Biz Markie sadly passed away on July 16, 2021, but new details have emerged about a man who was very close to the late rapper.

The Baltimore Sun has now published court documents which have revealed that Biz Markie’s longtime manager, Lamont Wanzer was an informant for the Drug Enforcement Administration prior to his death in 2014.

In an ongoing trial against attorney Kenneth Ravenell for racketeering conspiracy and money laundering, Wanzer was listed as a “cooperator” for Richard Byrd’s drug organization.

While Wanzer is not mentioned explicitly by his name, recorded conversations featured a man being referred to as “Monte,” which was Wanzer’s nickname. The recorded conversations also mention the company BizMont, which was run by Wanzer and Markie.

Advertising
Advertising

Wanzer also had “first-hand knowledge about the business dealings and practices of Loc Marketing,” which was Wanzer and Markie’s marketing and events company that acted as a front for laundering Byrd’s money from drugs. This was confirmed by DEA Task Force Operator David Phillips

However, there is no evidence to suggest that Markie was involved with the DEA. Markie passed away earlier this year due to health complications caused by diabetes. Wanzer had passed away in 2014 due to cancer.

What’s your take on this story? Sound off in the comments!

Abhishek Kar

Abhishek Kar is a freelance writer and a full-time pop culture enthusiast from India. In his spare time, he likes to paint.

Disqus Comments Loading...