Biz Markie

Some short introduction paragraphs about the most important things about the artist.

Biz Markie was a multi-talented artist who made a significant impact on the world of hip hop and music as a whole. Known for his unique style, infectious personality, and groundbreaking hits, he was not only a rapper but also a beatboxer, DJ, comedian, singer, reality television personality, and commercial spokesperson. With his larger-than-life persona and comedic approach to music, Biz Markie became known as the Clown Prince of Hip Hop.

About Biz Markie

Born Marcel Theo Hall on April 8, 1964, Biz Markie discovered his love for music at a young age through his father, who was a multi-instrumentalist playing in local clubs on Long Island. Inspired by his father's talent, Markie began performing at house parties until he felt ready to pursue a career in music in Manhattan. Showing remarkable persistence, he would wait outside the stoop of producer Marley Marl's house daily until he caught Marley's attention. Marley then assembled a group of rappers, including Biz Markie, known as The Juice Crew, alongside Big Daddy Kane, Kool G Rap, Masta Ace, and Roxanne Shante, among others.

Biz Markie's musical journey started with the release of his first EP, "Make The Music With Your Mouth, Biz," in 1986. It featured the title track, which became a minor R&B chart hit. Two years later, his debut album, "Goin' Off," brought him his second appearance on the R&B chart with the single "Vapors." Interestingly, it was Snoop Dogg's cover version of "Vapors" in 1997 that propelled the song into the pop charts of the UK, Scotland, and New Zealand.

But it was Biz Markie's iconic hit single, "Just a Friend," released in September 1989, that truly catapulted him into the mainstream. The song, which heavily sampled the 1968 Freddie Scott song "(You) Got What I Need," became a top 5 hit on the US Rap Songs Chart and crossed over onto the US Pop Chart, peaking at #9 in March 1990. The accompanying comical music video added to its popularity and helped solidify Biz Markie's status as a beloved figure in hip hop.

In 1991, Biz Markie released his third album, "I Need a Haircut," which featured the lead single "What Comes Around Goes Around." Although the song reached #4 on the US Rap Chart, it didn't achieve the same level of success on the pop charts. Unfortunately, Biz Markie faced legal troubles when he heavily borrowed from Gilbert O'Sullivan's 1971 hit "Alone Again (Naturally)" for his track "Alone Again." O'Sullivan sued Biz Markie's record label, resulting in a landmark case that established using uncleared samples as a form of 'theft.'

Responding to the lawsuit, Biz Markie released his next album, "All Samples Cleared," in 1993, under the name The Honorable Biz Markie. The album cover featured Biz Markie as a judge, scowling at a rapper dressed in a prisoner's suit. Although the album had success on the US Rap Chart with the singles "Let Me Turn You On" and "Young Girl Bluez," it didn't fare as well on the pop charts, leading to Warner dropping Biz Markie from the label.

Over the next decade, Biz Markie continued to make guest appearances on albums by notable artists like the Beastie Boys and DJ'ed at various events. In 2003, he released his fifth album, "Weekend Warrior," following his appearance in the film "Men in Black 2." Unfortunately, the album's singles didn't chart, but Biz Markie remained a popular figure, earning recognition for his appearances on television shows like VH1's "100 Greatest Artists of All Time," where he served as a commentator.

Beyond music, Biz Markie made appearances on shows like "Spongebob Squarepants" and participated in the VH1 reality series "Celebrity Fit Club" in which he lost 40 pounds. Throughout his career, he showed his versatility and adaptability, constantly reinventing himself and staying relevant in the ever-evolving music and entertainment industry.

Tragically, Biz Markie passed away on July 16, 2021, at the age of 57. His legacy as a pioneering artist, beloved entertainer, and larger-than-life personality will forever live on in the hearts of music fans worldwide.