Champion of The Underdog: An Appreciation of The Life & Work of Biz Markie, Vol. 5 By: Beastie Boys Affiliate Jeremy Shatan (@AnEarful)
Marcel Theo Hall, better know as Biz Markie and oftentimes, affectionately referred to as The Biz, The Clown Prince of Hip-Hop, The Inhuman Orchestra, The Diabolical Biz Markie, and The Emizah-Emizah, was highly revered as one of the most genuine emcees to ever do it. Biz passed away on Friday, July 16, 2021 at the tender age of 57, likely due to complications from Type 2 Diabetes, although, no official Cause of Death has been revealed just yet. Biz Markie is most well-known for his infectious 1989 break-out single, "Just A Friend," but he was a truly multi-talented artist, as well. Biz Mark's lesser-known talents included beat-boxing, dancing, producing, DJ'ing, acting, singing, and song-writing.
It was proven time and time again that "Nobody Beats The Biz," but he surely didn't mind collaborating with just about anyone; racking up genre-defying features with everyone from the Beastie Boys to Spin Doctors. Biz's film and television appearances included roles on In Living Color, Men In Black II, black-ish, and Yo Gabba Gabba! as well as Paul Simon's "Me & Julio Down By The Schoolyard" music video. Since Biz Markie's untimely passing, his friends, fans, peers, fellow musicians, and admirers have been sharing their fond memories online. We'll attempt to collect some of the most meaningful tributes here with Champion of The Underdog: An Appreciation of The Life & Work of Biz Markie. Rest Easy to the man, the mouth, the legend, Marcel Theo "Biz Markie" Hall.
Sincerely,
Matt "The Witz" Horowitz
The Witzard Founder/Editor
"It was August 1998 and my family was in the midst of a very challenging year, but the light at the end of the tunnel was becoming visible. Then, I got a call from Mike D. who, along with his whole family, had supported us throughout our trials. He was offering two V.I.P. tickets to see the Beastie Boys out in New Jersey and was I interested? Was I ever! I called my sister and she was down, too. So we drove out to The Izod Center, put on our lanyards, and made our way backstage. When we emerged from the labyrinth into the cavernous backstage area, we found ourselves in the midst of an intense game of three-on-three basketball. Among the players were Mike, Ad-Rock... and, wait, was that Biz Markie? Yes! Just like his music, he had his own style on the court: kind of goofy and all over the place—but brutal to defend. Just as the game came into focus, we watched as he got clear of his opponents. He launched a shot from just inside the three-point line, a shot that came off his hand UGLY and acted the same when it hit the rim, bouncing up, bouncing over, bouncing back—everyone is holding their breath at this point—and falling in. Game over.
After the foofaraw died down, Mike came over, said "hi," then, waved at The Biz to come over. He lumbered towards us and Mike made the introductions. The Biz extended his hand, I extended mine, and we shook. His hand was big, beefy, and a little rough. This was the hand that held the mic when he made songs, like "Spring Again," "Just A Friend," and all the other classics that had been on constant rotation in my house. It was, also, a kind hand and I felt his generosity and warmth. A while later, in the midst of an arena packed with adoring fans, The Biz came out to do his little showcase. Those stuttering piano chords rang throughout the hall: it was "Benny & The Jets"! As he sang the song with a combination of childlike glee and masterful stagecraft, you could see the boy singing in front of his bedroom mirror and the man who could electrify millions of people. I just grinned and shook my head, knowing there would never, ever be another like Biz Markie. Rest In Peace."
- Beastie Boys Affiliate & Paul's Boutique Photographer Jeremy Shatan (@AnEarful)