Beloved rapper Biz Markie has passed away at the age of 57. According to Variety, Markie died of complications from diabetes on July 16 at 6:25 p.m in Baltimore. His wife, Tara Hall, held his hand as he passed.
His representative Jenni Izumi released a statement sharing the sad news.
“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.”
TMZ reported that Markie, whose real name is Marcel Theo Hall, was hospitalized due to his diabetes back in July of 2020.
Hall was most famous for his 1989 hit “Just A Friend,”otherwise known as “You, you got what I need.”
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Condolences for Hall’s family quickly made their way to Twitter as the news of the popular musician spread through social media.
Musician Flea from the Red Hot Chili Peppers said that Biz was the bringer of love and joy.
“All of my love to the one of a kind bringer of love and joy, the great Biz Markie. I will bang his records til the day I die and my heart will rejoice. I love you Biz.”
All of my love to the one of a kind bringer of love and joy, the great Biz Markie. I will bang his records til the day I die and my heart will rejoice. I love you Biz.
— Flea (@flea333) July 17, 2021
Rapper QTip also posted his condolences.
This one hurts baad … RIP to my Aries bro… ahhh man @BizMarkie damn im gonna miss u so so many memories.. hurts bad. My FRIEND
— QTip (@QtipTheAbstract) July 17, 2021
Tamron Hall wrote that Hall made her laugh.
“This man made my laugh, cry, and feel such joy,” she wrote. “You will be missed !! The incomparable #bizmarkie Not just a friend, an inspirational soul.”
This man made me laugh, cry, and feel such joy. You will be missed !! The incomparable #bizmarkie Not just a friend, an inspirational soul. Rest In Peace pic.twitter.com/CDmVKSxNFb
— Tamron Hall (@tamronhall) July 17, 2021
Actress Kerri Washington also paid tribute to the late rapper.
“When I was a teenager we used to sneak out on Monday night to hit the hottest party in NYC. Soul Kitchen taught how let music live in my body. Whenever we saw Biz on the 1s & 2s we were in awe. He was a genius. Rest In Peace and Soul@BizMarkie.”
When I was a teenager we used to sneak out on Monday night to hit the hottest party in NYC. Soul Kitchen taught how let music live in my body. Whenever we saw Biz on the 1s & 2s we were in awe. He was a genius. Rest In Peace and Soul @BizMarkie
— kerry washington (@kerrywashington) July 17, 2021
The Minnesota Vikings gave their condolences.
More than just a friend.
RIP Biz Markie ? pic.twitter.com/eB1BDJblYR
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) July 17, 2021
Hall will be greatly missed. Rest In Peace, Biz.
