Hip hop luminary Biz Markie has been hospitalized in Maryland for weeks, TMZ reports.
A representative for the “Just A Friend” rapper says the cause of his hospital stay is due to his battle with Type 2 diabetes and not because of Coronavirus.
The New York native, born Marcel Theo Hall, “is receiving the best care from an amazing team of medical professionals,” his rep further confirmed. Even though Biz’s condition appears to be “unknown” yet serious, his team is “positive about the outcome.”
The 56-year-old rap star was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes back in 2010 and opened up about the disease in an interview with New York Daily News, where he announced that he lost 140 pounds, three years after his diagnosis.
The rhyme-spitter went from 385 pounds down to 244 through exercise and cutting out sugary drinks for beverages that use sweeteners only.
“I walk. I do the treadmill, I walk around the mall,” Biz revealed to the New York Daily News. “I do a little crunches with my stomach, not that much. Just enough to get the engine going cha-cha-cha-cha-cha-cha! Vroooommmmm.”
In addition to new eating and exercise habits, friends such as Will Smith, Magic Johnson and others in his circle, were crucial in helping him to keep his weight down by encouraging him to stay fit.
“They be seein’ me, I lost the weight, and I didn’t have to use lap band surgery or whatever,” the iconic beatboxer said. “They see that I did it, and they know I was the greedy, greasy person. So if I can do it, anyone can do it.”
In an interview with ABC News, it all came down to the fact that he simply wanted to live longer.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Biz Markie so that he may have a speedy and healthy recovery.