received the best care from the amazing team of medical professionals and his family remained positive about the outcome. However, his condition was a mystery before April when Big Daddy Kane was on ’The Breakfast Club’, talking to the show’s hosts, he reported that Biz was doing better, as he was in a physical rehab facility.

Biz Markie was born in Harlem, and first made a name for himself, in the US and across the Globe, in 1989 when his hit single “Just a Friend” was a Top 40 hit in a number of countries and it also went platinum. Biz’s career took off after that and he did comedy, acted, DJ’d and produced music.

The last time Biz was picked up by his friends at Reagan National Airport in DC he joked about the unique way in which he paid off what he owed to 50 Cent another famous rapper.

Watch the music video for below.

Check out the remake to “Just a Friend” which was released by singer Mario.