Biz Markie Tour & Ticket Info

BIZ MARKIE

The legendary Biz Markie is a true hip hop veteran. With more than 25 years of solid Hip Hop history under his belt, the human beatbox, MC and DJ has gathered a gigantic fan-base that stretches from New York City to Japan to Europe and everywhere in between.

First breaking onto the music scene in 1985 after meeting legendary producer Marley Marl, Biz began constructing his own destiny in the mystifying world of rap and Hip Hop. Biz had already collaborated with Roxanne Shanté for 1986's "Def Fresh Crew" and was also inducted in as an official member of Hip Hop's legendary Juice Crew.

By 1988, Biz had signed with Cold Chillin' Records and released his debut album, Goin' Off, which became a word-of-mouth hit and included the singles "Vapors," "Pickin' Boogers," and "Make the Music with Your Mouth, Biz." His distinctive style made his second album, The Biz Never Sleeps, a gold hit and its single, "Just a Friend," featuring rapped verses and out-of-tune sung choruses, into a top ten pop single.

Biz Markie's inclination toward juvenile humour and his fondness for goofy, tuneless, half-sung choruses camouflaged his true talents as a freestyle rhymer. With his silly humour and inventive, sample-laden productions, he proved that Hip Hop could be funny and melodic, without sacrificing its street credibility.

After some trouble with the law over an uncleared sample on his third album I Need a Haircut, which concluded in a ruling that drastically changed the rules for the rap community and copyright laws, Biz stayed out of the spotlight for nearly a decade. During this time, he did however work with the Beastie Boys on several recordings, which helped him regain his profile. Now years later, Biz continues to be universally praised by the ever-fickle and unforgiving Hip Hop industry.

No easy feat to accomplish, Biz has defined longevity to the highest power and has managed to still be one of the most notable artists and DJs in the industry. An avid collector of vinyl records, Biz has over 30,000 45’s and over 50,000 12 inch records. It's no wonder you can find him spinning and performing at major events including The Grammy After Parties, The Pre-Oscar Parties, Will Smith Movie Premieres, The Magic Johnson Foundation Events, Super Bowl & NBA Allstar Events, ESPN Events and Microsoft Software Launches.

He even performed for The Boss herself, Ms. Diana Ross, during a private birthday at Motown founder, Berry Gordy’s home. Having recently been featured on VH1's “Where are They Now?”, Biz's publicists answered their question with "He is everywhere!".

He is a seasoned veteran that is still relevant by DJing/performing approximately 225 shows/parties last year, in movies he was next to Will Smith in "Men In Black 2" playing a beat boxing alien, in television has been on Keenan Ivory Wayans "In Living Color", "Celebrity Fit Club", "Nick Cannons Wild N Out" on MTV, and more recently has appeared on "Yo Gabba Gabba" (1 of the most highest rated kids shows on Nick Jr.) doing the beat box & dance of the day.

Biz Markie really is one of the most sought after entertainers/DJs in the business!

This Hip Hop legend will be bringing his talents to Australian audiences next month with Yo Gabba Gabba! as a part of the Vivid Festival and is sneaking away to perform at side-shows and deliver his classics to the fans!

Need your live music fix?

Search for KATCHAFIRE here.
Touring June - July 2011

Search for BLUE KING BROWN here.
Touring June 2011