Marcel Theo Hall, better know as Biz Markie and oftentimes, affectionately referred to as The Biz, The Clown Prince of Hip-Hop, The Inhuman Orchestra, The Diabolical Biz Markie, and The Emizah-Emizah, was highly revered as one of the most genuine emcees to ever do it. Biz passed away on Friday, July 16, 2021 at the tender age of 57, likely due to complications from Type 2 Diabetes, although, no official Cause of Death has been revealed just yet. Biz Markie is most well-known for his infectious 1989 break-out single, "Just A Friend," but he was a truly multi-talented artist, as well. Biz Mark's lesser-known talents included beat-boxing, dancing, producing, DJ'ing, acting, singing, and song-writing.

It was proven time and time again that "Nobody Beats The Biz," but he surely didn't mind collaborating with just about anyone; racking up genre-defying features with everyone from the Beastie Boys to Spin Doctors. Biz's film and television appearances included roles on In Living Color, Men In Black II, black-ish, and Yo Gabba Gabba! as well as Paul Simon's "Me & Julio Down By The Schoolyard" music video. Since Biz Markie's untimely passing, his friends, fans, peers, fellow musicians, and admirers have been sharing their fond memories online. We'll attempt to collect some of the most meaningful tributes here with Champion of The Underdog: An Appreciation of The Life & Work of Biz Markie. Rest Easy to the man, the mouth, the legend, Marcel Theo "Biz Markie" Hall.


Sincerely,

Matt "The Witz" Horowitz
The Witzard Founder/Editor


"Growing up in Queens [New York] during the 80's, I was blessed with a treasure of musical riches. One of my favorite radio shows during that time was Mr. Magic's Rap Attack show on [107.5] WBLS. The DJ on that show was Marley Marl, the musical mastermind behind The Juice Crew. It was through Rap Attack that I first heard Biz Markie and his wild take on emceeing. They broke the mold when they made The Biz. While he wasn't a lyrical dynamo, like his Juice Crew teammate Kool G. Rap, Biz had a delivery and flow like no other rapper before him. He was the kind of rapper that elevated Rap music because his distinct, yet infectious, style balanced grit and commerciality in a genius way. Long live The Biz."

- Carlos Ramirez (@MusicQuizKing)