Rapper Biz Markie, best known for his 1989 hit “Just a Friend,” died Friday from complications of diabetes. He was 57.
"This one hurts baad," tweeted Q-Tip. "Ahhh man damn im gonna miss u so so many memories.. hurts bad. My FRIEND." Bootsy Collins tweeted: "We lost another Rap legend."
According to a statement from his manager, Markie died in a Baltimore hospital with his wife Tara at his side.
“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,” Jenni Izumi said.
Markie, who was born Marcel Hall, released five studio albums between 1988 and 2003. Known as the “Clown Prince of Hip Hop,” he also appeared in a string of movies and TV shows.
He was hospitalized in April 2020 with complications from Type 2 diabetes and reportedly suffered a stroke last December.