Biz Markie’s manager denies death rumours
(Credit: Daniel Benavides)

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Biz Markie's manager denies death rumours

Biz Markie’s manager has rebutted the rumours that the rap hero has passed away.

Markie’s health has been declining for several years and, back in 2014, the rapper lost 140 pounds in a bid to save his life. “If I didn’t make the changes, it was going to make the diabetes worse,” he explained in an interview at the time with ABC News. “[Doctors] said I could lose my feet. They said I could lose body parts. A lot of things could happen.”

Last year, Markie suffered a stroke while he was already in a hospital because of problems stemming from his diabetes. An unnamed source told HipHopDX that Markie was “not doing great, but it’s not as scandalous as it felt in the beginning”.

Big Daddy Kane then told The Breakfast Club in April: “He’s getting better and stronger every day. Last time I talked to him on the phone, he got a real light voice, but last time I talked on the phone he stuck his middle finger up at me so I think he’s coming along.”

Now, rumours have circulated on social media that Markie has passed away due to his ill health. While he is struggling, his manager Jenni Izumi has confirmed that Markie is still fighting. “The news of Biz Markie’s passing is not true,” Izumi said. He added that the artist is “under medical care, surrounded by professionals who are working hard to provide the best health care possible”.

“Biz’s wife and family are touched by the outpouring of love and admiration from his friends, peers and fans alike,” Izumi added. “At this time, we ask for your continued thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.”