Biz Markie has died at 57.
A source close to the family tells TMZ that the legendary rapper passed away in a Baltimore hospital at 6:25 p.m. on Friday night (July 16). His wife, Tara Hall, reportedly held his hand as he took his last breath.
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Biz, born Marcel Hall, had been in hospice care and dealing with health complications in recent years. In late 2020, he suffered a stroke while being hospitalized for complications with Type 2 diabetes.
Late last month, there were premature reports of his death, prompting a response from his family and friends including Big Daddy Kane. “Please keep my brother in your prayers,” the hip-hop legend said at the time. “Yes, he has some serious health issues, but he is still alive, and his wife would like y’all to respect his privacy.”
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The Harlem-born rapper, who was nicknamed the “Clown Prince of Hip-Hop,” was best known for his hit single “Just a Friend” off his 1989 album The Biz Never Sleeps. The song reached No. 9 on the Billboard Hot 100 and was certified platinum.
In the wake of his passing, the hip-hop community took to social media to mourn 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
— QTip (@QtipTheAbstract) July 17, 2021
Travel safe OG. Rest in Power to the legend Biz Markie. Love & Respect. pic.twitter.com/x3eMEFAvnA
— Immortal Technique (@ImmortalTech) July 17, 2021
BIZ MARKIE
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— MARSHA AMBROSIUS © (@MarshaAmbrosius) July 17, 2021