Biz Markie, 'Clown Prince Of Hip-Hop' Who Grew Up On LI, Dies

PATCHOGUE, NY — Rapper Biz Markie, who grew up on Long Island before making it big with hits like "Just a friend," died Friday at the age of 57.

Nicknamed the "Clown Prince of Hip Hop," for his juvenile rhymes, outfits, and songs like “Pickin Boogers,” Markie grew up Marcel Theo Hall and graduated from Patchogue-Medford in 1982, according to WBSS Media. In 1989, he broke into hip-hop with "Just a friend,” which was played all over the world, becoming a Top 40 hit in multiple countries before going platinum, TMZ reported.

In the official music video, he can be seen playing a piano wearing a white wig and the concert dress of a composer while crooning the off-key words, “You got what I need. But you say he’s just a friend.”

It was that iconic 80s track that he would always be known for.

When asked by Entertainment Weekly at the 30th Anniversary of the song in 2019, about what his feelings were when the song blew up and the reaction of the hip-hop community, he had this to say: "A lot of people didn’t like the record at the beginning. They would say, 'Biz is trying to sing? Aw, the record is wack.' But I wasn’t supposed to sing the [chorus]. I asked people to sing the part, and nobody showed up at the studio, so I did it myself.

Markie's career took off after "Just a friend," and he went on to act, perform comedy, deejay, and produce music, TMZ reported.

Markie later turned to childrens entertainment, making appearances on "Yo Gabba Gabba."
He was welcomed back to his former hometown of Patchogue in 2014 where he was honored for his achievements at Alive After Five on Main Street, the Long Island Advance reported.

TMZ reported that the rapper died at about 6:30 p.m. from complications of Diabetes at a Maryland hospital while his wife, Tara, held his hand.

Perez Hilton reported that the rapper's family released a statement, saying "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."

The statement continued, "We are grateful for the many calls and prayers of support that we have received during this difficult time. 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. 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.”