Biz Markie Death: Timbaland, Questlove, Flea Share Remembrances

Sad news that rapper inherits legend, beat master and comic actor Biz Markie passed away at the age of 57 not unexpected. Over the past few weeks, and after a reported stroke and a long struggle with type II diabetes, the smasher and musical genius are behind early hip-hop hits like “Just a Friend” and “Nobody Beats the Biz,” which aired a sick, unfortunate death watch that had been heralded on social media several times before Friday night.

However, the final word on Markie’s actual passing shocked not only members of the music community where Biz was beloved for his talent, humor, and humility; it made them grieve, signaling the end of an era of hip hop with a lighthearted cartoon, comic strip. With Markie’s passing comes a word of deep love, respect and tribute.

“One of my favorite songs @BizMarkie,” says producer and co-founder Verzuz Timbaland about Markie’s slow-moving 1988 classic, “The Vapors,” on Twitter while releasing its classic video. “Rest in peace, king.”

One of my favorite songs @BizMarkie Rest in peace king pic.twitter.com/2MyU9z7URa

– Timbaland (@Timbaland) July 17, 2021

“Biz built me ​​man,” said Questlove on Instagram, commenting not only on Markie’s rapping skills but also his DJ and record shopping skills as well as his love of “Star Wars”. “In my early stages, it was Biz who taught me REAL places to copy files… .Biz taught me which cities to dig well… ..Biz taught me where to collect 45s …… Biz taught me where to collect 8 TAPE!! … Biz tried to include me in the Star Wars action figure collection. “

“He taught me A LOT. I am using ALL the education he has taught me,” Questlove concluded the post. “We will miss him. But he will be here forever. Love you Biz. “

Actor and bassist of Red Hot Chili Peppers Vermin jumped on Twitter, saying: “All my love for a one-of-a-kind person who brings love and joy, great person Biz Markie. I will break his record until the day I die and my heart will rejoice. I love you Biz. “

All my love to the one who gives love and joy one of a kind, the great Biz Markie. I will break his record until the day I die and my heart will rejoice. I love you Biz.

– Fleas (@ flea333) July 17, 2021

Fugee, the once-hit rapper, “The Chi” composer and world music producer Wyclef Jean has reminisced about the first time he witnessed Biz Markie in person during a performance. “Biz markiie passed away at the age of 57 the first time I saw it was the appolo theater. I was 18 years old, he was a real goat”

Biz markiie passed away at the age of 57 the first time I saw it was the appolo theater I was 18 years old he was a real Goat pic.twitter.com/fi7To0M6Li

– Wyclef Jean (@wyclef) July 17, 2021

Along with posting a humorous photo of Biz with his tongue sticking out, bassist P-Funk/James Brown and child star Bootsy Collins wrote: “We’ve lost another Rap legend, Mr. Biz Markie, an American rapper, singer, DJ, recording. producer, actor, comedian and writer. He is best known for his 1989 single ‘Just a Friend’! For many of us, he is more than just a friend. RIP Prayers for family and friends. Bootsy. “

We have lost another Rap legend, Mr. Biz Markie, an American rapper, singer, DJ, record producer, actor, comedian and writer. He is best known for his 1989 single “Just a Friend”! For many of us, he is more than just a friend. RIP Prayers for family and friends. Bootsy🤩 pic.twitter.com/URnUMKIQdB

– Bootsy Collins (@Bootsy_Collins) July 17, 2021

Actor and comedian David Allen Greer Tweeted from RT-ed Bootsy, adding, “Mannnnnnnnn, I’m so disappointed… feeling so sad that tonight Biz is over. I try to give a good farewell to the kings n queens who touched me when they were in the flesh… let the heavens know the greats are greeting me with respect, but sometimes that broke my heart. “

Mannnnnnnnn, I’m very disappointed… feel very sad that Biz evening has passed. I try to give a good farewell to the kings n queens who touched me when they were in the flesh… let god know great people are welcoming me with respect and honor but sometimes that broke my heart.

– David Alan Grier (@davidalangrier) July 17, 2021

Legendary rapper and lyricist Q-Tip of A Tribe Called Quest fame seems to be deeply moved by the passing of an old acquaintance, Biz. “This hurts baad… CALL my brother Aries… ahhh man @BizMarkie. damn, i will miss you too many memories.. horrible pain. My friend.”

This hurts so much baad… RIP to my Aries bro … ahhh bro @BizMarkie damn, i will miss you too many memories.. horrible pain. My friend

– QTip (@QtipTheAbstract) July 17, 2021

Finally, DJ A-Trak posted a long, loving tribute to Biz’s rapping and DJing skills on Instagram, accompanied by a warmly familiar photo of the two together, in Montreal, when Trak was 16 years old.

“Biz Markie changed my life,” began A-Trak. “I fell in love with hip hop around the age of 12, growing up in Montreal, my brother @dave1 and I cherish any little information we could find about this magical, rich culture. If Dave borrowed a tape from friends at school, we would dub it and listen to it until we knew it inside and out. One of the albums that we both obsess over is Pete Rock & CL Smooth’s ‘Key Ingredients’. One thing about that album is: Pete Rock has researched practically the entire Biz Markie samples. For a kid with no background like me, I just assume every DJ has to work hard on Biz Markie records! That’s the standard! When I started messing around with DJing and raking, I thought I needed some Biz albums. So I hunted down the local record store, Nine Phat. I asked them to order a collection called Biz’s Baddest Beats. I call them weekly, for months! Can you imagine Baby Trak being young, my voice hasn’t changed, my French-Canadian accent is heavy… “Did you get Biz’s Baddest Beats?” When it finally arrived, I was ecstatic. I love this guy! He had a song called Pickin Boogers! Let Me Turn You On is also hilarious. The storytelling in Vapors is very intuitive. I don’t even really understand who Marley Marl is, what his impact is; or the role of Kane. I just know that I love all of these songs, and Biz is a character. When I won my first world DJ championship, the 1997 DMC, the most recognizable part of my routine was juggling Nobody Beats The Biz. For next year’s battle, I thought it would be nice to continue where I left off so I juggled Biz Is Goin Off. That same year, the Beastie Boys (my favorite band) hired my OG @mixmastermike as their DJ. The Hello Nasty tour was amazing. Their initiator is @moneymark who has my other friend @realkidkoala as his DJ and the devil Biz. A dream team. Not only did I go to see the show in Montreal, I even followed them to Toronto. I’m 16 years old. That’s the source of this photo with Biz. He knows I’m using his records to win the world championship! “