Dallas City Wire

A hip-hop icon has died after a year-long battle against complications from type II diabetes. 

NBC DFW reported that Biz Markie, whose real name was Marcel Theo Hall, rose to fame with his late 1980s hit, "Just a Friend," which contains a sample of Gilbert O'Sullivan's "Alone Again (Naturally)."

The 57-year-old earned the moniker "Clown Prince of Hip-Hop" because of his humorous lyrics and carefree nature, NBC DFW reported.

A representative for Markie said the rapper-DJ passed away peacefully with his wife by his side, but a cause of death is unknown, NBC DFW reported.

“We are grateful for the many calls and prayers of support that we have received during this difficult time,” Izumi said, NBC DFW reported. “Biz created a legacy of artistry that will forever be celebrated by his industry peers and his beloved fans whose lives he was able to touch through music, spanning over 35 years. He leaves behind a wife, many family members and close friends who will miss his vibrant personality, constant jokes and frequent banter.”

Markie was born in Harlem and after "Just a Friend" began his rise to fame, he acted, did comedy, DJ'd and produced music.

“Usually when I make a record I know what the potential is going to be, but I didn’t know that ‘Just a Friend’ was going to be that big,” Markie said in a 2013 Rolling Stone interview. “‘Just a Friend’ opened a world up where I never knew the difference between being a pop star and a regular rap star. It was crazy.”

“In Living Color” and "Men in Black II" were two movies he starred in. Markie also appeared in an episode of “Yo Gabba Gabba!” to teach beatboxing to children. 

"RIP to a rap legend and pop culture icon. #GoneTooSoon," Mayor Johnson wrote in a July 16 Tweet.

Releasing five studio albums during his career, NBC DFW reports that Markie consistently performed 175 shows a year.