During the service, hundreds of fans gathered outside the Patchogue Theatre to pay respects to the pioneering beatboxer Marcel Theo Hall. He was born in Harlem, and grew up in Patchogue.
To keep people from straying too close to the theater, police set up barricades.
According to media reports, a private viewing was held for the family and followed by a live streamed service. The Rev. Al Sharpton posted that he would deliver the eulogy. On Twitter, the civil rights leader stated that he would continue to leave a legacy.
Media reports claimed that LL Cool J and Fat Joe, hip-hop artists from Hip-Hop, were scheduled to attend.
Markie died on July 16 aged 57 of complications from diabetes.
