Today, the world mourns the passing of yet another hip-hop legend. Following his hospitalization in 2020 for diabetes-related problems, a family source confirmed to TMZ today that rapper Biz Markie had died at the age of 57. The prolific and multi-talented entertainer, best known for his popular tune “Just A Friend,” was well-liked in the hip-hop community, and many artists and friends are mourning his passing.
Biz Markie, often known as the “Clown Prince of Hip-Hop,” was a member of the Juice Crew and an important figure in the New York rap scene in the 1990s. Markie was an on-screen presence with a role in Men In Black II and a stint opening for comedian Chris Rock. He was also an outstanding rapper, beatboxer, producer, and well-known for his out-of-the-box sampling ideas.
One of the most heartfelt and earliest reactions from a fellow artist comes from Q-Tip, who is feeling the loss. “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,” he wrote. Check out more reactions from fellow rappers and artists below. Rest in peace Biz Markie.
