Biz Markie: Hip-hop pioneer died at the age of 57

Biz Markie
Hip-hop pioneer died at the age of 57

Biz Markie at a Netflix premiere in New York City in 2018.

© imago / MediaPunch

Biz Markie is dead. The hip-hop pioneer died at the age of 57 in the presence of his wife. The cause of death is not yet known.

American rapper Biz Markie has died at the age of 57. This was confirmed by a spokesman for “People” magazine. However, nothing is known about the exact cause of death. A statement said the New York City hip-hop pioneer walked peacefully on Friday evening (July 16) in the presence of his wife Tara. Thank you for the prayers and calls you received during this difficult time.

The death of Biz Markie, whose real name was Marcel Theo Hall, had already been prematurely announced by some US media at the beginning of the month. His manager immediately denied this, but admitted that he was seriously ill and surrounded by medical professionals who would work hard for him. Already in 2020 the gossip portal “TMZ” reported that Biz Markie had to be admitted to a clinic due to his severe type 2 diabetes disease.

Cooperation with the Beastie Boys and 5 Star Deluxe

The artist is considered to be one of the pioneers of rap music and already attracted attention in the 80s. He became known worldwide thanks to his song “Just a Friend”, which even reached platinum status in the USA. He worked several times with the Beastie Boys and also with the Hamburg hip-hop group 5 Sterne Deluxe. He also played a postal worker at the side of Will Smith (52) in the movie “Men in Black II” and demonstrated his beatboxing skills there.

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