‘Just A Friend’ Rapper Biz Markie Passes Away At 57

Known as the ‘Clown Prince of Hip Hop’, Biz Markie was diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes when he was in his late 40s.

Biz Markie Passes Away At 57 (Image courtesy - @officialbizmarkie/Instagram)

Mumbai: American rapper who is popular for the song ‘Just a Friend’ passed away at the age of 57 on July 16, 2021. Reportedly, his death was confirmed by his manager and the reason for his death has not been revealed yet.

Known as the ‘Clown Prince of Hip Hop’, Biz Markie was diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes when he was in his late 40s. Emergency physician Cleavon Gilman also shared the news of Biz Markie’s death on his Twitter and wrote, “Biz Markie, the charismatic rapper whose infectious 1989 single "Just a Friend" became a pop culture classic passed away at the age of 57. Rest in Power”.

The physician shared a clip from Biz Markie’s song ‘Just a Friend’ and continued, “One of the all-time great storytelling hip-hop songs! I still know all the lyrics till this day.”

Biz Markie, who went on to become one of the greatest rappers of all time, started his career in New York City nightclubs and later gained regional recognition by performing at colleges. His debut album ‘Goin’ Off’ which was released in the year 1988 attracted a fair amount of attention. His hit albums include ‘The Biz Never Sleeps’, ‘I Need A Haircut’, ‘All Samples Cleared’, ‘Weekend Warrior’ among others.

Biz Markie was hospitalised last year due to severe complications which arose from Type 2 Diabetes. He also went into a diabetic coma and had suffered a stroke.

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