04/10/2025
GREEDY !!!! COMING SOON Liffy Stokes Andrew Jerrold Chedda TV
Biz Markie (April 8, 1964 - July 16, 2021) born in Manhattan, New York City, he grew up in Long Island and graduated from Longwood High School in 1982. Biz began his career in 1985, performing in nightclubs and colleges, quickly gaining recognition for his humorous style, which earned him the nickname "Clown Prince of Hip-Hop." His stage name, inspired by Busy Bee Starski and his childhood nickname "Markie," evolved from Bizzy B Markie to Biz Markie.
He rose to prominence as part of the Juice Crew and signed with Cold Chillin' Records, releasing his debut album Goin' Off in 1988, which peaked at No. 90 on the U.S. chart. His breakthrough came with The Biz Never Sleeps in 1989, featuring the hit single "Just a Friend," which reached No. 9 on the Billboard Hot 100 and became a platinum-certified classic.
In 1991, Biz was sued by Gilbert O'Sullivan for copyright infringement over sampling in his song "Alone Again," resulting in a landmark ruling that set a precedent for sampling in Hip-Hop. Unrelenting, he continued to release albums like I Need a Haircut and All Samples Cleared!.
Beyond music, he appeared in films like Men in Black II and TV shows such as Yo Gabba Gabba! and SpongeBob SquarePants. He also hosted a radio show on SiriusXM's Rock the Bells Radio.
Biz Markie tragically passed away on July 16, 2021, at age 57 due to complications from diabetes. His legacy is marked by his influence on Hip-Hop, particularly in comedy rap, and his cultural impact, as seen in the dedication of Biz Markie Way in Patchogue, New York. A documentary titled All Up in the Biz released in 2023
This isn't his whole story, but I always suggest anyone who's a fan of the culture learn more for themselves. R.I.P. to the legend. 🙌🙏
