American Rapper Biz Markie - Top 5 Facts

Learn all the top facts you need to know about the American rapper, beatboxer, and DJ Biz Markie.

Marcel Theo Hall, or best recognized by his stage name Biz Markie, is a well-known rapper, beatboxer, DJ, and actor. He also has built a reputation as a comedian, television personality, and spokesperson in recent years. Biz is renowned for his 1989 single 'Just a Friend,' which became successful as a Top 40 hit in several countries. In 2009, the single ranked number 100 on VH1's list of the 100 greatest hip hop songs of all time.

Biz - who recently underwent weight loss - also earned a name as the 'Clown Prince of Hip Hop' in his music career. His career came to decline in the 1990s after Gilbert O'Sullivan sued him over the unauthorized sample of 'Alone Again (Naturally)' on Biz's 1991 album 'I Need a Haircut.' He has not released an album since 2003's 'Weekend Warrior.' For those who do not know about his music career and professional life, we compiled the top 5 facts about the rapper in the sections below.

Biz Markie's Early Life

Biz Markie was born on April 8, 1964, in Harlem, New York, USA. There is not much information available on the early life of the rapper. He graduated from Longwood High School in 1982.

Biz Markie was born on April 8, 1964, in Harlem, New York.
Source: Twitter

Biz Markie began rapping at Manhattan nightclubs like the Funhouse and the Roxy in the 1980s. He met producer Marley Marl in 1985 and began working as a human beatbox for Marl-connected acts MC Shan and, later, Roxanne Shanté. This was the beginning of his rise to fame.

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Biz Markie's Career Breakthrough

Biz Markie rose to fame from his debut album, 'Goin' Off,' which he released in 1988. The album, notably the lead single 'Make the Music With Your Mouth, Biz,' garnered a lot of attention. The album also contained underground hit singles 'Nobody Beats The Biz,' 'Vapors,' and 'Pickin' Boogers.'

Biz Markie rose to fame from his debut album, 'Goin' Off,' which he released in 1988.
Source: Celebrity Net Worth

Biz Markie released his second album, 'The Biz Never Sleeps,' on October 10, 1989. The single of the album, 'Just a Friend,' became his most successful single, reaching number 9 on the Billboard charts.

Biz Markie Began DJing After His Music Career Declined in the '90s

Since dealing with the legal issues in the '90s that causes his decline, Biz Markie kept a low profile for the remainder of the decade. He instead spent time making occasional guest features on records by the Beastie Boys and filming a freestyle television commercial for MTV2 in 1996.

Biz Markie began DJing after his music career declined in the '90s.
Source: Celebsolino

Biz began gaining fame from his work with the Beasties, but he began DJing instead of continuing to record. He released Weekend Warrior for Tommy Boy in 2003, which restored his popularity. But actually, his appearance in 2005 on VH1's 'Celebrity Fit Club' helped him regain his fame than his 2003's record.

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Biz Markie's Movie Roles

Besides rapping, DJing, and beatboxing, Biz Markie also worked as an actor over the years. In 2002, he appeared in 'Men in Black II,' with Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones, and played an alien parody of himself, whose native language sounded exactly like beatboxing. So far, he has also made appearances in movies like 'The Wackness' (2008) and 'Celeste & Jesse Forever' (2012).

Biz Markie also worked as an actor over the years.
Source: Wikipedia

Between 2002 and 2003, Biz Markie appeared in episode 5 of the TV series Fastlane playing himself as a nightclub DJ. Additionally, in 2003, he appeared in the international television series titled 'Kung Faux,' performing a series of voice-over characters featured in a variety of episodes.

Biz Markie's Married Life

Biz Markie is currently married to his wife, Tara. Not much is known about his married life as the rapper prefers to keep details of his private life out of the limelight. 

Biz Markie is currently married to his wife, Tara. 
Source: Biz Markie Instagram

Biz often shares pictures of his wife Tara on social media platforms. They seem to enjoy their life together, celebrating special occasions, going on vacations and enjoy each other's company daily, indicating they are happy with each other.

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