Biz Markie, in an undated photo from the early years.
Biz Markie, an American original born Marcel Theo Hall and a larger-than-life hip-hop figure, has died at the age of 57. Known widely for a career spanning back to 1986, Hall went on to become a beloved cultural figure later in life, celebrated for his spirited personality as much as his massive 1989 hit, Just A Friend. His death was confirmed by
his manager, Jenni D. Izumi. We are grateful for the many calls and prayers of support that we have received during this difficult time, Izumi told NPR via email. 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.
Biz Markie, Hip-Hopâs âJust a Friendâ Clown Prince, Dies at 57
An innovative yet proudly goofy rapper, he had an unlikely crossover hit with a tune that led one critic to call him (favorably) âthe father of modern bad singing.â
The rapper Biz Markie in 1988. He became a pop sensation the next year with the unlikely smash âJust a Friend,â which reached No. 9 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.Credit.David Corio/Michael Ochs Archives, via Getty Images
July 16, 2021
Biz Markie, the innovative yet proudly goofy rapper, D.J. and producer whose self-deprecating lyrics and off-key wail on songs like âJust a Friendâ earned him the nickname Clown Prince of Hip-Hop, died on Friday. He was 57.
Biz Markie, in an undated photo from the early years.
Biz Markie, an American original born Marcel Theo Hall and a larger-than-life hip-hop figure, has died at the age of 57. Known widely for a career spanning back to 1986, Hall went on to become a beloved cultural figure later in life, celebrated for his spirited personality as much as his massive 1989 hit, Just A Friend. His death was confirmed by
his manager, Jenni D. Izumi. We are grateful for the many calls and prayers of support that we have received during this difficult time, Izumi told NPR via email. 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.
Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images
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Biz Markie, in an undated photo from the early years. Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images
Biz Markie, an American original born Marcel Theo Hall and a larger-than-life hip-hop figure, has died at the age of 57. Known widely for a career spanning back to 1986, Hall went on to become a beloved cultural figure later in life, celebrated for his spirited personality as much as his massive 1989 hit, Just A Friend. His death was confirmed by
his manager, Jenni D. Izumi. We are grateful for the many calls and prayers of support that we have received during this difficult time, Izumi told NPR via email. 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.
Biz Markie, Rapper Known for Just a Friend, Dies at 57
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Biz Markie, the rapper, singer and actor behind the 1989 hit “Just a Friend,” died Friday in Baltimore. 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,” his rep Jenni Izumi said 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.”