Hard sell: Biz Never Sleepsbest

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Product Description

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.

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The clown prince of hip-hop, Biz Markie disappeared into obscurity just a couple of years after this album was released, in large part owing to a legal battle. Hip-hop has lacked for Biz's absence (except for his occasional appearance on a Beastie Boys or De La Soul track), and this album is the reason. Biz had some serious skills (listen to the rap he busts out with on the hilarious "Mudd Foot"), but he usually shelved them for a deliberate, toned-down delivery punctuated by an affected stutter. His lyrics tend toward high-school-level humor, and his production may often be minimal, but Biz's best work--including the bulk of this CD--communicates a joy that hip-hop often lacks. --Randy Silver

Biz Never Sleeps Reviews

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful

You can't go wrong with the Biz., January 26, 2002

Sir Deuteronomy McClurkin, esq. (America) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Biz Never Sleeps (Audio CD)

Ok ok ok... I've heard it before from many people, including myself. "Rap isn't my kind of music." And while I admit I am not a rabid rap fan, especially of today's breed, I enjoy this album. Biz knew how to rhyme, he knew how to be hillarious, he knew how to be serious, and God knows he knew how to give shout-outs (as he did on every track of this album). Ok, so the last part may make him seem a bit pretentious... but do not let that get in the way. This album is great... a good antithesis to today's style of rap. Biz raps about Springtime, body odors, "friends", as well as anti-drugs. No egotistical sexism, no racism, and no excessive, boring curising. Great rhymes. So if you ever get the chance to run across this album, give it a spin... you may find it quite enjoyable.

The one who shalt never be Lester Bangs--
Deuteronomy McClurkin