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Biz Markie was a renowned American rapper, singer and DJ, best known for the hit single "Just a Friend".
Biz Markie is an American rapper, singer, and beat-boxer from the East Coast. He initially gained recognition through his 1988 single "Just a Friend", which became a mainstay on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. He has since collaborated with numerous Hip-Hop artists such as LL Cool J, Big Daddy Kane, and the Beastie Boys.
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date'>1964</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Biz Markie is Born</div><div class='timeline-text'>On April 8, 1964, Biz Markie was born in Harlem, New York City.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date'>1985</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Starts Rap Career</div><div class='timeline-text'>Biz Markie begins his career in rap by beatboxing for Roxanne Shante of the Juice Crew.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date'>1988</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Releases Debut Album</div><div class='timeline-text'>Biz Markie releases his debut album, "Goin' Off."</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date'>1989</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Releases "Just a Friend"</div><div class='timeline-text'>Biz Markie releases his hit single "Just a Friend," which becomes a Top 40 hit.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date'>1991</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Loses Landmark Case</div><div class='timeline-text'>Biz Markie loses a landmark sample clearance case, forever changing the music industry's approach to copyright and sampling.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date'>1996</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Releases Fifth Album</div><div class='timeline-text'>Biz Markie releases his fifth album, "Weekend Warrior."</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date'>2021</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Passes Away</div><div class='timeline-text'>On July 16, 2021, Biz Markie passes away at the age of 57.</div></div></div>
Biz Markie, born April 8, 1964, was an American rapper, musician, comedian, actor and television personality. He was 57 when he died on July 16, 2021. He is best known for his music career, particularly for his 1989 single "Just a Friend," which has become one of the most sampled singles in hip hop music.
