Marcel Theo Hall, known professionally as Biz Markie, was an American rapper, singer, DJ, record producer, actor, comedian, and writer. He 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”.
Early Life
Markie was born in Manhattan, in the neighbourhood of Harlem. He was raised on Long Island. Markie began his career in New York City nightclubs and later gained regional recognition by performing at colleges in Washington, D.C.; Maryland; Virginia; and Pennsylvania.
Quick Facts
- Birth Name: Marcel Theo Hall
- Born: April 8, 1964
- Birth Place: Harlem, New York, USA
- Died: July 16, 2021
- Death Place: Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Cause of Death: complications from diabetes
- Height 6′ 3″ (1.91 m)
- Genres: Hip hopgolden age hip hopcomedy hip hop
- Occupation(s): Rapper, Singer, Disc Jockey, Record Producer, Actor, Comedian, Writer
- Instruments: Vocals
- Years active: 1985–2021
- Labels: Tommy Boy, Cold Chillin’, Warner Bros.
Discography
Studio Albums
- 1988: Goin’ Off
- 1989: The Biz Never Sleeps
- 1991: I Need a Haircut
- 1993: All Samples Cleared!
- 2003: Weekend Warrior
Compilations
- 1994: Biz’s Baddest Beats
- 1996: Schoolhouse Rock! Rocks
- 1998: On the Turntable
- 2000: On the Turntable 2
- 2002: Greatest Hits
- 2006: Make the Music with Your Mouth, Biz
- 2009: Ultimate Diabolical
- 2010: The Aquabats Radio Down!
Illness and Death
In April 2020, Markie was hospitalized due to severe complications from Type 2 diabetes.[35] 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, rumours 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.”
On July 16, 2021, Markie died at a Baltimore hospital; his death was reported to have occurred at 6:25 p.m. He was 57 years old.
Trade Mark
- Beatboxing, making incredible sounds with his mouth
Trivia
- Known for his song “Just a friend”
- Rap artist.
- Has not released an album since 2003’s “Weekend Warrior”.
- Made a guest appearance on The Rolling Stones 1997 hit “Anybody Seen My Baby?”, which appears on their “Bridges to Babylon” album, which was released in that same year.
- Is a close friend of the Beastie Boys and made guest appearances on their albums “Check Your Head” (1992), “Ill Communication” (1994) and “Hello Nasty” (1998) as well as their double compilation album “The Sounds of Science” (1999).
- His debut album “Goin’ Off” came out in 1988.
- Friends with Rakim.