Biz Markie died on Friday night, 57 - complications with diabetes

His death was confirmed by TMZ who said he had been fighting diabetes for more than a year.

The Just A Friend hitmaker was reportedly with his wife Tara Hall when he passed away in a Baltimore hospital at around 6.25pm.

His death comes after a representative squashed rumors he had died two weeks ago.

Biz Markie's rep told Rolling Stone the time: “The news of Biz Markie’s passing is not true.

“Biz is still under medical care, surrounded by professionals who are working hard to provide the best healthcare possible.”

Biz Markie, an American original born Marcel Theo Hall and a larger-than-life hip-hop figure, has died at the age of 57. Known widely for a career spanning back to 1986, Hall went on to become a beloved cultural figure later in life, celebrated for his spirited personality as much as his massive 1989 hit, "Just A Friend." His death was confirmed byhis manager, Jenni D. Izumi.