<p>Innovative American rapper, DJ and producer Biz Markie, whose hit "Just a Friend" climbed the charts in 1989, died on Friday, aged 57, according to media reports.</p>.<p>Representatives announced the rapper's passing, saying he died with his wife by his side, Rolling Stone magazine reported.</p>.<p>No cause of death was given for the rapper, whose real name was Marcel Hall, but he had dealt with health issues in recent years related to Type 2 diabetes, reports added.</p>.<p>Also known for songs like "Pickin' Boogers" and "Chinese Food," the New York-born Biz Markie earned the nickname the "Clown Prince of Hip-Hop."</p>.<p>New York mayor Bill de Blasio tweeted his condolences in the wake of the news.</p>.<p>"Biz Markie turned hip hop on its head and brought that New York sense of humor to audiences across the world," he wrote.</p>.<p>"We're mourning a true son of Harlem tonight."</p>
<p>Innovative American rapper, DJ and producer Biz Markie, whose hit "Just a Friend" climbed the charts in 1989, died on Friday, aged 57, according to media reports.</p>.<p>Representatives announced the rapper's passing, saying he died with his wife by his side, Rolling Stone magazine reported.</p>.<p>No cause of death was given for the rapper, whose real name was Marcel Hall, but he had dealt with health issues in recent years related to Type 2 diabetes, reports added.</p>.<p>Also known for songs like "Pickin' Boogers" and "Chinese Food," the New York-born Biz Markie earned the nickname the "Clown Prince of Hip-Hop."</p>.<p>New York mayor Bill de Blasio tweeted his condolences in the wake of the news.</p>.<p>"Biz Markie turned hip hop on its head and brought that New York sense of humor to audiences across the world," he wrote.</p>.<p>"We're mourning a true son of Harlem tonight."</p>