American rapper and pioneer of beatboxing Biz Markie died aged
57 on Friday (July 16). Dubbed the ‘Clown Prince of Hip Hop’ Biz Markie’s most celebrated
work was his 1989 single ‘Just a Friend’. He was also known for songs like “Pickin’
Boogers” and “Chinese Food”.

Although the cause of his death was not immediately
disclosed, Biz Markie was dealing with health issues related to Type-2 diabetes
for the last few years.  

Also Read | ‘Just A Friend’ rapper Biz Markie dies at 57

“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 Hollywood Report
quoted a representative as saying.

The Beginnings

Marcel Theo Hall, known by his stage name, Biz Markie was
born at Manhattan in the Harlem neighbourhood. The hub of African American
culture, the seeds of the Harlem Renaissance were implanted in Hall since the
very beginnings.

Also Read | Rapper Lil Durk and girlfriend ‘shot at’ in home invasion

Mourning his demise, New York mayor Bill de Blasio tweeted, “Biz Markie turned hip hop on its head and brought
that New York sense of humor to audiences across the world. We’re mourning a
true son of Harlem tonight.”

‘Just A Friend’

Biz Markie shot to fame with
his song ‘Just A Friend’ in September 1989. The song was the lead single from
his album, The Biz Never Sleeps. The song lyrics describe romantic frustration
after pursuing a woman, who is actually romantically involved with another man,
but calls him ‘just a friend’. The song had immense influence on American pop
culture.

Pioneer of
beatboxing

Biz Markie is credited for
introducing the art of beatboxing to American popular music. The form of course
is much older and made its presence felt in American music since the early 1900s.
Beatboxing in hip hop originated in the 1990s.

Also Read | Rapper DMX’s cause of death revealed 3 months after his passing: Report

Man of many
talents

Biz Markie’s contributions to
American pop culture was not limited to his music. The rap legend also
performed stand-up comedy and appeared in the hit Hollywood film Men in
Black II alongside Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones, playing an alien parody
of himself.