Biz Markie, rapper known for 'Just a Friend,' dead at 57

Biz Markie performs for fans during halftime in an NBA basketball game in Denver on December 12, 2009. The hip-hop staple known for his beatboxing prowess, turntable mastery and the 1989 classic 'Just a Friend', has died. He was 57. – Photo: AP

Biz Markie, the rapper, singer and actor behind the 1989 hit Just a Friend, died Friday in Baltimore. He was 57.

"It is with profound sadness that we announce, this evening, with his wife Tara by his side, hip hop pioneer Biz Markie peacefully passed away," his rep Jenni Izumi said in a statement to Rolling Stone.