Biz Markie, known for classic rap song 'Just a Friend,' dies Born Marcel Theo Hall, the rapper-DJ died peacefully Friday evening with his wife by his side, according to a representative. Credit: Andy Kropa/Invision/AP FILE - Biz Markie attends the premiere of Netflix's "Roxanne Roxanne" at SVA Theatre on March 19, 2018, in New York. (Photo by Andy Kropa/Invision/AP, File) Author: JONATHAN LANDRUM Jr. AP Entertainment Writer Published: 8:38 PM EDT July 16, 2021 Updated: 8:38 PM EDT July 16, 2021 LOS ANGELES — Biz Markie, a hip-hop staple known for his beatboxing prowess, turntable mastery and the 1989 classic “Just a Friend,” has died. He was 57.