Biz Markie, the Iconic Clown Prince of Hip-Hop And ‘Just A Friend’ Rapper, Dies At 57
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Biz Markie, whose real name is Marcel Hall, the innovative rapper, producer, DJ and pioneering beatboxer whose zaniness and unlimited, off-the-wall creativity which earned him the beloved title of ‘The Clown Prince of Hip-Hop’ ,died Friday at the age of 57.
His representative Jenni Izumi confirmed Biz’s passing in a statement “It is with profound sadness that we announce, this evening, with his wife Tara by his side, hip hop pioneer Biz Markie peacefully passed away. We are grateful for the many calls and prayers of support that we have received during this difficult time.
Izumi also added that “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,”
Biz’s rep also added that “He leaves behind a wife, many family members and close friends who will miss his vibrant personality, constant jokes and frequent banter. We respectfully request privacy for his family as they mourn their loved one.”
A cause of death was not revealed in Biz’s passing, however, he has battled a host of health issues in recent years associated with his decade-long illness of Type 2 diabetes.
Ironically, premature reports of Biz’s death began circulating in late June.
The false rumors stemmed from a hospitalization in April 2020 due to complications related to diabetes, and later that year Biz suffered a stroke.
Although it was believed that the rapper was rehabilitating, reports consistently stated that his condition had continued to decline.
The Career of Biz Markie
Biz Markie’s illustrious career saw him release five studio albums with 1988’s Goin’ Off and 1989’s The Biz Never Sleeps as his most successful efforts.
Over the course of these five albums, Biz crafted a unique style that was far ahead of any other rapper of his time.
The “Clown Prince of Hip-Hop” created a style consisting of half-sung, off-key choruses, silly humor, beatboxing and bizarre sounds.
Biz’s off-the-wall persona paved the way for eccentric rappers like Ol’ Dirty Bastard to flourish in the hip-hop landscape.
The Harlem-born, Long Island–raised rapper was a member of the legendary Queensbridge collective, The Juice Crew, which was assembled by DJ Magic Mike and Marley Marl.
It also featured other talented rappers like Big Daddy Kane, Roxanne Shante, Kool G Rap and Masta Ace.
“Make the Music With Your Mouth, Biz” was Biz’s debut single in 1986. The track was a resonant showcase of his “human beatbox” skills that would become a trademark throughout his acclaimed career.
His beatboxing was so noteworthy that it earned him a cameo role in 2002’s Men in Black II as a beatboxing, mail-sorting alien.
Biz’s debut album, Goin’ Off, was released in 1988 on the Juice Crew’s Cold Chillin’ Records and was produced by Marley Marl.
The LP featured such classic hip-hop hits as “Vapors,” “Nobody Beat the Biz” and “Pickin’ Boogers”.
Biz Markie – Vapors (Official Video) [Explicit]
Biz Markie – Vapors (Video) [Explicit] from the album ‘Goin’ Off’ (1988)🔔 Subscribe to UPROXX Video and ring the bell to turn on notifications: https://upro…
“Just a Friend” Propels Biz Markie’s Career
In 1989, Biz released The Biz Never Sleeps which would go on to become his most successful album driven by the groundbreaking, crossover track “Just a Friend.”
The unforgettable hook featured Biz’s howl like croon that was based on an interpolation of “(You) Got What I Need” by Freddie Scott in 1968.
The commercial success of the song was also propelled by a comedic music video which hilariously featured clips of Biz as Mozart.
Biz Markie – Just A Friend (Official Video)
Biz Markie – Just A Friend (Video) from the album ‘The Biz Never Sleeps’ (1989)🔔 Subscribe to UPROXX Video and ring the bell to turn on notifications: https…
“Just a Friend” peaked at #9 on the Billboard 100 in 1990 and would be the only platinum-selling single of Biz’s career.
When asked how the famed hook came together Biz explained “I asked people to sing the part, and nobody showed up at the studio, so I did it myself.”
“Usually when I make a record I know what the potential is going to be, but I didn’t know that ‘Just a Friend’ was going to be that big,” Markie said in 2013. “‘Just a Friend’ opened a world up where I never knew the difference between being a pop star and a regular rap star. It was crazy.”
Biz Markie Maintains His Iconic Standing
Even though Biz’s last album was in 2003 with Weekend Warrior the hip-hop pioneer maintained his ever present standing in the culture thanks to television and film appearances and guest features on a few songs.
He appeared on such shows as In Living Color, Crank Yankers and Wild’n Out while loaning his voice to SpongeBob SquarePants and Yo Gabba Gabba.
Biz would also provide cameos as “himself” on Empire, Blackish, Hip Hop Squares and various episodes of VH1 “I Love the …” specials.
Markie also featured on the following releases:
- Beastie Boys’ – “Bennie and the Jets”
- The Avalanches – “The Noisy Eater”
- Flaming Lips and Kesha – “2012 (You Must Be Upgraded),”
- De La Soul – “Stone Age,”
- Freddie Gibbs and the Alchemist – “God Is Perfect.”
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