Marcel Theo Hall (April 8, 1964 – July 16, 2021), known professionally as Biz Markie, was an American rapper, singer-songwriter, DJ, and record producer. Markie was best known for his 1989 single “Just a Friend”, which became a top 40 hit in several countries. In 2008, “Just a Friend” made No. 100 on VH1’s list of the 100 greatest hip hop songs of all time. Markie has been called the “Clown Prince of Hip Hop”.
In April 2020, Markie was hospitalized due to severe complications from Type 2 diabetes. In December 2020, it was reported that Markie was staying in a rehabilitation facility as a result of a stroke he had suffered after going into a diabetic coma.
On July 1, 2021, rumors of his death circulated on Twitter. His representative told Rolling Stone, “The news of Biz Markie’s passing is not true, Biz is still under medical care, surrounded by professionals who are working hard to provide the best healthcare possible.” Markie died at a Baltimore hospital fifteen days later, on July 16, at age 57.
BIZ MARKIE – VAPORS
Vapors is the song that was big in the rap scene
Biz Markie – Just A Friend (Official Video)
Just a Friend was the song that was popular when he became mainstream.