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The Cold Chillin' class clown, Biz Markie debuted with "Goin' Off", one of the most unrelentingly amusing sets of productions and performances of anyone during Hip Hop's golden age. Markie was an oversized teenager with lyrical talents (if not finesse) far beyond his years, and material unlike every other rapper around, trading in nightclubs for the mall and striking a pose for picking your nose. Yes, the rhymes were often rudimentary or obvious (and many of the best were actually written by Big Daddy Kane), but his infectious optimism and winning flair (plus the masterful production of Marley Marl) carried Biz Markie far beyond the status of a novelty act. His first single, "Make the Music With Your Mouth, Biz" introduced him as a human beatbox, but he went on from there to drop a jingle friendly, yet legally challenged song ("Nobody Beats the Biz"), a tribute to his favorite haunts around Brooklyn ("Albee Square Mall"), and a track with some wry cynicism about the price of fame ("Vapors"). The rangy Marley Marl cued up some classic backing tracks for these songs, with any hint of braggadocio counteracted by his carnival-esque production sense. Cold Chillin' and Traffic Ent. Group proudly present Biz Markie's "Goin" Off", available for the first time as a double disc set, including the original album, and a plethora of substantial bonus material, from artwork to audio. With all the songs being digitally re-mastered, this project has been thought out, done right and handled with care, and we hope you enjoy it.

During the golden age of hip-hop, few labels produced as many classic artists and records as Cold Chillin' Records. Among the many artists to come from their now revered ranks is the timeless Biz Markie, the famed 'Clown Prince of Hip Hop.' Biz's reputation for playful and mischievous lyrics, and beat-boxing skills has earned him a sterling reputation, not just a mainstay of hip-hop culture, but as a television personality and comedian as well. It's with great pride that Traffic Entertainment Group have partnered with Cold Chillin' to deliver this re-issue of his most famous album, 'The Biz Never Sleeps.' More than just a classic in the old school hip-hop pantheon, 'The Biz Never Sleeps' is Biz Markie's biggest success as a rapper. A certified Gold album, it peaked at #66 on the Billboard 200 charts, and #9 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop charts in 1989. It also features Markie's famous hit 'Just A Friend', which peaked at #9 on the Billboard Hot 100 charts, was named VH1's 100th Greatest Song in Hip-Hop, and has been covered by numerous artists, from Justin Timberlake, to Mario, to jam band Umphrey's McGee. In 2010, "Just A Friend' was featured as the theme song to a very popular Heineken commercial spot. 'The Biz Never Sleeps' is considered a standard among golden age hip-hop music, and is a definite must-have for any fan of the genre. Released for the first time ever in an extended format this issue comes housed in a handsome 6 panel digipak and features never before seen photography from original Cold Chillin' art director and photographer George DuBose as well as 12' versions and remixes of the hit singles 'Spring Again' and of course 'Just A Friend,' all previously never available on CD format.

Biz Markie's inclination toward juvenile humor and his fondness for goofy, tuneless, half-sung choruses camouflaged his true talents as a freestyle rhymer. The Biz may not have been able to translate his wild rhyming talents to tape, but what he did record was worthwhile in its own way. With his silly humor and inventive, sample-laden productions, he proved that Hip Hop could be funny and melodic, without sacrificing its street credibility. A native of New York, Biz (born Marcel Hall) first came to prominence in the early 80s, when he began rapping at Manhattan nightclubs like the Funhouse and the Roxy and following the legendary Juice Crew all over the country. Biz met producer Marley Marl in 1985, and began working as a human beatbox for Marl-connected acts MC Shan and, later, Roxanne Shante. He also recorded his first set of demos, and by 1988, had signed with Cold Chillin'. This album was original released as a single vinyl EP only. It is not until now that these songs have been collected in their entirety and available for the first time ever as a complete CD. In addition, Traffic Entertainment Group and Cold Chillin' have resurrected seven live songs previously never ever heard anywhere except for that original performance from Worchester MA, 1987. This beautifully packaged CD contains extended artwork (complete with fold out poster) that features never before viewed original photography from the achieves of George Du Bose, acclaimed pop-art photographer and designer. Du Bose also lends extensive commentary to the liner notes that feature quotes and stories straight out the mouths of Hip Hop royalty and Cold Chillin' heads, Fly Tyrone Williams, Mr. Magic and MC Shan. This one is a MUST for any fan of any age of any genre of music.

During the golden age of hip-hop, few labels produced as many classic artists and records as Cold Chillin' Records. Among the many artists to come from their now revered ranks is the timeless Biz Markie, the famed 'Clown Prince of Hip Hop.' Biz's reputation for playful and mischievous lyrics, and beat-boxing skills has earned him a sterling reputation, not just a mainstay of hip-hop culture, but as a television personality and comedian as well. It's with great pride that Traffic Entertainment Group have partnered with Cold Chillin' to deliver this re-issue of his most famous album, 'The Biz Never Sleeps.' More than just a classic in the old school hip-hop pantheon, 'The Biz Never Sleeps' is Biz Markie's biggest success as a rapper. A certified Gold album, it peaked at #66 on the Billboard 200 charts, and #9 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop charts in 1989. It also features Markie's famous hit 'Just A Friend', which peaked at #9 on the Billboard Hot 100 charts, was named VH1's 100th Greatest Song in Hip-Hop, and has been covered by numerous artists, from Justin Timberlake, to Mario, to jam band Umphrey's McGee. In 2010, "Just A Friend' was featured as the theme song to a very popular Heineken commercial spot. 'The Biz Never Sleeps' is considered a standard among golden age hip-hop music, and is a definite must-have for any fan of the genre. Released for the first time ever in an extended format this issue comes housed in a handsome 6 panel digipak and features never before seen photography from original Cold Chillin' art director and photographer George DuBose as well as 12' versions and remixes of the hit singles 'Spring Again' and of course 'Just A Friend,' all previously never available on CD format.

During the golden age of hip-hop, few labels produced as many classic artists and records as Cold Chillin' Records. Among the many artists to come from their now revered ranks is the timeless Biz Markie, the famed 'Clown Prince of Hip Hop.' Biz's reputation for playful and mischievous lyrics, and beat-boxing skills has earned him a sterling reputation, not just a mainstay of hip-hop culture, but as a television personality and comedian as well. It's with great pride that Traffic Entertainment Group have partnered with Cold Chillin' to deliver this re-issue of his most famous album, 'The Biz Never Sleeps.' More than just a classic in the old school hip-hop pantheon, 'The Biz Never Sleeps' is Biz Markie's biggest success as a rapper. A certified Gold album, it peaked at #66 on the Billboard 200 charts, and #9 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop charts in 1989. It also features Markie's famous hit 'Just A Friend', which peaked at #9 on the Billboard Hot 100 charts, was named VH1's 100th Greatest Song in Hip-Hop, and has been covered by numerous artists, from Justin Timberlake, to Mario, to jam band Umphrey's McGee. In 2010, "Just A Friend' was featured as the theme song to a very popular Heineken commercial spot. 'The Biz Never Sleeps' is considered a standard among golden age hip-hop music, and is a definite must-have for any fan of the genre. Released for the first time ever in an extended format this issue comes housed in a handsome 6 panel digipak and features never before seen photography from original Cold Chillin' art director and photographer George DuBose as well as 12' versions and remixes of the hit singles 'Spring Again' and of course 'Just A Friend,' all previously never available on CD format.

Import only CD/DVD pressing includes the hits, 'Vapors', 'Just a Friend', 'One Two', 'Nobody' and more along with a bonus DVD with his music videos to; Vapors, Young Girl Bluez and Just A Friend. Traffic Records. 2009.