Senate Resolution No. 1270

BY: Senator PARKER

MOURNING the untimely death of Biz Markie,
legendary Hip Hop pioneer and musical icon

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to honor and pay
tribute to those musical geniuses whose commitment and creative talents
have contributed to the entertainment and cultural enrichment of their
community and the entire State of New York; and

WHEREAS, It is with profound sorrow and deep regret that this
Legislative Body records the passing of Biz Markie, noting the
significance of his inspired life and accomplishments; and

WHEREAS, Biz Markie, a hip-hop staple known for his beatboxing
prowess, turntable mastery and the 1989 classic "Just a Friend," died on
July 16, 2021, at the age of 57; and

WHEREAS, Born Marcel Theo Hall on April 8, 1964, in Harlem, New
York, Biz Markie went on to perform at colleges in Washington, D.C.,
Maryland, Virginia and Pennsylvania, where he gained recognition for his
work; and

WHEREAS, Biz Markie was a founding member of the late 1980s-early
1990s, Queens-based Juice Crew; the hip hop collective formed a
loose-knit "supergroup" around the production of beat maker Marley Marl
and the rap label Cold Chillin' Records; and

WHEREAS, Furthermore, known for his charismatic and down to earth
personality, Biz Markie was often recognized as the resident court
jester of the Queensbridge-based collective; and

WHEREAS, Biz Markie released his first album, "Goin' Off," in 1988;
one year later, in October of 1989, his second studio album "The Biz
Never Sleeps," was released, featuring his hit track, "Just A Friend";
the song became the artist's most successful single, selling millions of
copies and reaching No. 9 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart; and

WHEREAS, In addition to being a rapper, Biz Markie excelled as a
human beat boxer; he used this talent to maximum effect on his records,
producing memorable robot-like sound effects and turns of phrase which
are instantly recognizable to fans of the genre, particularly in the
decade following his first releases; and

WHEREAS, Always reliable for lighthearted amusement, Biz Markie
seldom ventured into controversial or difficult subject matter; he
released "I Need a Haircut" in 1991, followed by his fourth album, "All
Samples Cleared!" and 2003's "Weekend Warrior"; and

WHEREAS, This extraordinary rapper brought a relatable quality to
his records which catapulted him to become one of hip-hop's most
treasured and wholly original emcees; he also made a number of
appearances, mostly cameos, on sitcom television and in lighthearted
comedy films; and

WHEREAS, An amusing, endearing and ground-breaking artist, Biz
Markie will be missed, not only by his relatives and friends, but
multitudes of fans, collaborators, admirers and musicians who have been
influenced by his various contributions and talents; and

WHEREAS, Biz Markie's dedication to his music leaves an indelible
legacy of inspiration which will long endure the passage of time and
will remain as a comforting memory to his family, friends and countless
fans; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the untimely death of Biz Markie, legendary Hip Hop pioneer and
musical icon, and to express its deepest condolences to his family; and
be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of Biz Markie.