“Just a Friend” Rapper Biz Markie Dies Aged 57

Rapper Biz Markie – most famous for his iconic hit “Just a Friend” – has died after a series of complications from diabetes that he has been battling for over a year … TMZ has confirmed it.

A family source tells us that Biz died in a Baltimore hospital at 6:25 p.m. Friday night. We are told to his wife, Tara Room, held his hand as he took his last breath … and the nurses were there to support his family, telling them how strong he was in his fight.

TMZ broke history, Biz was hospitalized last summer for an illness her representative told us was linked to her type II diabetes. At the time, the rep said: “He receives the best care from an incredible team of medical professionals and we remain positive about the outcome.”

However, his condition remained somewhat of a mystery until April, when big daddy kane made an appearance on The breakfast club, telling the show’s hosts that Biz was doing better and in a physical rehabilitation center.

Throughout his hospital stay there were rumors that Biz was in a coma, but our source claims that was never the case.

Born in Harlem, Biz first made a name for himself, nationally and internationally, in 1989 when his single “Just a Friend” hit a Top 40 hit in several countries and went platinum.

The rapper’s career took off after that … he performed, did comedy, was a DJ and produced music.

The last time we had Biz was at Reagan National Airport in Washington, where he joked about the unique way he paid a debt to 50 cents.

Biz was only 57 years old.