Till We Meet Again: Just a Friend Rapper Biz Markie Dies at 57
- American rapper Biz Markie died on Friday, July 16, and his demise was confirmed by his manager Izumi
- Biz had been diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes in his late 40s and revealed that he lost 140 pounds in the years that followed
- His death broke the hearts of his worldwide fans who took to different social media platforms to mourn him
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Fans of Marcel Theo Hall, alias Biz Markie are in mourning following the demise of the larger-than-life hip-hop star.
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Legit.ng has learnt Biz, popularly known for his hit song Just A Friend died on Friday, July 16, at 57.
NY Times in its report noted that Biz had reportedly been ill for months.
His untimely demise was confirmed by his manager, Jenni Izumi but he did not provide an official cause of death, TMZ reports.
"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." Izumi told the press via email.
Biz was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes
Legit.ng understands Biz had been diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes in his late 40s and revealed that he lost 140 pounds in the years that followed.
“I wanted to live,” Biz told ABC News in 2014.
News of his demise broke the hearts of his worldwide fans who took to different social media platforms to mourn him.
Biz Markie started as a teenage beatboxer and freestyle rapper.
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He later made a name for himself as the resident court jester of the Queensbridge-based collective the Juice Crew and its Cold Chillin’ label, under the tutelage of the influential radio D.J. Mr Magic.
Known widely for a career spanning back to 1986, Biz 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."
Colleagues dedicate performance to Late Sound Sultan
Meanwhile, Legit.ng previously reported that Nigerian music stars Waje, Falz, Yemi Alade and Darey recently performed a tribute in honour of their friend and colleague Sound Sultan.
The entertainer who are coaches on The Voice singing show performed the singer’s 2016 hit single Motherland.
The powerful performance stirred mixed reactions from Nigerians on social media with some people saying they were moved to tears.
Source: Legit.ng
Adeyinka Odutuyo Adeyinka Odutuyo is a lifestyle and entertainment journalist with over four years of working experience at Legit.ng. He is currently the deputy HOD of the Gossip and Entertainment Desk. Adeyinka holds a degree in Linguistics and Communication Studies from Osun State University, Osogbo. He graduated in 2016. He emerged as Legit.ng's Best Entertainment Editor in 2020 and 2021. Contact: adeyinka.odutuyo@corp.legit.ng
Khadijah Thabit (Copyeditor) Khadijah Thabit is an editor with over 3 years of experience editing and managing contents such as articles, blogs, newsletters and social leads. She has a BA in English and Literary Studies from the University of Ibadan, Nigeria. Khadijah joined Legit.ng in September 2020 as a copyeditor and proofreader for the Human Interest, Current Affairs, Business, Sports and PR desks. As a grammar police, she develops her skills by reading novels and dictionaries. Email: khadeeejathabit@gmail.com
