R.I.P. Biz Markie

[Johnny Unusual]

Biz Markie, at age 57, has died from complications due to diabetes.

R.I.P. Biz Markie

Biz Markie, the actor, DJ, and rapper best known for his 1989 hit "Just A Friend," has died.

www.avclub.com

Biz is a luminary in the age of what Reginald Hudlin (and maybe other people but I've first heard the specific term come from the House Party director's mouth) calls Happy Rap, from the age were there was a wealth of fun, goofy raps. He even had strong connections with light hearted rappers like the Beastie Boys and Will Smith.

He was most famous for his successful song "Just a Friend".

For me, I'm actually more familiar with Biz's recurring appearances in the children's show Yo Gabba Gabba, which my niece loves, as well as some of his appearances in Aquabats songs.

Man, watching him on Yo Gabba Gabba, I appreciate the dude had a vibe all his own, like he was in his own plane. Such a cool dude.

 

[zonetrope]

"Just a Friend" is one of the first hip-hop hits (maybe the first) with a sung chorus, which is ... profoundly influential on where the genre went, and where it is today. RIP, he was a true, one-of-a-kind talent.

In memoriam, the only good scene from Men in Black II.

 

[ArugulaZ]

I heard he was having problems, but I was under the impression that he'd recovered...
That's another talented hip hop artist cut down by complications from diabetes, along with Fife Dawg and Attrell "Prince Be" Cordes.

 

[Balrog]

Biz was a genius.

 

[That Old Chestnut]

Somehow, I mostly just know him from the old TuneUp ads where he fixes your music collection automagically.

Looks like I have some catching up to do.

Rest in peace, you wonderful sound machine.

 

[Olli]

Weekend Warrior is often overlooked, but it's legitimately one of my all time favourite album. Rest in power.