THE FINAL SHOW
Biz Markie honored at funeral attended by wife Tara Hall & daughter, Fat Joe, Ice-T & Rev. Al Sharpton after death at 57
Shannon Power
Updated: 23:11 ET, Aug 2 2021
Shannon Power
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SOME of the biggest names in hip hop are attending Biz Markie s funeral service on Long Island today.
The Just A Friend hitmaker passed away age 57 on July 16 from complications with diabetes.
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His celebration of life in Patchogue Theatre on Long Island was dubbed The Final Show.
Inside, a private service was held for friends and family. followed by a public service streamed online, with appearances by DJ Cool V and Montell Jordan, and eulogized by the Rev Al Sharpton.
The New York MC, born Marcel Theo Hall, died July 16 at age 57. He was hospitalized in April 2020 because of diabetes complications and reportedly suffered a stroke while in a diabetic coma last year as well.
Best known for his party anthem and Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hit Just a Friend, Biz was bigger than his biggest hit, according to the Reverend Al Sharpton s eulogy. But he was more than just a friend. He was our icon. He was more than just a friend. He was our example! He was more than just a friend! He was our star! He was more than just a friend! said Sharpton while referencing the record s title. The hit record doesn’t tell you the whole story. Thank you, Biz! You never let us down! You were more than just a friend.
Funeral for Biz Markie held on Long Island
Funeral for Biz Markie
Rev. Al Sharpton gave a eulogy for Biz Markie, who died last month at 57. A funeral service was held at the Patchogue Theatre on Long Island.
PATCHOGUE, N.Y. - Big names in hip hop, family, friends, and fans spent Monday remembering the life and legacy of Biz Markie, formally known as Marcel Theo Hall. He s a legend, Montell Jordan said. He s my friend.
Hundreds came out to the
Patchogue Theatre in Patchogue, not far from where Markie grew up, to bid a final farewell, the sign outside billing it as The Final Show.
“Biz Markie touched the world with his infectious smile, amazing energy, and hip hop hits,” an announcement for the funeral read. “Known for his Top 40 hit, “Just A Friend” and his recurring role on “Yo Gabba Gabba!,” he brightened every room he was in and every song he was on.”
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Fat Joe,
LL Cool J will be in attendance.
Ahead of Monday s service, Rev. Sharpton tweeted, “I am honored to deliver the eulogy on Monday for Marcel Theo Hall – the legendary Biz Markie who touched the world with his infectious smile, amazing energy, and hip hop hits.
Biz known for his 1989 hit Just a Friend passed away in a Baltimore hospital on July 16 after a series of complications from diabetes that he s been fighting for more than a year.
Laughter, tears, cheers at funeral for Biz Markie
August 2, 2021 GMT
PATCHOGUE, N.Y. (AP) With laughter and tears, songs and stories, friends and family of Biz Markie celebrated his life and legacy at a funeral Monday, remembering the rapper as larger than life and full of love.
“He cared for people, he had a way of making us laugh through our pain,” said Rev. Al Sharpton in his eulogy at the Patchogue Theatre on Long Island, where Biz Markie’s black coffin was placed center stage, an arrangement of white flowers on top.
“He’d come in a room and his presence didn’t have to be announced, it was felt,” Sharpton said.