This past year has seen the lives of many iconic figures end too soon. Unfortunately, another hip-hop culture figure has lost their life, as the manager of rap icon Biz Markie confirmed that he had passed away on July 16 at age 57. Shortly following the news of his death, the entertainment industry came out in full force to pay tribute to the late rapper and producer.
Biz Markie made a significant impact on hip hop culture in the late 1980s and early 1990s through his affiliation with the legendary Juice Crew. The late rapper cemented his legacy with rap staples such as “Vapors” and “Just a Friend,” which became his biggest crossover hit. In the years since his hip-hop heyday, Biz Markie had branched out into acting and DJing. Most recently, the rap icon’s death had been called prematurely in early July when a report alleged he had passed away in hospice.
Of course, many figures in hip-hop culture were the first to respond to the devastating news. Actor and rapper Ice Cube took to his Twitter to acknowledge Biz Markie’s passing the best way he knew how: by quoting the rap icon’s “Nobody Beats the Biz.” Check out the actor’s lyrical tribute along with a touching visual memorial below:
While Ice Cube went full rap recital, Bad Boys for Life star Martin Lawrence took a more somber route online The rap icon made a guest appearance on Lawrence’s popular sitcom Martin in the 1990s. With this, he sent his well wishes to Biz Markie’s family and added a few touching words on the late entertainer:
But hip hop wasn’t done paying tribute to Biz Markie, as rap legend Missy Elliott took to social media to speak on the close friendship the two formed over the years. Elliott even shared a photo of the two during happier times.
Of course, the hip hop world isn't alone in mourning Biz Markie. NBA legend Magic Johnson also paid tribute to the fallen rap icon. The basketball great said about his interactions with Markie:
Actor and comedian Tom Arnold hopped on Twitter as well to share a special memory he had with Biz Markie. Arnold remembered taking his son to see a live show so his kid could meet the rap icon. Check out what Arnold said about the special moment:
John Wick star John Leguizamo also chose to share a story about meeting Biz Markie, and it's pretty sweet. Having met Markie back in the day, he called the late rapper his “muse":
Many could argue that Biz Markie didn't always receive the credit he deserved while he was with us. However, it's incredibly heartwarming to know that his fun-loving, endearing persona in music videos and songs carried into his actual life. We here at CinemaBlend send our thoughts and condolences to the family and friends of Biz Markie.
