Biz Markie has passed away at the age of 57 after battling complications related to diabetes for over a year.
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The news was confirmed by a family member who said the rapper passed away at a Baltimore hospital Friday evening. As previously reported, Biz Markie was hospitalized last summer due to complications from his Type II Diabetes and was receiving treatment.
Biz Markie was known for his biggest hit “Just A Friend” which became a Top 40 hit internationally and went platinum in 1989. He also made appearances on television shows such as “Yo Gabba Gabba”, worked as a DJ and produced music.
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TMZ reported that Big Daddy Kane discussed the rapper’s health during an interview with the Breakfast Club back in April and said the Harlem-based rapper was apparently doing better and was in a physical rehab facility. There were also rumors that he was in a coma but it was not confirmed by close friends and family.