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Born Marcel Hall in Harlem USA, Biz Markie stepped onto the scene in 1985, at age fourteen, as the beat box backup for Roxanne Shanté of the “Juice Crew.” He then adopted his alias–“Biz” a name his mother used to call him because he was such a busybody and “Markie,” short for Marcel, was his neighborhood nickname. Today, Biz Markie’s unique style is easily recognizable and well received.
In 1988, Biz Markie signed his first record deal with Prism/Cold Chillin’ Records and subsequently with Cold Chillin’/Warner Bros. During his 5-year upward success with Warner Brothers Records, Biz made hip-hop history that made a lasting impact on the music industry. He was the first rap artist to be sued for sample clearance. As a result, the album, “I Need A Hair Cut” was removed from the shelves and the “Biz Markie Sample Law” was instituted. “I’ve been through it all but I’m going to keep it movin’ until I can’t do it anymore.” Biz Markie demonstrated his resilience when he started BizMont Entertainment a production company with manager and longtime friend Monte Wanzer. |
