A woman displays the program during the funeral for late rapper Marcel Theo Hall, known by his stage name Biz Markie, outside Patchogue Theatre in Patchogue, New York, U.S., August 2, 2021. REUTERS/Eduardo Munoz
A funeral for rapper Biz Markie was held on Monday after the hip-hop personality known for his 1989 hit “Just a Friend” died in July.
Fans gathered outside the Patchogue Theatre during the service for the pioneering beatboxer whose birth name was Marcel Theo Hall. He was born in Harlem and raised in Patchogue.
Police put up barricades to hold crowds on the sidewalks and keep the street in front of the theater clear.
Media reports said a private viewing for the family was followed by a live-streamed service. The Rev. Al Sharpton tweeted that he was to deliver the eulogy. “May his legacy live on,” the civil rights leader said on Twitter.
Hip-hop performers LL Cool J, Fat Joe and Big Daddy Kane were set to attend, media reports said.
Markie died on July 16 aged 57 of complications from diabetes.
(Writing by Cynthia Osterman; Editing by Richard Chang)
A man stands guard next to the casket for late rapper Marcel Theo Hall, known by his stage name Biz Markie, during the funeral service in Patchogue, New York, U.S., August 2, 2021. REUTERS/Eduardo MunozAn artist paints a portrait for late rapper Marcel Theo Hall, known by his stage name Biz Markie, next to his casket during the funeral service in Patchogue, New York, U.S., August 2, 2021. REUTERS/Eduardo MunozPeople stand guard next to the casket for late rapper Marcel Theo Hall, known by his stage name Biz Markie, during the funeral service in Patchogue, New York, U.S., August 2, 2021. REUTERS/Eduardo MunozAttendees carry the casket of late rapper Marcel Theo Hall, known by his stage name Biz Markie, at the end of his funeral service in Patchogue, New York, U.S., August 2, 2021. REUTERS/Eduardo MunozThe hearse of late rapper Marcel Theo Hall, known by his stage name Biz Markie, (L) departs at the end of his funeral service in Patchogue, New York, U.S., August 2, 2021. REUTERS/Eduardo Munoz
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