Biz Markie.Photo: Shareif Ziyadat/Getty
Hollywood is mourning hip-hop star Biz Markie following thenews of his deathon Friday.
Markie, born Marcel Theo Hall, died at age 57, his rep confirmed to PEOPLE Friday, though his cause of death has not yet been revealed.
Social media was quickly flooded with tributes to the rap icon, who had a huge hit in the late ’80s with the song “Just a Friend” and played a big role in the mainstreaming of rap, including posts from Questlove, Kirk Franklin, E-40 and more.
In alengthy tribute on Instagram, Questlove wrote, “Biz built me man. In my early early stages it was Biz who taught me the REAL places to cop records.”
“He taught me ALOT. Im using ALL the education he taught me,” he added later in the caption. “We will miss him. But he will be here forever. Love you Biz.”
“R.I.P. Legend@BizMarkie,” wrote rapper E-40 on Twitter, sharing a photo of himself with Markie and adding the hashtags “gone but never forgotten,” “rip biz markie” and “f—diabetes.”
Biz Markie.David Corio/Getty
A Tribe Called Quest’s Q-Tiptweeted, “This one hurts baad … RIP to my Aries bro… ahhh man@BizMarkiedamn im gonna miss u so so many memories.. hurts bad. My FRIEND.”
“He’s best known for his 1989 single ‘Just a Friend’!” Collins continued, adding, “To a lot of us he was more than Just a Friend. R.I.P. Prayers going out to the family & friends. Bootsy.”
LL Cool Jshared a tearful video on Instagram reflecting on memories with Markie from early in their careers.
“Love you, bro and I want to send love to all your fans… to your family, to your wife, management and rest in power bro,” hesaidin part.
“Damn. Damn. He was a love! Rest In Peace, Biz Markie,“Holly Robinson Peetesaidin a tweet, sharing a photo with the rapper.
Tamron Hallalso shared a photo with Markie,writing, “This man made me laugh, cry, and feel such joy. You will be missed !! The incomparable#bizmarkieNot just a friend, an inspirational soul. Rest In Peace.”
source: people.com
