Marcel Theo Hall (born April 8, 1964), better known by his stage name Biz Markie, is an American rapper, singer, DJ, record producer, actor, comedian, and writer. He is best known for his 1989 single "Just a Friend", which became a Top 40 hit in several countries. In 2008, "Just a Friend" made No. 100 on VH1's list of the 100 greatest hip hop songs of all time.
Markie has been called the "Clown Prince of Hip Hop". He went into the hospital for his diabetes in April 2020 and his condition to date is unclear. An update was posted by hiphopdx.com in December 2020. On July 1, 2021, rumors of his death circulated on Twitter. His representative told Rolling Stone, "The news of Biz Markie's passing is not true, Biz is still under medical care, surrounded by professionals who are working hard to provide the best healthcare possible."