This person died 2021 at age 57. He appeared regularly on the Nickelodeon show “Yo Gabba Gabba”. He collaborated with artists such as the Beastie Boys and Will Smith, and appeared in the movie “Men in Black II”, in which he played an alien disguised as a postal worker who communicates via beatboxing. He was known as the “clown prince of hip-hop” for his playful style and joyous charm, and his most renowned song is the hit singalong “Just a Friend”. Today’s dead celebrity is Marcel Theo Hall, better known as Biz Markie.

Famous & Gravy is created and co-hosted by Amit Kapoor and Michael Osborne. This episode was produced by Jacob Weiss. Visit our website at famousandgravy.com and also enjoy our free mobile quiz game at deadoraliveapp.com

LINKS:

Transcript of this episode

New York Times Obituary for Biz Markie

“Just A Friend” official video

“Vapors” official video

Men In Black II scene featuring Will Smith and Biz Markie

Biz;s Beat of the Day on Yo Gabba Gabba!

“20 Years Ago Biz Markie Got the Last Laugh” from NPR

“Hip Hop Wouldn’t Be the Same Without Biz Markie” article in MIC magazine

“Farewell Biz Markie...” article from Rolling Stone

Dead or Alive quiz game

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Famous & Gravy official website

The podcast Famous & Gravy traces the arc of Biz Markie's influence and legacy as part of a famous lives reframed and known for what makes a life worth remembering, emphasizing creative output, generational relevance, and emotional reach. It raises questions about whose stories get preserved and why they matter. This show explores life lessons from celebrities and contributes to biographies from a different point of view.

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