On this day in hip-hop history, Biz Markie (real name Marcel Theo Hall), one of the most respected and successful DJs in hip-hop, was born. Growing up in Harlem, New York, The Biz has been moving the crowd with his unique rhyming style since he was 14. He’s done everything from his earliest gig as Roxanne Shante’s beatboxer to a headliner at Grammy Awards after parties. Whether on screen, on the mic, or on the 1s and 2s, The Biz has remained a consistent brand in entertainment booking, averaging 175 shows a year across the globe.

Over the past four decades, Biz Markie has established himself as one of the most prolific rappers/DJs in music. Since his 1988 debut, Goin’ Off (which peaked at #90 on the Billboard 200), he has grabbed hold of the hearts and ears of Hip-Hop lovers everywhere. His second album, 1989’s The Biz Never Sleeps, contains his timeless hit “Just a Friend,” which has permanently impacted pop culture.

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