Hip-Hop Prince Biz Markie's Life Will Be Celebrated Monday On LI

PATCHOGUE, NY — Main Street in Patchogue will be closed down Monday as hip-hop legend Biz Markie's life and contributions to his art are celebrated.

Main Street between Maple Avenue and Ocean Avenue will be closed from from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.as as family, friends, fellow musicians — and fans — at the Patchogue Theater for the Performing Arts.

Greater Patchogue Chamber of Commerce Executive Director David Kennedy said the closure will affect a portion of East Main Street and "the entire" Oak Street Parking Facility. The municipal parking lot along Oak Street will also be closed from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. to accommodate mourners, Kennedy said.

Motorists are being advised to use alternate routes.

The service will run from about 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and it will also be live streamed on BET, Revolt reported Sunday.

The Rev. Al Sharpton will eulogize Markie, who was born Marcel Theo Hall, during a private service. Markie, referred to as "Biz" by many, "touched the world with his infectious smile, amazing energy, and hip-hop hits," read a post on the social justice group's Facebook page on Friday.

It included a photo of Markie and Sharpton, which was snapped at the ESSENCE Festival years ago, that his wife Tara sent, according to the post.

"Known for his Top 40 hit, "Just A Friend," and his recurring role on "Yo Gabba Gabba!," he brightened every room he was in and every song he was on," the post continued.

In his own Facebook post, Sharpton, a Baptist minister, said that he was honored to deliver Markie’s eulogy.

Confirmed attendees include Fat Joe, Papoose, LL Cool J, Big Daddy Kane, Al B. Sure!, Leland Robinson, members of the Juice Crew; and many other artists, according to a Facebook post by the National Action Network.

MORE FROM PATCH:

• Biz Markie, ‘Clown Prince Of Hip-Hop,’ Who Grew Up In Patchogue, Dies
• Rev. Al Sharpton To Eulogize Biz Markie In Patchogue On Monday

Markie, who grew up in Patchogue before making it big with hits like "Just a friend," died July 16 at the age of 57.

Nicknamed the "Clown Prince of Hip-Hop," for his juvenile rhymes, outfits, and songs like "Pickin Boogers," Markie graduated from Patchogue-Medford in 1982, according to WBSS Media. In 1989, he broke into hip-hop with "Just a friend," which was played all over the world, becoming a Top 40 hit in multiple countries before going platinum, TMZ reported.

In the official music video, he can be seen playing a piano wearing a white wig and the concert dress of a composer while crooning, "You got what I need. But you say he's just a friend," in a very memorable, if not infectious, off-key melody.