The latest death to rock the hip-hop community is that of legendary rapper and producer Biz Markie, who passed away on Friday (July 16) following a lengthy bout with Type 2 diabetes. He was 57 years old.

Born Marcel Theo Hall in Harlem, New York, Markie, who was raised in Long Island, New York, built a reputation by performing at nightclubs in and around New York City. His unorthdox style caught the attention of producer and Juice Crew co-founder Marley Marl. Marl would induct Markie into the Juice Crew as a member himself, initially working as a beatboxer for Roxanne Shanté prior to breaking out on his own with early hits like “Make the Music with Your Mouth, Biz (featuring TJ Swan)” and “Nobody Beats the Biz” securing him a deal with Cold Chillin’ Records.

From there, Markie released his seminal debut album, Goin’ Off, in 1988, which included street bangers like “Something for the Radio” and the hit single “Vapors.” Earning the nickname the “The Clown Prince of Hip-Hop” for his light-hearted, humorous brand of lyrical content, Markie would reach his pinnacle as a rap star the following year with the release of The Biz Never Sleeps, which includes the crossover single, “Just A Friend,” which peaked at No. 9 on the Billboard Hot 100 and became the biggest song of his career.

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