A rapper, producer, and actor known for his humorous lyrics and offbeat style, particularly his hit single "Just a Friend".
Biz Markie, born Marcel Theo Hall, was an American rapper and singer best known for his 1989 single "Just a Friend", a Top 40 hit in several countries, and his iconic status as the "Clown Prince of Hip Hop". With his unique blend of humor, storytelling, and beats, Biz Markie left an indelible mark on the hip-hop scene.
Biz Markie was born on April 8, 1964, in Manhattan's Harlem neighborhood, New York City. Raised on Long Island, he spent his teenage years in Brentwood and Patchogue, where he developed a passion for music and rhyming. Markie graduated from Longwood High School in Middle Island in 1982.
The rapper's stage name was inspired by the L Brothers, a hip-hop group he discovered in the late 1970s. Markie was particularly drawn to Busy Bee Starski, a member of the group, and eventually adopted the name "Bizzy B Markie" before shortening it to "Biz Markie". His neighborhood nickname, "Markie", completed the unique moniker.
Biz Markie's music career took off in the 1980s, performing in New York City nightclubs and later gaining regional recognition by performing at colleges in Washington, D.C., Maryland, Virginia, and Pennsylvania. His debut album, Goin' Off, was released in 1988, featuring the lead single "Make the Music with Your Mouth, Biz". The album also included underground hits "Nobody Beats the Biz", "Vapors", and "Pickin' Boogers".
In 1989, Markie released his second studio album, The Biz Never Sleeps, which solidified his position in the hip-hop scene. The album featured the hit single "Just a Friend", which peaked at No. 9 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and became a staple of 1990s hip-hop.
Biz Markie's impact on hip-hop is undeniable. His unique style, blending humor and storytelling, paved the way for future generations of rappers. Markie's influence can be seen in artists such as the Beastie Boys, DJ Shadow, and A Tribe Called Quest, among others.
Throughout his career, Biz Markie was celebrated for his contributions to hip-hop. He was named No. 100 on VH1's list of the 100 greatest hip-hop songs of all time in 2008. In 2021, the intersection of South Street and West Avenue in Patchogue, Long Island, was dedicated as "Biz Markie Way" in his honor.
Biz Markie's life and music serve as a testament to the power of creativity and perseverance. As the "Clown Prince of Hip Hop", he will forever be remembered for his infectious beats, humorous lyrics, and the lasting impact he had on the music industry.
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