Nobody still beats the Biz.

Hip Hop has lost a great one with the passing of Biz Markie. He was 57.

With his wife by his side, Biz Markie, born Marcell Hall, passed away at 6:25 pm local time at a Baltimore hospital on Friday (Jul. 7). He was recently hospitalized due to health complications related to his Type 2 diabetes, which he suffered a stroke in 2020.

The New York rapper, actor, DJ, and producer was a member of The Juice Crew, and was knowingly referred as the Clown Prince of Hip Hop for his humorous raps. During his career, Biz spawned notable classics including the underground favorites “Vapors“, “Nobody Beats The Biz“, “Make Music With Your Mouth Biz” in 1988, and his 1989 Top 10 hit “Just A Friend“, which reached No. 9 on the Billboard charts in 1990.

Our thoughts and prayers are with Biz Markie’s family, friends, and fellow fans.