Cedric the Entertainer performs Biz Markie tribute of 'Just a Friend' at the 2021 Emmys

The 2021 Emmy Awards started with a bang when Cedric the Entertainer opened the show with a Biz Markie tribute.

As the host of TV's biggest night, Cedric kicked off the awards show by opening up about how much he loves TV before appearing onstage performing a new TV-themed version of the late rapper's 1989 hit song "Just a Friend." After singing his own verse, Cedric was joined by LL Cool J, Lil Dicky, and Rita Wilson, who all performed with him as Reggie Watts DJ'ed. Soon the entire awards show audience got to their feet and sang along to the chorus.

Cliff Lipson/CBS via Getty Images Cedric the Entertainer opens the 2021 Emmys with help from some famous friends

Biz Markie, the influential New York rapper known as the Clown Prince of Hip-Hop, died in July at age 57. Although no official cause of death was provided to EW, TMZ reported that the rapper's death was caused by a "series of complications from diabetes that he's been fighting for more than a year."

The 73rd annual Emmy Awards aired live on Sunday on CBS and and streamed on Paramount+. See the full list of 2021 Emmys nominees here.

Sign up for Entertainment Weekly's free daily newsletter to get breaking TV news, exclusive first looks, recaps, reviews, interviews with your favorite stars, and more.

Related content:

• See all the stars on the 2021 Emmys red carpet

• Who will (and who should) win at the 2021 Emmys

• Emmy nominations 2021: See the full list

• The biggest snubs and surprises of the 2021 Emmy nominations