Biz Markie, a pioneering beatboxer and rapper known for his song "Just A Friend," has died at the age of 57.
Biz Markie, a larger-than-life hip-hop personality who was born Marcel Theo Hall in the United States, has died at the age of 57. Hall became a popular cultural icon later in life, known as much for his lively personality as for his big 1989 song, "Just A Friend." Hall had a long and illustrious career that began in 1986. Jenni D. Izumi, his manager, verified his death.
"We appreciate the numerous calls and prayers of support that we have received at this trying time," Izumi said in an email to NPR. "Biz established a legacy of creativity that will be long recognized by his business peers and his adoring fans whose lives he was able to touch via music over the course of his 35-year career."
Izumi did not offer an official cause of death for Hall, who had allegedly been unwell for months.
Biz grew up in a time when rap was still in its infancy when it was a free-for-all in terms of approach and style when it appeared innocent but was incredibly revolutionary. He was born in Harlem and moved to Long Island when he was a teenager. Big Fun in the Big Town, a 1986 Dutch hip-hop documentary, provided early exposure for that outside of New York, at least on film. A tall, lanky beatboxer wears a cap with large lettering spelling out "Biz Markie" on it. Onstage, he's effusive with Roxanne Shanté, a fellow crew member.
He was a founding member of the Juice Crew, a brilliant collective founded by producer Marley Marl, a visionary who created a crew so skilled and full of character that it could only be matched in the modern era by Wu-Tang Clan's otherworldliness. Mr. Magic, a radio DJ, established the gang, which was primarily made up of Queensbridge residents, and it was later signed to Tyrone Williams' Cold Chillin' Records label. "Roxanne's Revenge," their debut single, was produced by Bob Marley and featured a 15-year-old Roxanne Shante. The captivating single was a smash hit, and it was mainly responsible for Juice Crew's early success.
Big Daddy Kane, Kool G Rap, Masta Ace, MC Shan, and others were among the members of the nascent proto-supergroup. They were the forefront of their generation, a formidable duo that bolstered the new school in the midst of rap's growing popularity in the mid-'80s. Each of the members had its own characteristics. Biz was the jester in a team of serious rhyming masters if Kane was the dancing playboy and G Rap was the hustler. His delivery was never as deft as the others', but he took use of his stature with props and costumes, beatboxed with the mike pressed against his neck, and made himself the punchline. His self-deprecation, in a world of bravado, was a welcome contrast, very modest. He never ventured far from this topic for the remainder of his career. Many people refer to him as hip-"clown hop's prince."
Goin' Off, Biz's first official solo album, was released in 1988 and was produced by Marley Marl. It featured hits such as "Make the Music with Your Mouth, Biz," "Nobody Beats the Biz," and "Vapors," a humorous four-verse tale of prosperity and envy that became a smash. He laments endearingly in the song's last stanza: "'Can I be down, champ?' I ask. 'No!' they said, treating me as if I were a wet food stamp."
Markie's sophomore album, The Biz Never Sleeps, produced "Just A Friend," which became not only Markie's most well-known song but also one of rap's most lasting. It was his biggest song, reaching at No. 9 on Billboard, and featured a superb sample of Freddie Scott's "You Got What I Need." In the song video, Biz wears a powdered wig and plays the piano like Mozart. It was a story-rap about repeated rejection, with an earworm chorus to back it up. Biz is pictured weeping on the cover of the 12-inch single; big frown, handkerchief and all.
The sequel to Biz Never Sleeps, I Need A Haircut, is most known for a court ruling on copyright law: Gilbert O'Sullivan, a singer-songwriter, sued Biz and his record company, Warner Bros., for using his 1972 hit "Alone Again (Naturally)" without permission. As a result of this landmark judgment, sampling regulations were strengthened in the future, requiring all future rap (and other music) releases to comply with strict licensing rules. Despite some bright moments, such as "Alone Again," the song that landed them in trouble and rocked the whole industry, copies of I Need A Haircut were withdrawn off shop shelves, making it a letdown. All Samples Cleared! was the title of his next album.
As the 1990s drew to a close, it was apparent that Biz had been entrenched not only in hip-hop but also in other genres. The Beastie Boys, for example, included him on three of their albums: Check Your Head (1992), Ill Communication (1994), and Hello Nasty (1995). (1998). The Rolling Stones sampled him on "Anybody Seen My Baby," and his voice was inserted into the song's middle section. He has made appearances on reality television (Celebrity Fit Club) and mainstream radio in songs such as Len's "Beautiful Day" from 1999.
Weekend Warrior, Biz's final studio album, was released in 2003 and included him collaborating with producers 45 King and J-Zone, however, he was responsible for the majority of the beats. P. Diddy's ennobled status was confirmed with a big presence. On the album, he eulogizes Aaliyah and Lisa "Left Eye" Lopez in the intro before listing all of his favorite Chinese foods in the chorus.
He also featured in the movies, in Men In Black II, as an inter-cosmic version of himself. On television, he had a recurrent part on Yo Gabba Gabba!, a music-themed children's show. He provides brief instructionals on how to beatbox, frequently in costume, in a delightful feature called "Biz's Beat of the Day." On Chris Rock's No Apologies tour, he also served as an opener. T-shirts depicting his visage and the now-famous reactionary remark, "Oh Snap!" were extensively marketed. Dolls in his likeness, cereal boxes, and action figures all became collectible goods while his adoration was at an all-time high.
Biz might be seen on social media, uploading toys from his collection or playing 45s while clad in a onesie, until reports of his recent illness in late July of 2020. He continued to tour and make guest appearances on a regular basis. He'd stick show fliers up, either old ones that felt historic or new ones from tech conferences. There are also photos of him with other luminaries such as Slick Rick and Rakim. His giant smile and comic energy were intact, just as they were in that 1986 Dutch documentary.
"'Cause when the beats sound iffy and the kid's bark live / It'll be a sad day like when the Bizmark dies," an independent rapper named Edan predicted in 2005 on the track "Funky Voltron," saying: "'Cause when the beats sound iffy and the kid's bark live / It'll be a sad day like when the Bizmark dies." Biz has readily transmitted joie de vivre for over 30 years through clean and good-spirited comedy. His work seemed inclusive; he wanted us to laugh and be delighted by his toys, record collection, beats, melodies, jokes, and the expressions he'd produce. That's exactly what we were.
%20(1).webp)
No comments:
Post a Comment