STREAM EXCLUSIVE ORIGINALS

Biz Markie Illness: Rap Stars Including Fat Joe, Missy Elliot, Chuck D And More Send Up Prayers

The legendary rapper has reportedly been in the hospital for several weeks after suffering from complications related to Type II diabetes.

Amid reports of Biz Markie’s hospitalization, the hip-hop community is praying for the legendary rapper and DJ to make a speedy recovery.

  • This past weekend, it was revealed that the Biz Markie has been in the hospital for weeks. Though some were worried the New York native had contracted the coronavirus, his representative confirmed to TMZ that the 56-year-old was hospitalized after experiencing complications related to Type II diabetes.

    Upon learning of Biz Markie’s downturn in health, a number of rap’s luminaries took to social media to send their condolences and well wishes.Β 

  • β€œJust heard @BizMarkie has been in the Hospital..Get well Homie!!” Ice T wrote on Twitter.Β 

    Taking to Instagram, Fat Joe penned a touching tribute about how his childhood idol inspired him to chase after his dreams and make it as a rapper.

    β€œI met @officialbizmarkie when I was a teenager. He was the first superstar to tell me he believed in me and I’ll make it. This is so inspirational to me knowing someone who made it to tell me I’ll make it,” Joe shared.Β  β€œBiz also made my favorite hip hop song ever, β€˜Vapors.’ When I grew up, I had nothing and I told them all I was going to get rich or die trying. I love you Biz thank you for always bringing joy to this world.”

    The Terror Squad foreman finished off his thoughts with a call for people to keep his β€œbrother” in their thoughts and prayers. β€œAnd always remember, β€˜NOBODY BEATS THE BIZ,’” the β€œAll The Way Up” rapper concluded.Β 

  • The status of Biz Markie’s condition is unknown but it appears serious, according to TMZ. However, his representative remains optimistic of a recovery, telling the outlet, β€œhe is receiving the best care from an amazing team of medical professionals” at a Maryland-area hospital.

    Markie, whose real name is Marcel Hall, was diagnosed with diabetes in 2010. He opened up about the health condition in an 2014 interview with ABC NewsΒ after losing 140 pounds.Β 

    β€œI wanted to live. If I didn't make the changes, it was going to make the diabetes worse,” he told the news outlet. β€œThey said I could lose my feet,” he said. "They said I could lose body parts. A lot of things could happen.”

    Questlove, Naughty by Nature, Chuck D, Missy Elliot, and Jermaine Dupri were also among those sending up their prayers. See their well wishes below:

  • Fat Joe

  • DJ Khaled

  • Ice T

  • Naughty by Nature

  • R.A. the Rugged Man

  • Missy Elliot

  • Chuck D

  • Juicy J

  • Jermaine Dupri

  • Questlove

Latest News

Subscribe for BET Updates

Provide your email address to receive our newsletter.


By clicking Subscribe, you confirm that you have read and agree to our Terms of Use and acknowledge our Privacy Policy. You also agree to receive marketing communications, updates, special offers (including partner offers) and other information from BET and the Paramount family of companies. You understand that you can unsubscribe at any time.