Biz Markie, also known as the “Clown Prince of Hip Hop,” was a well-known American rapper and singer. His lively personality and unique rapping style made him a favourite among fans. He was famous for mixing hip-hop with comedy and storytelling.
Biz Markie rose to fame during the 1980s with his hit song “Just a Friend,” which remains a classic. He made a big impact on hip-hop with his fun performances. Unfortunately, he was taken away early at the age of 57. He suffered from type 2 diabetes and was hospitalised for the same in April 2020. A year later, he succumbed to his illness at a Baltimore hospital.
Even though he is gone, Biz Markie’s legacy continues to live on through his music. His unique style and ability to make people laugh set him apart from other artists of his time. To learn more about his career journey, read through the post below.
Early Life
Biz Markie’s real name is Marcel Theo Hall and his birth date is 8th April 1964. Although he was born in Harlem, New York City, he spent most of his teenage years in Long Island in Brentwood and Patchogue.
As a teenager, Biz Markie was heavily influenced by the hip-hop scene in New York City. He would often travel to different neighbourhoods to participate in block parties and rap battles, where he quickly gained a reputation for his beatboxing skills. His early exposure to hip-hop culture helped shape his unique style.
He attended Longwood High School in Middle Island and completed his graduation in 1982. He started his career performing in various nightclubs in New York and later became known in the region by performing at colleges in Maryland, Virginia, Washington, D.C., and Pennsylvania.
On 25th September 2021, the intersection of West Avenue and South Street in Patchogue, near his former home was renamed Biz Markie Way in his honour.
Career
Biz Markie’s career took off in the mid-1980s when he joined the Juice Crew, a group of hip-hop artists and producers from Queensbridge, New York. Led by producer Marley Marl, the Juice Crew was known for its fresh approach to hip-hop. Biz Markie made his debut with the song “Make the Music with Your Mouth, Biz” in 1986, showcasing his beatboxing talent.
In 1988, Biz Markie released his first album, “Goin’ Off,” which had hits like “Vapors” and “Nobody Beats the Biz.” The following year, he released another album, “The Biz Never Sleeps,” which turned out to be an even bigger hit with the track “Just a Friend.” This helped Markie rank in the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
Biz Markie’s success continued as he created more music. His fun personality and humour made him popular among fans, earning him the nickname “The Clown Prince of Hip Hop.”
Personal Life
Biz Markie was known to be a private person when it came to his personal life. He was married to Tara Hall, and the couple kept much of their relationship under wraps.
In 2020, Biz Markie faced serious health issues, including type 2 diabetes. He was hospitalized for several months, but his health struggles were kept private. On 16th July 2021, Biz Markie passed away at the age of 57 at a Baltimore hospital.
Net Worth
At the time of his death, Biz Markie’s net worth was estimated to be around $3 million. His major sources of income included music sales, live performances, and TV appearances. With his funny sense of humour and personality, he left a lasting impression on fans and fellow artists.
