Update | July 1 at 1:34 AM: A representative for Biz Markie has issued a public statement. As previously reported, the legendary musician has been hospitalized, but he is still alive at the age of 57 years old.
“The news of Biz Markie’s passing is not true,” the representative told Rolling Stone.
“Biz is still under medical care, surrounded by professionals who are working hard to provide the best healthcare possible.”
Original | July 1 at 1:05 AM: Marcel “Biz Markie” Hall has reportedly been hospitalized after suffering brain damage. According to multiple reports, the legendary rapper is alive, but remains in grave condition.
Last July, Biz Markie was reportedly hospitalized for multiple weeks due to a “serious illness” that was reportedly tied to his Type II Diabetes diagnosis. Rumors suggested Biz Markie had slipped into a coma, but members of his management team disputed those rumors. In a recent statement, his management team explained that the New York native had suffered a stroke due to his diabetes and was recovering under professional care.
“He’s not doing great, but it’s not as scandalous as it felt in the beginning,” a representative for Biz Markie told Hip Hop DX.
“Short story is Biz is diabetic, he had slipped into a diabetic coma, but that has happened to him in the past and it would only last a little while. He would go to the hospital, get discharged and get his meds under control. This particular time, he had a stroke while he was in the middle of the coma.”
Biz Markie has been open about his battles with diabetes in the past. In fact, he spoke candidly during an interview with ABC about his mission to lose more than 100 pounds in order to regain control of his health.
“I wanted to live,” Biz Markie told Mark Rothman of ABC News about losing 140 pounds.
“Since I have to be a diabetic, If I didn’t make the changes, it was going to make the diabetes worse. I’m trying to get off [the Diabetes meds]. The way you gotta do it is lose the weight. I’m off half my meds, I just got to get off the rest. They said I could lose my feet. They said I could lose body parts. A lot of things could happen.”
At this time, fans await an official statement from Biz Markie and his family. More details will be added to his report as they become available.
Folks, @BizMarkie has NOT died. I have been in contact with sources who are texting and talking to his wife. My source talked to Biz TODAY. Per his wife, Biz HAS NOT passed away. Please stop responding to non-credible sources. This hurts the family, friends and fans."
— rolandsmartin (@rolandsmartin) July 1, 2021
The family of Biz Markie has relayed this message to me by phone: “Biz Markie is still alive.”
“Please refrain from putting out reports that Biz Markie is dead.”
Markie is however in hospice care with brain damage.
— ? Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson (@ScoopB) July 1, 2021
