Biz Markie, Rapper of ‘Just a Friend,’ Dies at 57

Rapper Biz Markie has died on the age of 57.

His household informed TMZ that the person behind the hit “Only a Pal” died of problems from diabetes in a Baltimore hospital surrounded by his household. He was hospitalized final summer season with the identical sickness.

A consultant for Markie, authorized identify ​​Marcel Theo Corridor, stated in a press release, “We’re grateful for the various calls and prayers of assist that we have now obtained throughout this troublesome time. Biz created a legacy of artistry that may ceaselessly be celebrated by his business friends and his beloved followers whose lives he was in a position to contact by way of music, spanning over 35 years. He leaves behind a spouse, many relations and shut pals who will miss his vibrant character, fixed jokes and frequent banter.”

Markie’s marquee track got here out in 1989, reaching the High 40 on the Billboard charts. The track had endurance; it was later licensed Platinum.