Biz Markie

Marcel Theo Hall (April 8, 1964 – July 16, 2021), known professionally as Biz Markie, was an American rapper, singer, DJ, record producer, actor, comedian, and writer. He was best known for his 1989 single "Just a Friend", which became a Top 40 hit in several countries. In 2008, "Just a Friend" made No. 100 on VH1's list of the 100 greatest hip hop songs of all time. Markie has been called the "Clown Prince of Hip Hop".
Markie was born in Manhattan, in the neighborhood of Harlem. He was raised on Long Island. Markie began his career in New York City nightclubs and later gained regional recognition by performing at colleges in Washington, D.C.; Maryland; Virginia; and Pennsylvania.
Regarding the origin of his stage name, the rapper said: "Biz comes from the first hip-hop tape I heard. It was ’77, ’78, from the L Brothers. Grand Wizard Theodore was the DJ, and the rappers was Kevvy Kev, Master Rob and Busy Bee Starski. I loved Busy Bee. Busy Bee just stuck with me. My name used to be Bizzy B Markie, and after a while I put the Biz with the Markie. My nickname in my neighborhood was Markie." 
==Links to Peel==
Peel played tracks from the rapper on his shows between 1986 and 1987. On his 13 October 1986, he dedicated a Biz Markie track to his son, William, who got within 30 hours, a brown belt in Karate and his orange belt in Judo. As well as his other children, Tom, who got his green belt in Karate and his daughter Alexandra, who lost 2 fights in a spirited manner, which the Pig witnessed.
==Shows Played==
;thumb|220x220px1986
*30 September 1986: Make The Music With Your Mouth, Biz (12") Prism
*13 October 1986: Make Your Music With Your Mouth, Biz (12") Prism
;1987
*04 May 1987: Nobody Beats The Biz (12") Prism
*06 May 1987: Nobody Beats The Biz (12") Prism
*15 May 1987 (Radio Bremen): Nobody Beats The Biz (12") Prism
==External Links==
*Wikipedia
*Discogs
*Official Website
Category:Artists