Funeral plans for late hip-hop pioneer, Biz Markie, have been announced.
On Thursday, The Long Island Advance reported that the rap icon would be laid to rest at the Patchogue Theatre for the Performing Arts in New York.
Biz, whose real name was Marcel Theo Hall, died on July 16 after battling diabetes and suffering from a stroke.
Rev. Al Sharpton, a friend of the rapper, is slated to present the eulogy. A star-studded roster of industry colleagues and friends is also expected to attend the service at the Patchogue Theatre.
Biz Markie was born in Harlem but raised in Long Island. Therefore, it is no surprise that his funeral services will be held in Patchogue, NY, which is on the south shore of Long Island.
Rappers LL Cool J, Papoose, and the Juice Crew are confirmed to be in attendance. Fat Joe, who regularly checked on Biz and his wife during his illness, is also expected to be front and center.
According to TMZ, Biz will be funeralized in an open casket wearing a custom suit by legendary Harlem atelier and haberdasher Dapper Dan. The two were friends and watched each others’ careers grow throughout the years.
An estimated 500 people are expected to attend the funeral. Patchogue officials are expected to close a strip of East Main for the safety of what they believe may be thousands of fans and well-wishers who will not be inside the theatre.
There will be a private family service followed by an afternoon service that will be live-streamed by BET and TMZ at 2 p.m. EST.
Biz was known for his ability to bring a smile to those who experienced him, in person or through his music and videos. He even touched the younger generation with appearances on the children’s program Yo Gabba Gabba!
He was 57.
