Biz Markie, the New York rapper, beatboxer and producer, has died at age 57.

Markie’s representative, Jenni Izumi, said the rapper and DJ died peacefully Friday evening with his wife by his side. The cause of death has not been released.

“We are grateful for the many calls and prayers of support that we have received during this difficult time,” Izumi said in a statement. “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.”

A highly endearing figure who emerged in the nascent hip-hop scene of the mid-1980s, he scored his biggest hit in 1989 with Just a Friend, which reached No 9 in the US charts.

He was diagnosed with diabetes in 2014, and was hospitalised for weeks with the illness during 2020.

Tributes for the rapper poured in on Friday evening.

https://www.theguardian.com/music/2021/jul/16/hip-hop-star-biz-markie-rapper-dies-just-a-friend

 

Nobody beats The Biz. R.I.P

 

Damn.
Another dope artist gone too soon.

R.I.P Biz