Cedric The Entertainer was the host for the 73rd Emmys and for the first time ever a rapper was honored with a tribute to Biz Markie. Cedric led the crowd in a singalong of Biz’s “Just A Friend” with participation from LL Cool J, Dave “Lil Dicky” Burd, and Rita Wilson. Audience members who also could be seen singing along included Tracee Ellis-Ross, Anthony Anderson, Billy Porter and MJ Rodriguez. Biz Markie died July 16th from diabetic complications. The opening was unusual but well-received despite no mention of Biz Markie’s work on the children’s television show Yo Gabba Gabba! The segment is already one of the most talked about parts of the show this year.
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