The hip hop neighborhood simply lost a good friend.
Biz Markie, the rap artist behind the 1989 hit “Just a Friend,” passed away at age 57 on Friday, July 16, E! News verifies.
“It is with extensive unhappiness that we reveal, this night, with his spouse Tara by his side, Hip Hop leader Biz Markie quietly died,” his representative informed E! News in a declaration on July 16.
“We are grateful for the many calls and prayers of support that we have received during this difficult time,” the declaration went on. “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.”
He is endured by his spouse of over 15 years, along with his relative and buddies, “who will miss his vibrant personality, constant jokes and frequent banter,” per his rep. “We respectfully request privacy for his family as they mourn their loved one.”
A household source informed TMZ that Biz passed away at a medical facility in Baltimore, Md., following problems with diabetes.
