Champion of The Underdog: An Appreciation of The Life & Work of Biz Markie, Vol. 9 By: Beastie Boys' Mike D (Re-published)
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
"We are so grateful to have had so many unforgettable experiences with the truly unique and ridiculously talented Biz Markie. We will miss his presence deeply in so many ways. In the 90's, Biz would often show up at our G-Son Studios in Atwater, CA. Naturally, every visit would start with a trip to the candy store—which, in this case, was, actually, a liquor store across the street. Regardless, he would always return happy with a brown paper bag full of treats. Once he had his sugar fix, he would typically grab a mic and sing whatever song he wanted, looking at us as if we'd know exactly what to play—and, somehow, he was usually right. I'll never forget the time he showed up with a stack of 45's to make a mixtape to listen to on his flight back to New York. Did this mixtape include famous break beats, like The Honey Drippers' "Impeach The President" or Rufus Thomas' "Funky Penguin" or any of the other "classic" that you might associate with Biz and his amazing human beat-box skills? Nope. He smiled ear to ear as he put on Helen Reddy's "I Am Woman" and sang along at top volume with his headphones on—so excited that he'd soon be able to do this all over again on his flight!"
"Biz was a completely unique musician. No one else could beat-box, making beats and grooves and sounds the way he did, when he came out. He didn't play by the rules or observe any categories. If he loved something, he would play it or sample it or rap over it—or just DJ the song and have the audience sing along. He was all-inclusive, the way Hip-Hop can be at its best moments. It's, also, important to note that The Biz was not just a rapper or a record-maker, but a true entertainer. He could get on and rock a crowd, whatever the circumstance—from his legendary early appearances at The Latin Quarter in New York City to The Tibetan Freedom Concert in San Francisco's Golden Gate Park. Once he was doing a DJ set opening up for us—just him, records, a mic, and the audience singing along—and the power suddenly cut out. He didn't miss a beat, human beat-boxing, and singing a cappella without amplification. He could not be stopped. Biz, we love you and we miss you and we are so grateful for everything we got to do together and make in the time we had. Much love always..."
- Beastie Boys' Michael "Mike D" Diamond (@miked)