A rumor started floating around online that Biz Markie had passed away on Wednesday night (June 30) after REVOLT prematurely reported on his death (the post has since been taken down).
A source close to the Juice Crew legend tells HipHopDX he’s still alive as of a few hours ago but isn’t doing well. Unfortunately for Biz, his fans and family, his passing could be “eminent” and he needs Hip Hop’s help.
TV One journalist Rolands Martin also confirmed Biz is still alive, tweeting, “Folks, @BizMarkie has NOT died. I have been in contact with sources who are texting and talking to his wife. My source talked to Biz TODAY. Per his wife, Biz HAS NOT passed away. Please stop responding to non-credible sources. This hurts the family, friends and fans.”
Folks, @BizMarkie has NOT died. I have been in contact with sources who are texting and talking to his wife. My source talked to Biz TODAY. Per his wife, Biz HAS NOT passed away. Please stop responding to non-credible sources. This hurts the family, friends and fans."
— rolandsmartin (@rolandsmartin) July 1, 2021
Biz has been struggling with his health for over a year. In July 2020, TMZ reported he was in a Maryland area hospital receiving treatment related to Type II diabetes. But as the months dragged on, friends of Biz started to worry when they hadn’t heard any updates for six months.
HipHopDX was told at the time, “He’s not doing great, but it’s not as scandalous as it felt in the beginning. Short story is Biz is diabetic, he had slipped into a diabetic coma, but that has happened to him in the past and it would only last a little while.
“He would go to the hospital, get discharged and get his meds under control. This particular time, he had a stroke while he was in the middle of the coma.”
Then, while speaking to The Breakfast Club in April, fellow Juice Crew member Big Daddy Kane was confident he was improving.
“He’s getting better,” Kane said. “He’s in rehabilitation now. He’s getting better and stronger every day. Last time I talked to him on the phone, he got a real light voice, but last time I talked on the phone he stuck his middle finger up at me so I think he’s coming along.”
Biz Markie currently needs all the prayers and positive energy he can get. HipHopDX sends our support to Biz and everyone who loves him.