Till We Meet Again: ‘Just a Friend’ Rapper Biz Markie Sadly Passes Away at Age 57
- Biz Markie died on Friday, 16 July and his demise was confirmed by his manager, Jenni Izumi
- Biz was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes in his late 40s and revealed that he lost 140 pounds in the years that followed
- His death broke the hearts of his worldwide fans who took to different social media platforms to mourn him
PAY ATTENTION: Click “See First” under the “Following” tab to see Briefly.co.za News on your News Feed!
Fans of Marcel Theo Hall, alias Biz Markie, are in mourning following the demise of the larger-than-life hip-hop star.
Source: UGC
Briefly News has learnt Biz, popularly known for his hit song Just A Friend, died on Friday, July 16, at 57. NY Times in its report noted that Biz had reportedly been ill for months.
His untimely demise was confirmed by his manager, Jenni Izumi, but no official cause of death has been disclosed.
"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," Izumi told the press via email.
PAY ATTENTION: Never miss breaking news – join Briefly News' Telegram channel
Biz was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes
Briefly News understands Biz had been diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes in his late 40s and revealed that he lost 140 pounds in the years that followed.
“I wanted to live,” Biz told ABC News in 2014.
News of his demise broke the hearts of his worldwide fans who took to different social media platforms to mourn him.
Biz Markie started as a teenage beatboxer and freestyle rapper.
He later made a name for himself as the resident court jester of the Queensbridge-based collective the Juice Crew and its Cold Chillin’ label, under the tutelage of the influential radio DJ, Mr Magic.
Known widely for a career spanning back to 1986, Biz went on to become a beloved cultural figure later in life, celebrated for his spirited personality as much as his massive 1989 hit, Just A Friend.
Naomi Campbell takes time to remember Nelson Mandela
British model, actress and businesswoman Naomi Campbell took the time to remember the late legend Nelson Mandela on what would have been his birthday, 18 June.
Having had the privilege of meeting Madiba multiple times, Briefly News reported that Naomi knows what a truly great man he was. Naomi feels rooted in Africa and never fails to show her loyalty.
Taking to social media, Naomi shared a reel of pictures from the times she got to be in Tata Madiba’s presence. Naomi expressed her gratitude for the legacy Nelson left behind and thanked him for being “a testament to positive action”.
Enjoyed reading our story? Download BRIEFLY's news app on Google Play now and stay up-to-date with major South African news!
Source: Briefly News
Denika Herbst (Editor) Denika Herbst is a Human Interest writer at Briefly News. She is also an Industrial Sociologist with a master's degree in Industrial Organisational and Labour Studies from the University of Kwa-Zulu Natal, which she completed in 2020. She is now a PhD candidate at UKZN. Denika has over five years of experience writing for Briefly News (joined in 2018), and a short time writing for The South African. You can reach her via: denika.herbst@briefly.co.za.
Kelly Lippke (Senior Editor) Kelly Lippke is a copy editor/proofreader who started her career at the Northern-Natal Courier with a BA in Communication Science/Psychology (Unisa, 2007). Kelly has worked for several Caxton publications, including the Highway Mail and Northglen News. Kelly’s unique editing perspective stems from an additional major in Linguistics. Kelly joined Briefly News in 2018 and she has 14 years of experience. Kelly has also passed a set of trainings by Google News Initiative. You can reach her at kelly.lippke@briefly.co.za.
