Artist: Biz Markie Album: The Biz Never Sleeps

Year: 1989
Duration: 0:0-1

A of the Album: The Biz Never Sleeps by Biz Markie

The 1980s was a decade of wild fashion, crazy hair, and vibrant music. One of the standout artists of the era was Biz Markie. Known for his entertaining live shows and unique style, Biz Markie quickly became a prominent figure in the hip-hop scene. His second studio album, The Biz Never Sleeps, released in 1989, was a groundbreaking album that showcased Biz Markie’s versatility as an artist. In this post, we will take a deep dive into the album, giving a brief history of the artist and the music genre of the album, analyzing the best songs of the album, and discussing the most innovative parts of the album while offering critical insights.
Biz Markie, whose real name is Marcel Theo Hall, was born on April 8, 1964, in New York City. Growing up in Long Island, Biz Markie was heavily influenced by the musical styles of the era and developed a passion for creating music. In the 1980s, Biz Markie began his professional music career and was known for his beatboxing skills and freestyle rapping, which he showcased during his live shows. The Biz Never Sleeps, which was Biz Markie’s second studio album, was released in 1989 and is considered a seminal piece of work in the history of hip-hop.
The Biz Never Sleeps is an album that possesses a unique style that combines hip-hop, funk, and R&B. The album’s lead single “Just A Friend” was a chart-topping success that cemented Biz Markie’s place in the music industry. The song showcased Biz Markie’s vocal range and his ability to tell a story through his music. The other tracks on the album also showcase Biz Markie’s versatility as an artist, with songs like “Spring Again” and “Things Get A Little Easier” displaying his melodic sensibilities.
The best songs of the album are “Just A Friend,” “Spring Again,” and “The Dragon.” “Just A Friend” became a hit and is still relevant today with its catchy hook, while “Spring Again” is a fun and uplifting song that will lift your spirits. “The Dragon” features Biz Markie rapping over an Asian-inspired beat that displays his unique style. The album’s title track, “The Biz Never Sleeps,” is a funky track that has a distinctive groove that is hard to ignore.
The most innovative part of the album is Biz Markie’s use of sampling. He borrows heavily from classic songs like “The Sugarhill Gang’s Rapper’s Delight” and “The Jackson 5’s ABC” to create catchy and memorable tracks. Biz Markie’s lyrics are also a highlight of the album, with songs like “Just A Friend” and “What Comes Around Goes Around” telling compelling stories that are relatable and engaging.
In terms of critical analysis, the album falls short of being a classic due to its filler tracks. While the album has some standout songs, there are also some tracks that feel like they were included just to pad out the album’s runtime. Another issue with the album is its outdated production. While the album’s production suited the time period it was released in, it sounds dated when compared to the current music landscape.
In conclusion, The Biz Never Sleeps is a classic album that showcases Biz Markie’s musical prowess. The album’s blend of hip-hop, funk, and R&B makes it a timeless piece of work that can still be enjoyed today. While there are some filler tracks on the album, the standout tracks like “Just A Friend” and “Spring Again” make it worth listening to. Biz Markie’s use of sampling and his memorable lyrics are the highlights of the album. Despite its flaws, The Biz Never Sleeps is an essential album for any fan of hip-hop and is a testament to Biz Markie’s legacy as an artist.