Rap legend Biz Markie hospitalized for weeks as doctors treat complications of Type 2 diabetes

It’s been reported that famed rapper and DJ Biz Markie has been hospitalized for treatment of Type 2 diabetes.

TMZ broke the news that Biz, real name Marcel Theo Hall, has been under doctors’ care in the Maryland area for weeks. The specifics of his condition were not revealed, but his ailment is serious enough to require weeks in the hospital.

In a statement to CBS affiliate WUSA9, Biz’s manager Jenni Izumi thanked fans for their support and requested privacy as the “Just A Friend” rapper recovers, “We are grateful for the concern from his fans and industry peers but respectfully request privacy for Biz and his family at this time.”

Fellow musicians have also offering up well wished, including Fat Joe, who posted on Twitter, “Please get better Bizmark i love you 🙏🏽”

Please get better Bizmark i love you 🙏🏽

— FAT JOE (@fatjoe) July 25, 2020

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Known for beat-boxing and off-key signing, Biz Markie, now 56, had a string of hits in the late 80s including “The Vapers”, “Nobody Beats the Biz”, “What Comes Around Goes Around”, and “Just A Friend”.

Though not as active musically, Biz remained a staple in entertainment, DJ’ing, starring in a number of films and TV shows including Men In Black, Seven Pounds, Crank Yankers, and Empire. He’s also had stints on the radio, guest hosting on SiriusXM’s Rock The Bells channel.