Rapper/producer Biz Markie, aka “The Clown Prince of Hip Hop”, passed away Friday at the age of 57 of complications from diabetes. His biggest hit was “Just A Friend”:

If you were a fan of Yo Gabba Gabba, you may know him from that!

His rep Jenni Izumi released a statement:

“It is with profound sadness that we announce, this evening, with his wife Tara by his side, hip hop pioneer Biz Markie peacefully passed away,”“We are grateful for the many calls and prayers of support that we have received during this difficult time. “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 leaves behind a wife, many family members and close friends who will miss his vibrant personality, constant jokes and frequent banter. We respectfully request privacy for his family as they mourn their loved one.”

Tributes from celebrities note how creative and innovative he was.  Markie, who was born Marcel Theo Hall, collaborated with the Beastie Boys multiple times, including during a 1988 show at Madison Square Garden in which he did his own version of Elton John’s “Bennie and The Jets,” a cover which the Beasties included on a later album.  Mike D wrote on the group’s Facebook page:

“Biz was a completely unique musician. No one else could beatbox, making beats and grooves and sounds the way he did,”“He was all inclusive the way hip-hop can be at its best moments. It’s also important to note that the Biz was not just a rapper or a record maker but a true entertainer.”

 

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