On Friday, Hip-hop legend Biz Markie, best known for his 1989 single “Just a Friend,” died at age 57. His rep confirmed his passing in a statement to ABC News.
“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 statement read. “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,” the statement continued. “He leaves behind a wife, many family members and close friends who will miss his vibrant personality, constant jokes and frequent banter. We respectfully request privacy for his family as they mourn their loved one.”
Here’s what others had to say about Biz Markie and his impact.
Diddy: “Going to miss laughing with you my brother @OfficialBizMarkie. Rest in glory!! LOVE.”
Missy Elliot: “I can remember so many times trying to beat box like you until my lips was sore& whenever we saw each other your energy was always so full of Life/Love/& Good Vibes Your impact in the culture Is 4EVER & you will NEVER be Forgotten Rest king @BizMarkie”
Adam Sandler: “Loved this man. RIP.”
Beastie Boys’ Mike D: “We are so grateful to have had so many unforgettable experiences with the truly unique and ridiculously talented Biz Markie. We will miss his presence deeply in so many ways. In the Nineties, Biz would often show up at our G Son studio in Atwater, CA. Naturally every visit would start with a trip to the candy store — which in this case was actually a liquor store across the street. Regardless, he would always return happy with a brown paper bag full of treats. Once he had his sugar fix, he would typically grab a mic and sing whatever song he wanted, looking at us as if we’d know exactly what to play — and somehow he was usually right.”
Busta Rhymes: “A lot of who I am as a free spirit creative force is because of you. Thank you for being my Big Bro, My friend and Mentor King. I really hate this news. This shit is becoming too f*****’ much back to back. GODFATHER BIZ MARKIE Rest East and Transition peacefully King.”
Chuck D:“‘Reagan Is The Prez but I voted for Shirley Chisholm’ ..Nobody Beats The Biz Yes Bizmarkie spit line even though I think it was written by @bigdaddykane set me off on a political lyrical path style for Rebel Without A Pause. Notice the records both start with Marv & Bizs YES! RIB”
Doug E Fresh: “I never had more fun and laughed on and off stage and still take it to the highest level! He will be celebrated forever!!! My brother #bizmarkie.”
Flavor Flav: “FLAVOR FLAV & BIZ MARKIE Biz is the first one to ever get my clock off of my neck and put it around his:: umma miss you my dude,,R I P BIZ,,,,,,,, FLAV.”
Evelyn Lozada: “RIP #BizMarkie – A true legend.”
Holly Robinson Peete: “Damn. Damn. He was a love! Rest In Peace, Biz Markie.”
Ice Cube: “He’s Biz Markie (the star of the show) He’s Biz Markie (hard working) He’s Biz Markie (Mr. Dynamite) NOBODY BEATS THE BIZ (Rest In Beats).”
Ice T: “My close friend Bizmarkie.. Is gone at 57.. We shared a tour bus our very 1st tour ‘The Dope Jam Tour’ @LegendaryCOOLV , TJSwan.. We were all so young and hype. Enjoy every single moment of life with your friends and family. “Life is Short” via RunDMC.”
Ja Rule: “Damn all my hero’s are passing… Rip to the Great Biz Markie…”
Kirk Franklin: “‘Oh baby YOU…. You got what I need…..’ my childhood jam RIP BIZ.”
LL Cool J: “Rest in power Biz.. I love you bro. @officialbizmarkie”
Mark McGrath: “‘All We Do Is Laugh’…Rest Easy Legend #BIZMARKIE”
Mark Ronson: “Some of the greatest/wildest dj sets I’ve ever witnessed…responsible for so many classic tunes–mind blowingly inventive music. And just a beautiful spirit. Rest in power.”
MC Hammer: “Biz was an amazing human being.He put smiles on millions of faces and was loved by all.A true hip hop Legend.He will be missed but never forgotten. Authentic !!! Original !!! #ripbizmarkie”
Monica: “Rest In Heaven Biz Markie.”
New Kids on the Block: “It was a honor sharing a stage with you. @BizMarkie @mjambriz”
Snoop Dogg: “Thank. U @officialbizmarkie“
Q-Tip: “This one hurts baad … RIP to my Aries bro… ahhh man @BizMarkie damn im gonna miss u so so many memories.. hurts bad. My FRIEND.”
Timbaland: “One of my favorite songs @BizMarkie Rest easy king.”
Wyclef Jean: “First time I saw [Biz Markie] was appolo [sic] theater I was 18 years he was a true Goat.”
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