Biz Markie, The ‘Clown Prince Of Hip-Hop,’ Dead At 57

[Rick-o]

R.I.P.

https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music...d-1191772/

[hal]

Never heard of the guy, but just saw the news at NYT with this pic that I swear looks like a Vision63 shot

[Racer X]

They say he's just a friend.

[DP]

Had a hit song in '89, I hear...

Nevertheless, gone too soon. RIP.

[N-OS X-tasy!]

He don't got what he needs...

[decay]

As the '90s came to an end, it was clear that Biz had been ingrained within hip-hop, but also beyond. He had admirers, including the Beastie Boys, who featured him on three of their projects; Check Your Head (1992), Ill Communication (1994) and Hello Nasty (1998). He was sampled by the Rolling Stones on "Anybody Seen My Baby," where his vocals were added to the song's middle sequence. He also appeared on reality TV (Celebrity Fit Club) and on pop radio in songs like Len's "Beautiful Day" from 1999.

He appeared in the movies too, playing an intercosmic version of himself in Men In Black II. On television, he had a recurring role on the music-centric kid's program, Yo Gabba Gabba! In a charming segment called "Biz's Beat of the Day" he does short instructionals on how to beatbox, often in costume. He also opened for Chris Rock on his No Apologies tour. There were popular t-shirts that widely sold with his face and now famous reactionary quip, "Oh Snap!" When his fandom was at an all-time high, dolls with his likeness, cereal boxes and action figures all became collectable items.

For over 30 years Biz projected joie di vivre easily through humor that was always wholesome and good spirited. His artistry felt inclusive, he wanted us to laugh, to be entertained by his toys and record collection and beats and songs and jokes and the faces he'd make. And we were.

https://www.npr.org/2021/07/16/906659959...dies-at-57

[Mactel]

If you saw Men in Black II, he had a funny scene as he was known for his beat boxing. This YouTube link has about 4 pixels but you can see it nevertheless...