Biz Markie Has Passed Away at 57 After Complications with Diabetes

The star passed away at 6.25 PM on Friday night at Baltimore hospital.

Since his passing, his fans around the world have sent support to his family and friends.

Biz created an iconic image and was ruthless in being himself. His track “Just a Friend” was the only track of his to make it to the all-genre Top 100 charts at no. 9, as well as making it to no. 5 on the Billboard Hot Rap Singles chart.

His debut album “Goin Off”, released in 1988, featured his charismatic character with the first track “Pickin’ Boogers”. As the title suggests, the track was about exactly that. It’s undeniable these were the years where hip hop was becoming an international sensation, and Biz Markie was a huge influencer in that respect.

The Clown Prince of Juice Crew introduced us to the likes of Big Daddy Kane, but what’s more notable is just how many tracks the princes’ works have been sampled – over 900.

The likes of Wu Tang Clan’s Wu Tang Clan Ain’t Nuthin’ to F’ Wit include samples from Biz’s notorious ‘Nobody Beats the Biz‘. In fact, if there had to be a list of the 3 top rappers whose vocals had been scratched to oblivion in hip hop, then Biz Markie would surely top the list, closely followed by Slick Rick & Run DMC. (O’ yeah).

His ambition to be only himself was evident when he said “Even after I die I’m going to be Biz Markie”. It’s a matter of fact that nobody beat the Biz.

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