Biz Markie passes away at age 57!!!

Rapper, producer, beatboxer, DJ, Marcel Hall aka “Biz Markie” passes away at age 57. It is being reported that Biz passed from complication from diabetes (according to TMZ https://www.tmz.com/2021/07/16/just-a-friend-rapper-biz-markie-dead-at-57/). Biz was a member of the hip hop collective The Juice Crew, which featured some of hip-hops most elite emcees of the mid to late 80’s, and also is responsible for some of hip hops most classic hits. Biz is most notably remembered for his big commercial hit single “Just A Friend,” but has a string of hip-hop hits  to his credit that have been sampled, like “The Vapors.” Biz started as a beatboxer for Roxanne Shante, and credited for discovering Big Daddy Kane. Biz’s early contributions are on Philly based record label PopArt, but his debut and most notable music was on the iconic Cold Chillin’ Records label. Biz Markie will be loved and remembered as a hip-hop “original,” and his personality would light up any room…Rest Easy Biz!