Biz Markie Passes Away At 57
With his enduring hit “Just a Friend,” the New York rapper brought his own brand of lightheartedness to the rap scene Biz Markie in London, U.K. 1988 | Photo by David Corio/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images
Marcel Theo Hall, the charismatic comedic rapper, DJ, record producer, and actor known publicly by his stage name Biz Markie, has passed away. He was 57.
TMZ confirmed the hip-hop pioneer’s death on July 16 after false rumors of his passing swirled across social media just days prior. Hall reportedly suffered brain damage due to complications from diabetes and spent his final days in hospice care surrounded by family and close friends.
Biz Markie Hospitalized Due To Serious Illness, Fans Await Official Statement From His Family defpen.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from defpen.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
For Black Folks, Luther Vandross Will Always and Forever Be Family
Fifteen years after his death from a heart attack following a stroke in 2003 he is still very much a part of the soundtrack of our lives, especially at Christmas time. Getty
Among the many knowing moments where Black folks could really see themselves in last year’s
Queen & Slim was a scene in which on-the-lam lovers Queen (Jodie Turner-Smith) and Slim (Daniel Kaluuya) have a debate about Fat Luther versus Skinny Luther. As “Never Too Much” blares from their car stereo, he’s on Team Fat Luther; she’s on Team Skinny Luther. It’s meant to be a glimpse of joy amidst all the chaos surrounding them and damn if every Black person didn’t smile and nod in total recognition when they saw it.