Veteran rapper Biz Markie has passed away Friday, July 16th aged 57, due to complications from diabetes, TMZ reports. Hailing from Harlem, New York, Biz Markie first made a name for himself as a beatboxer performing in Manhattan nightclubs in the early 1980s, releasing his first album 'Goin’ Off'. The 1989 single 'Just a Friend' propelled him to superstardom. The hip-hop universe is saying goodbye: The Roots drummer Questlove said “he taught me ALOT. I’m using ALL the education he taught me”; Beastie Boys' Mike D remembers his old friend and colleague - "we are so grateful to have had so many unforgettable experiences with the truly unique and ridiculously talented Biz Markie".