Although he's known primarily for the crossover hit "Just a Friend," to categorize Biz Markie's career on the basis of that song would be wholly unjust. This Cold Chillin' compilation sets the record straight. As a memb... more »er of the stylistically diverse Juice Crew, the formidable clique that included Big Daddy Kane's slick debonairness, Roxanne Shante's defiant b-girl stance, and the tales of hard-knock raconteur Kool G. Rap, Biz Markie's clown-prince character more than held his own. Despite the fact that he's maintained a low profile in recent years, a fact that was probably hastened by his losing a landmark sampling case to Gilbert O'Sullivan, Biz Markie's manic energy and unbridled persona paved the way for distinctive MCs like Ol' Dirty Bastard and Busta Rhymes. His charisma certainly helped him get over his legal troubles, but the Biz's deft beatboxing skills, humorous storytelling, and freestyle finesse are all clear on undisputed classics like "Nobody Beats the Biz," "Vapors," and "Make the Music with Your Mouth, Biz." Had "This Is Something for the Radio," and "Just Rhymin' with the Biz" (a Big Daddy Kane track, but a classic Biz appearance nonetheless) shown up here, this compilation would be definitive. In spite of those omissions, this fun and funky career retrospective succeeds in giving credit where it is due. --Del F. Cowie« less
Although he's known primarily for the crossover hit "Just a Friend," to categorize Biz Markie's career on the basis of that song would be wholly unjust. This Cold Chillin' compilation sets the record straight. As a member of the stylistically diverse Juice Crew, the formidable clique that included Big Daddy Kane's slick debonairness, Roxanne Shante's defiant b-girl stance, and the tales of hard-knock raconteur Kool G. Rap, Biz Markie's clown-prince character more than held his own. Despite the fact that he's maintained a low profile in recent years, a fact that was probably hastened by his losing a landmark sampling case to Gilbert O'Sullivan, Biz Markie's manic energy and unbridled persona paved the way for distinctive MCs like Ol' Dirty Bastard and Busta Rhymes. His charisma certainly helped him get over his legal troubles, but the Biz's deft beatboxing skills, humorous storytelling, and freestyle finesse are all clear on undisputed classics like "Nobody Beats the Biz," "Vapors," and "Make the Music with Your Mouth, Biz." Had "This Is Something for the Radio," and "Just Rhymin' with the Biz" (a Big Daddy Kane track, but a classic Biz appearance nonetheless) shown up here, this compilation would be definitive. In spite of those omissions, this fun and funky career retrospective succeeds in giving credit where it is due. --Del F. Cowie
CD Reviews
Buy this album if you like good music...don't if you don't.
Nathan Robinson | Phat Bojee | 01/26/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Biz has arguably been better known for his numerous and amazing guest spots on other's jams than for his own stuff. Hopefully, this album will remind heads of all stripes that Biz's best solo stuff is ill and holds up to repeated spins. The Diabolical's style is, well...different, and I mean that in the best possible way. He excells at just busting this phat-azz old-school type of hip-hop that makes you feel like you're chillin' in the park in NY cicra mid-80s. A criticism of Biz's solo joints has been all the extra weak tracks...well, now you have the "hits" compilation. One low price!"
The Clown Prince of Hip Hop
Nathan Robinson | 11/25/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"It is nice to see Biz Markie getting props, and is deserving of a fantastic compilation such as this. All of his classics from "Nobody Beats the Biz" to "Just A Friend" are included, so you can't go wrong. Plus, most of his albums are hard to find in stores. Pick this up and enjoy the wit and humor that Biz provided throughout his recording career."
True Hip Hop Heads
bigvince | Atlanta, GA | 12/29/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This album is a summary of Biz's early career. It is definitely a classic and a true delight for the 25 & over crowd."
The Biz
bigvince | 12/07/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is a must for all true Hip Hop fans. Tracks like Just a Friend, Nobody beats and Vapors are all included. A classic."