LL Cool J, Questlove, Q-Tip, Other Stars Mourn Biz Markie's Death: 'More Than Just a Friend' People 8 hrs ago Hollywood is mourning hip-hop star Biz Markie following the news of his death on 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 "Just a Friend" singer, including posts from Questlove, Kirk Franklin, E-40 and more. In a lengthy 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."