Friends, family and fellow rap legends gathered on Long Island to say farewell to Marcel Theo Hall, known as the legendary Biz Markie.  Today (August 2), a private memorial service was held at the Patchogue Theater for the Performing Arts.

“Biz was an icon,” said rapper Busy Bee, who inspired Biz Markie’s stage naame, said to press outside the private service. “He is what we call hip-hop.”

Music stars Ice-T, Montell Jordan, Big Daddy Kane, Treach of Naughty By Nature, Fat Joe, Roxanne Shante and others were on-hand to pay their respects to the beloved rapper, DeeJay and multimedia personality. 

After a lengthy battle with diabetes, Hall died on July 16th at the age of 57. Biz was known for his bigger-than-life personality, offbeat humor and legendary beatboxing skills. 

Biz Markie's cousin DJ Cool V praised his fallen collaborator. 

“Through all those exaggerations, he made all those dreams come true,” said Cool V during the public service, at points choking back tears. “Every thing he said he was going to do, he did."