Celebrities mourn for Biz Markie with touching tributes

Biz Markie fans, including many celebrities, took to social media to share touching tributes to the hip-hop pioneer following news of his death on Friday. He was 57 years old.

Questlove wrote in a long Instagram post that the rapper-DJ “built me”.

“When I started out, it was Biz who taught me the REAL places to save cop records… Biz taught me which cities had good digs… Biz taught me where to collect 45s… Biz taught me learned where to collect 8TRACK TAPES, ”he wrote.

“He taught me a lot,” Questlove added. “I use ALL the education he taught me. We will miss him. But he will be here forever. I love you Biz.

Markie, whose real name is Marcel Theo Hall, passed away peacefully on Friday evening with his wife, Tara, by his side, his representative Jenni Izumi said in a statement.

“Biz has created an artistic legacy that will forever be celebrated by his industry peers and beloved fans whose lives he has touched on through music, spanning over 35 years,” said Izumi .

Others on social media celebrated the legacy of Markie, who was a member of the legendary rap collective Juice Crew. The iconic New York native and boxer beat, affectionately known as the “Clown Prince of Hip-Hop,” released his platinum record song, “Just a Friend,” in 1989.

LL Cool J shared an emotional video on Instagram reflecting the “many memories” he shared with Markie. “I love you brother,” he said.

Missy Elliot tweeted an old photo showing her with Markie, adding that she was inspired by her beat boxing.

“I remember so many times trying to beat box like you until my lips hurt,” she wrote.

Tributes dedicated to Markie by other artists have poured in: