Biz Markie: The Clown Prince of Hip-Hop and Just a Friend Rapper Dies at

Biz Markie was an American rapper, DJ and beatboxer, known as the "Clown Prince of Hip-Hop." Born Marcel Theo Hall on April 8, 1964, in Harlem, New York City, he grew up on Long Island and became part of the Juice Crew.

His 1989 single "Just a Friend" reached No. 9 on the Billboard Hot 100 and was certified platinum. His 1991 album I Need a Haircut triggered a landmark copyright ruling, Grand Upright Music v. Warner Bros., that required sample clearance, and the album was pulled from stores. He appeared in Men in Black II and on children's show Yo Gabba Gabba!

In 2017 he became DJ for VH1's Hip Hop Squares. He had type 2 diabetes, was hospitalized in 2020 after a diabetic coma and stroke, and returned to host a SiriusXM show. He married Tara Hall in 2018. He died in a Baltimore hospital on July 16, 2021, at age 57. The 2023 documentary All Up in the Biz told his story.

Achievements: "Just a Friend" reached No. 9 on the Hot 100 (1989), I Need a Haircut copyright case (1991), appeared on Yo Gabba Gabba! (2006-2013).

Birth: April 8, 1964 - Harlem, New York City.

Profession: Rapper, DJ and beatboxer.

Interesting Facts: His sample lawsuit changed how the music industry clears samples. He was one of hip-hop's first beatbox stars.