RIP BIZ MARKIE

The Clown Prince of Hip-Hop,

a legendary DJ, producer, human beatbox, and rapper who scored a Top Ten pop hit with "Just a Friend" (1989).

The legendary Biz Markie brings more than 30 years of solid hip-hop acumen and an overwhelming fan-base that stretches from New York City to Japan to Europe. At the age of 14, Marcel Hall dazzled his neighborhood under the alias of Biz Markie. His music scene debut began in 1985 as a beat box for Roxanne Shante of the Juice Crew. From then Biz began constructing his own destiny in the mystifying world of rap and hip-hop. Now 30 years older and immensely wiser, Biz continues to be universally praised by the ever-fickle and unforgiving hip-hop industry. No easy feat to accomplish, Biz is the definition of longevity and has managed to remain one of the most notable artists and DJs in the industry.

Born to embrace hip-hop, Biz is originally from Harlem but later moved to Long Island where he gained notoriety by his early teen years for beat boxing and rhyming. The Biz began his journey by beat boxing his way into the hearts of hip-hop lovers and delivering humorous, witty rhymes that made him loveable and admired by music fans all over. You can find Biz spinning and performing amongst almost every major celebrity in America and abroad. He has under his belt such mega-events as The Grammy’s After Parties, The Pre-Oscar Party, Will Smith Movie Premiere Events, Chris Rock’s No Apologies tour, events hosted by The Magic Johnson Foundation, State Farm (50 Million Pound Challenge), ESPN as well as for such annual occasions as the Super Bowl, NBA Allstar Weekend, CIAA Weekend, Essence Festival and many more.