Biz Markie
This article's lead section may be too short to adequately summarize the key points. (February 2023) |
Biz Markie | |
---|---|
Died | July 16, 2021 Baltimore, Maryland, U.S. | (aged 57)
Genres | |
Occupation(s) |
|
Years active | 1985–2021 |
Labels |
|
Formerly of | |
Spouse(s) |
Tara Hall (m. 2018) |
Website | bizmarkie |
Marcel Theo Hall (April 8, 1964 – July 16, 2021), known professionally as Biz Markie, was an American rapper and singer. Markie's 1989 single "Just a Friend", became a Top 40 hit in several countries and was named No. 100 on VH1's list of the 100 greatest hip-hop songs of all time in 2008.[3] Markie was sometimes referred to as the "Clown Prince of Hip Hop".[4][5][6]
Early life and education
Markie was born in
Biz comes from the first hip-hop tape I heard. It was '77, '78, from the L Brothers. Grand Wizard Theodore was the DJ, and the rappers was Kevvy Kev, Master Rob and Busy Bee Starski. I loved Busy Bee. Busy Bee just stuck with me. My name used to be Bizzy B Markie, and after a while I put the Biz with the Markie. My nickname in my neighborhood was Markie.[11]
Music career
1980s
Biz Markie was interviewed in the 1986 cult documentary
On October 10, 1989, Markie's second studio album, The Biz Never Sleeps, was released on Cold Chillin'/Warner Bros. Records, produced by Markie, his cousin Cool V and Paul C. The single "Just a Friend", in which he alternates between rap and caterwauling, became Markie's most successful single, reaching No. 9 on the Billboard charts.[14] The song interpolates the 1968 song "You Got What I Need" by singer-songwriter Freddie Scott, whose basic chord and melody provided the base for the song's chorus.[15] "Just a Friend" was ranked 81st on VH1's 100 Greatest One-Hit Wonders in 2000, and later as number 100 on VH1's 100 Greatest Songs of Hip Hop in 2008.[3] The music video, directed by Lionel C. Martin, chronicles the rapper's woman problems.[16]
1990s
Markie's third studio album
For the remainder of the decade, Markie occasionally made television appearances, including guest appearances on
In 1996, Markie appeared on the
In 1999, Markie appeared on Len's song "Beautiful Day" on their album You Can't Stop the Bum Rush,[25] as well as on Alliance Ethnik's album Fat Comeback.[26]
2000s
In 2002, Markie appeared in
Markie began opening in 2008 for
2010s
In 2010, Markie appeared on VH1's 100 Greatest Artists of All Time, providing commentary throughout the series. Markie himself was not included on the list. On November 9, 2010, he appeared on
In 2013, Markie toured with the Yo Gabba Gabba! live show.[34] That year, his song, "Just a Friend" was featured in Saints Row IV, which included the Pop station, 107.7 The Mix FM. He appeared on the Cartoon Network show Mad, as the Hip Hop Hobbit. He voiced Rudd Rhymez's DJ Tiny Timmy Scratch It in the Randy Cunningham: 9th Grade Ninja episode "Hip Hopocalypse Now".[35]
Markie guest starred in the SpongeBob SquarePants episode "Kenny the Cat" in the episode's title role.[36] His voice acting work also includes the voice of Snorlock the Beatboxing Slug in an episode of Adventure Time.[37]
In 2014, Markie appeared in the Syfy network film Sharknado 2: The Second One. That same year, he threw a ceremonial first pitch for an Oakland Athletics baseball game.[38] In 2016, his song, "Just a Friend" was featured in the Netflix Series Love as an ending theme for episode 4. He also made an appearance in the song "The Noisy Eater" off the album Wildflower by the Avalanches. Also in 2016, he appeared on the Fox TV series Empire as himself, where he performed "Just a Friend".[39]
Markie was the
2020s
In 2020, Markie started hosting a radio show on
Legal issues
In 1991, Biz Markie was sued for copyright infringement by Gilbert O'Sullivan. Judge Duffy ordered him to pay $250,000 in damages.[44]
In March 2022, Markie's widow, Tara Hall, sued Jennifer Izumi, his former business manager, for damages and control of Biz Markie Inc. over widespread alleged intellectual property violations, including claims the manager stole song royalties and sold unauthorized merchandise.[45]
Illness and death
In April 2020, Markie was hospitalized due to severe complications from type 2 diabetes.[46] In December 2020, it was reported that Markie was staying in a rehabilitation facility as a result of a stroke he had suffered after going into a diabetic coma.[47]
On July 1, 2021, rumors of his death circulated on Twitter. His representative told Rolling Stone, "The news of Biz Markie's death is not true, Biz is still under medical care, surrounded by professionals who are working hard to provide the best healthcare possible."[48] Markie died at a Baltimore hospital 15 days later on July 16, at age 57.[8] His wife, Tara Hall, held his hand as he took his last breath.[49] He was buried at Pinelawn Memorial Park and Arboreum in Farmingdale, New York.[50]
Legacy
Upon news of his death, many celebrities and figures expressed their sympathies. Tara Hall received condolences from President Barack Obama and his wife Michelle Obama. Markie's funeral in Patchogue, New York, was attended by friends and family, including Ice T, Fat Joe, Montell Jordan, and Al B Sure. His eulogy was read by Reverend Al Sharpton.[51]
In November 2022,
Discography
Studio albums
Title | Album details | Peak chart positions | Certifications | |
---|---|---|---|---|
US [55] |
US R&B /HH [56] | |||
Goin' Off |
|
90 | 19 | |
The Biz Never Sleeps |
|
66 | 9 | |
I Need a Haircut |
|
113 | 44 | |
All Samples Cleared! |
|
― | 43 | |
Weekend Warrior | ― | ― |
Compilation albums
Title | Album details | Peak chart positions |
---|---|---|
US Com. [63] | ||
Biz's Baddest Beats |
|
2 |
On the Turntable | ― | |
On the Turntable 2 |
|
― |
Greatest Hits |
|
― |
Ultimate Diabolical |
|
― |
Diabolical: The Biz's Greatest Hits |
|
― |
EPs
Title | EP details | Peak chart positions | |
---|---|---|---|
US R&B [70] | |||
Make the Music with Your Mouth, Biz | 84 |
Singles
Title | Year | Peak chart positions | Certifications | Album | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
US [70] |
US R&B [70] |
US Rap [70] |
CAN [72] |
UK [73] | ||||
"Nobody Beats the Biz" (featuring TJ Swan )
|
1987 | — | — | — | — | — | Goin' Off | |
"Pickin’ Boogers" | — | — | — | — | — | |||
"Vapors" | 1988 | — | 80 | — | — | — | ||
"Biz Is Goin' Off" | — | — | — | — | — | |||
"This Is Something for the Radio" | — | — | — | — | — | |||
"Just a Friend" | 1989 | 9 | 37 | 5 | 66 | 55 | The Biz Never Sleeps | |
"Spring Again" | — | — | — | — | — | |||
"What Comes Around Goes Around" | 1991 | ― | 84 | 4 | ― | ― | I Need a Haircut | |
"T.S.R. (Toilet Stool Rap)/Busy Doing Nuthin" | — | — | — | — | — | |||
"Let Me Turn You On" | 1993 | — | — | 7 | — | — | All Samples Cleared! | |
"Young Girl Bluez" | — | — | 4 | — | — | |||
"Let Go My Eggo" | 1995 | ― | — | — | ― | ― | I Need a Haircut | |
"A Message From The Biz" | — | — | — | — | — | Non-album single | ||
"Let Me See You Bounce" (with Elephant Man) |
2003 | ― | ― | ― | ― | 77 | Weekend Warrior |
References
- ^ "Rapper Biz Markie from Long Island dies at 57". Associated Press. July 17, 2021. Retrieved July 18, 2021 – via Newsday.
- ^ a b Asbury, John (September 25, 2021). "Rapper Biz Markie leaves another mark on Long Island with dedication of street". Newsday.
- ^ Stereogum.com. Archivedfrom the original on August 17, 2014. Retrieved July 17, 2014.
- ^ "Biz Markie, the clown prince of hip-hop, found a home at Yo! MTV Raps. | MTV Photo Gallery". Mtv.com. Archived from the original on June 29, 2011. Retrieved September 12, 2011.
- ^ "• Biz Markie". Hiphop.sh. August 29, 2007. Archived from the original on December 3, 2013. Retrieved December 19, 2013.
- ^ a b Ma, David. Biz Markie, Pioneering Beatboxer And 'Just A Friend' Rapper, Dies At 57 Archived July 17, 2021, at the Wayback Machine NPR, July 16, 2021
- ^ "Biz Markie: Biography". AllMusic. Retrieved October 10, 2008.
- ^ a b Shafer, Ellise. "Biz Markie, Rapper Known for 'Just a Friend,' Dies at 57". Variety. Archived from the original on July 17, 2021. Retrieved July 16, 2021.
- ^ "Biz Markie, 'Clown Prince Of Hip-Hop' Who Grew Up On LI". Patchogue, NY Patch. July 17, 2021. Archived from the original on July 17, 2021. Retrieved July 17, 2021.
- ^ "Biz Markie, 'Just a Friend' rapper, has died at 57". CBS News. July 16, 2021. Archived from the original on July 25, 2021. Retrieved January 28, 2022.
- ^ from the original on June 8, 2019. Retrieved September 20, 2020.
- ^ "Big Fun in the Big Town". January 1, 2000. Archived from the original on February 11, 2017. Retrieved July 1, 2018 – via IMDb.
- ^ Morris, Mary. Biz Markie Archived January 8, 2009, at the Wayback Machine. Remix. February 1, 2004. URL retrieved on January 9, 2007.
- ^ Ellise Shafer (July 17, 2021). "Biz Markie, Rapper Known for 'Just a Friend,' Dies at 57". Yahoo.com. Archived from the original on July 17, 2021. Retrieved July 17, 2021.
- ^ a b "20 Years Ago Biz Markie Got The Last Laugh : The Record". NPR. May 6, 2013. Archived from the original on October 20, 2020. Retrieved July 17, 2021.
- ^ "Biz Markie on 30 years of 'Just a Friend': 'I just wanted to make a story rap record, not to go pop'". EW.com. Archived from the original on May 19, 2021. Retrieved July 17, 2021.
- S.D.N.Y.1991)
- ^ "20 Greatest Hip-Hop Moments on 'In Living Color' – XXL". Xxlmag.com. January 5, 2018. Archived from the original on October 25, 2020. Retrieved July 17, 2021.
- ^ "The men who motivated the Beastie Boys". EW.com. Archived from the original on July 17, 2021. Retrieved July 17, 2021.
- ^ "Remembering Rap Legend Biz Markie: 5 Iconic Songs". GRAMMY.com. July 17, 2021. Retrieved July 18, 2021.
- ^ "20 Years Ago, Coolio, De La Soul, and the Rest of Rap Chipped in to Raise HIV/AIDS Awareness". Vice.com. December 1, 2016. Archived from the original on June 11, 2021. Retrieved July 17, 2021.
- ^ Nick DeRiso (September 23, 2017). "When the Rolling Stones Tried an Update on 'Bridges to Babylon'". Ultimateclassicrock.com. Archived from the original on April 28, 2021. Retrieved July 17, 2021.
- ^ "Biz Markie". Billboard. Retrieved July 18, 2021.
- ^ Fünf Sterne Deluxe – Sillium (1998, Vinyl) (in German), March 1998, retrieved July 18, 2021
- ^ Scherman, Tony (August 8, 1999). "RECORDINGS; High-Quality Bubble Gum". The New York Times. Archived from the original on August 11, 2018. Retrieved August 8, 2018.
- ^ "Alliance Ethnik – Fat Comeback". Discogs.com. 1999. Archived from the original on June 9, 2019. Retrieved November 30, 2019.
- ^ "'Just a Friend' rapper Biz Markie to perform at Lava club". syracuse. January 7, 2016. Archived from the original on July 17, 2021. Retrieved July 17, 2021.
- ^ Sweeting, Adam (July 17, 2021). "Biz Markie obituary". The Guardian. Retrieved July 18, 2021.
- ^ Bruce Haring (April 8, 1964). "Biz Markie Dead: 'Just A Friend' Rapper And 'Yo Gabba Gabba' Actor Was 57 – Deadline". Deadline.com. Retrieved July 18, 2021.
- ^ Barnes, Steve (December 31, 2007) "Chris Rock sharper than ever", Times Union
- ^ "YouTube". Youtube.com. Archived from the original on July 19, 2013.
- ^ ""TuneUp Ads feat. Biz Markie & Andy Milonakis"; Tune Up; December 11, 2009". Tuneupmedia.com. December 11, 2009. Archived from the original on November 1, 2011. Retrieved September 12, 2011.
- ^ Sara Schaefer. "Performance with Jeff Goldblum on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon". Latenightwithjimmyfallon.com. Archived from the original on September 17, 2011. Retrieved September 12, 2011.
- ^ Schulz, Curt (November 12, 2014). "Biz Markie and the 'Yo Gabba Gabba Live!' cast prove that music is awesome for all ages". Oregonlive. Archived from the original on March 19, 2020. Retrieved July 17, 2021.
- ^ Theme: Catch Evolution by (July 17, 2021). "Harlem's Biz Markie Rapper, Clown Prince Of Hip Hop, Singer, DJ, Producer, And Writer 1964–2021". Harlemworldmagazine.com. Retrieved July 18, 2021.
- ^ "SpongeBob SquarePants: Kenny the Cat: "SpongeBob Superfan"". spongebob.nick.com. Archived from the original on March 30, 2014. Retrieved March 30, 2014.
- ^ "Behind the Voice Actors: Snorlock". behindthevoiceactors.com. Archived from the original on February 17, 2018. Retrieved July 18, 2021.
- ^ Littmann, Chris. "Biz Markie throws awkward first pitch". Sporting News. Archived from the original on July 15, 2018. Retrieved July 15, 2018.
- ^ Iovine, Anna Rose. "Twitter Reacts To Biz Markie's 'Empire' Appearance & They Were Just As Excited As Cookie". Romper. Archived from the original on April 23, 2018. Retrieved May 11, 2017.
- ^ "'Hip-Hop Squares': Behind the scenes with Nick Cannon, Biz Markie". EW.com. Archived from the original on August 8, 2020. Retrieved July 17, 2021.
- ^ Amanda Dobbins (March 20, 2012). "A Flaming Lips, Ke$ha, and Biz Markie Collaboration Is Happening". Vulture.com. Archived from the original on June 3, 2013. Retrieved July 17, 2021.
- ^ "Black-ish Ends Its Season With Laughter and Tears". TVGuide.com. May 10, 2017. Archived from the original on May 11, 2017. Retrieved May 11, 2017.
- ^ "Don't miss legendary hip-hop artist Biz Markie's new show on Rock The Bells Radio". SiriusXM. February 10, 2020. Archived from the original on July 26, 2020. Retrieved May 8, 2020.
- ^ Wang, Oliver (May 6, 2013). "20 Years Ago Biz Markie Got The Last Laugh". NPR. p. 1.
- ^ Brittain, Blake (March 24, 2022). "Biz Markie's widow sues rapper's manager over royalties, company control". Reuters. Retrieved June 25, 2023.
- ^ Lee, ArLuther (July 27, 2020). "Rapper Biz Markie hospitalized for weeks due to diabetes". The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Archived from the original on December 21, 2020. Retrieved December 21, 2020.
- ^ Eustice, Kyle (December 8, 2020). "Biz Markie missing for 6 months and now there's an update". hiphopdx.com. Archived from the original on December 21, 2020. Retrieved December 21, 2020.
- ^ Newman, Jason (July 1, 2021). "Biz Markie Rep Refutes Death Rumors". Rolling Stone. Archived from the original on July 1, 2021. Retrieved July 1, 2021.
- ^ "'Just a Friend' Rapper Biz Markie Dead at 57". TMZ. Retrieved June 23, 2023.
- ^ "Biz Markie Gets Custom Bronze Grave Marker Nearly One Year After His Death". June 19, 2022.
- ^ "Biz Markie's widow remembers late rapper at New York funeral: 'He made me laugh every day'". USA TODAY. Retrieved June 24, 2023.
- ^ Mitchell, Gail (November 17, 2022). "Paramount's Slate of Brands Have Big Plans to Salute Hip-Hop's 50th Anniversary". Billboard. Retrieved June 24, 2023.
- ^ Chiu, David. "Cyndi Lauper, Paul McCartney And Carlos Santana Among Tribeca Festival's Music Highlights". Forbes. Retrieved June 24, 2023.
- ^ a b c Ivey, Justin (April 19, 2023). "Biz Markie Documentary To Premiere At Tribeca Film Festival". AllHipHop. Retrieved June 24, 2023.
- ^ "Biz Markie Chart History: Billboard 200". Billboard. Retrieved August 2, 2021.
- ^ "Biz Markie Chart History: Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums". Billboard. Retrieved August 2, 2021.
- ^ Bush, John. "Goin' Off – Biz Markie". AllMusic. Retrieved July 18, 2021.
- AllMusic
- ^ a b "American certifications – Biz Markie". Recording Industry Association of America. Retrieved August 3, 2021.
- AllMusic
- AllMusic
- ^ Bush, John. "Weekend Warrior – Biz Markie". AllMusic. Retrieved July 18, 2021.
- ^ "Biz Markie Chart History: Comedy Albums". Billboard. Retrieved July 2, 2021.
- AllMusic
- ^ "On the Turntable – Biz Markie | Songs, Reviews, Credits". AllMusic. August 25, 1998. Retrieved July 19, 2021.
- ^ "On the Turntable, Vol. 2 – Biz Markie | Songs, Reviews, Credits". AllMusic. September 25, 2000. Retrieved July 19, 2021.
- ^ John Bush (May 7, 2002). "Greatest Hits – Biz Markie | Songs, Reviews, Credits". AllMusic. Retrieved July 19, 2021.
- ^ "Ultimate Diabolical". AllMusic. Retrieved July 18, 2021.
- ^ "Diabolical: The Biz's Greatest Hits". AllMusic. Retrieved July 18, 2021.
- ^ a b c d "Biz Markie Chart History". Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs. Retrieved January 31, 2022.
- ^ Marisa Brown (December 31, 1969). "Make the Music with Your Mouth, Biz – Biz Markie | Songs, Reviews, Credits". AllMusic. Retrieved July 19, 2021.
- ^ "Canadian dance peak". Collectionscanda.gc.ca. Retrieved August 3, 2021.
- ^ "BIZ MARKIE | full Official Chart History". Official Charts Company. Retrieved August 3, 2021.
External links
- In-depth Biz Markie interview Archived October 28, 2010, at the Wayback Machine
- VH-1 biography
- Biz Markie at IMDb
- Official website