LL Cool J, Ice Cube, Nas & More Pay Tribute To Biz Markie

Beastie Boys, Magic Johnson, Missy Elliott and more paid tribute after news of Biz Markie's passing.

BYAron A.Jul 17, 202114.2K Views

Hip-hop took another blow yesterday after news of Biz Markie's death. The legendary member of the Juice Crew passed away at the age of 57, though a cause of death hasn't been announced. Biz's impact on the rap game is unparalleled as an entertainer, influencing generations of rappers that came after him.

Lars Niki/Getty Images

As fans and friends shared an outpour of tributes, LL Cool J reflected on his relationship with Biz Markie in a tearful video posted to Instagram. "Rest In Power to Biz Markie, my friend. So many memories, man. He was in the basement of my grandmother's house when I wrote 'Rock The Bells.' Just would always hang out back in the days, running around Queens, Long Island, and I'm glad we got to do what we got to do towards the end," he said. "Love you bro. I want to send love to all your fans, millions of fans around the world, your family. Send my love to your family, your wife, management and rest in power, bro. Love you, man. Peace.”

https://www.instagram.com/p/CRaHPKMpUiz

Nas took to Instagram where he shared two posts of Biz Markie including footage from a performance where the iconic beatboxer had the crowd singing the "Cheers" theme song.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CRaQAsthu4e

https://www.instagram.com/p/CRbV0-DB8Br

Q-Tip later shared his condolences on Twitter before sharing footage of himself and Biz freestyling over the phone.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CRbvSRpD9Lx

Ice Cube, Missy Elliott, Magic Johnson, and the Beastie Boys also shared their favorite memories of Biz Markie. Check out a few tributes below.

https://twitter.com/_/status/1416371029056835588
https://twitter.com/_/status/1416396965709897736
https://twitter.com/_/status/1416425582389198851
https://twitter.com/_/status/1416250492707954693
https://twitter.com/_/status/1416427726613983240
https://twitter.com/_/status/1416405093654487049
https://twitter.com/_/status/1416253884432060416

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About The Author

Aron A.

Aron A. is a features editor for HotNewHipHop. Beginning his tenure at HotNewHipHop in July 2017, he has comprehensively documented the biggest stories in the culture over the past few years. Throughout his time, Aron’s helped introduce a number of buzzing up-and-coming artists to our audience, identifying regional trends and highlighting hip-hop from across the globe. As a Canadian-based music journalist, he has also made a concerted effort to put spotlights on artists hailing from North of the border as part of Rise & Grind, the weekly interview series that he created and launched in 2021. Aron also broke a number of stories through his extensive interviews with beloved figures in the culture. These include industry vets (Quality Control co-founder Kevin "Coach K" Lee, Wayno Clark), definitive producers (DJ Paul, Hit-Boy, Zaytoven), cultural disruptors (Soulja Boy), lyrical heavyweights (Pusha T, Styles P, Danny Brown), cultural pioneers (Dapper Dan, Big Daddy Kane), and the next generation of stars (Lil Durk, Latto, Fivio Foreign, Denzel Curry). Aron also penned cover stories with the likes of Rick Ross, Central Cee, Moneybagg Yo, Vince Staples, and Bobby Shmurda.