ONE HIT WONDERLAND: "Just a Friend" by Biz Markie

[@sowen3192]

"Biz Markie is an original. There's been none like him and there won't be another anytime soon. Yeah, he was a clown but the world loves a clown for a reason. Biz Markie challenged the preconceptions on who could be a rapper. He wasn't a gangsta, he wasn't 'slick', he wasn't a lover man or pretty boy- he never tried to be. He just was who he was."

[@channelname4238]

Rest in peace the biz

[@oh_no_martians]

Rip in peace biz

[@samuellaakso7012]

Words to live by, rest in peace Biz.

[@jacobramirez5228]

Rest in paradise biz

[@somedudefromTX]

Bro, I'm not crying, you're crying :*(

[@Harv72b]

All you need to know about Biz Markie in one short story: I work at a major casino in central Maryland, which has a smallish concert venue located in the center. One night a couple years ago I'm flipping cards near the stage during karaoke night and I hear someone doing an incredible version of "Just a Friend" inside the club. Even nailed the chorus in perfect off-key. Yeah, it was Biz. Just stopped by for a laugh. The man is exactly the kind of person we should all want to be.

[@drpibisback7680]

An ability to self-deprecate should be present in any artist. Knowing that you aren't necessarily God's gift to music makes you a much better artist and person.

[@Crimson_Cheetah]

That’s amazing! 😂

[@Flowtail]

I have no idea if that's true but does it really matter?

[@GhostOfBilly]

Are we all gonna just ignore the fact that this dude is so cool he just referred to dealing as "flipping cards"? That is such a cool old school term it's the cat's pajamas.

[@JennaLeigh]

@@GhostOfBilly true! And I've always thought that the expression "the cat's pajamas" was the bee's knees.

[@ultimateninjaboi]

The Biz is like... that bard that maxed out Charisma, but isn't proficient with Performance in any way. But is still getting by on sheer personality and charm.

[@deathbower]

And all the other bards want to hate him because they spent all their time practicing but they just can't because of said charisma stat.

[@eliasmg9144]

I feel called out

[@DaysieRose]

This is a perfect comment.

[@spek-27]

You obviously never saw him perform then, because you couldn't be more wrong.

[@jacknapier8201]

Biz Markie seems like some sort of Frankenstein creation where instead of dead bodies he was made out of teddy bears.

[@outtagoodnamesdangit]

So, what, he's like Build-A-Biz?

[@kira.eileen9391]

@tbonbrad pls tell me you’re not talking about carpet samples

[@eliasmg9144]

@@kira.eileen9391 ... WHY?!

[@007megaoof]

@@kira.eileen9391yup he’s talking about ol’ carpet samples

[@Hakajin]

I think the wailing and mumbling makes this song relatable. Who hasn't curled up and had a good messy cry over something like this? Or at least felt like it?

[@helenanilsson5666]

Don't remind me, worst fucking breakup ever.

[@whenyou6061]

Helena Nilsson Is there a story behind this?

[@GideonGleeful95]

In a way it's kind of like Kendrick Lamar's intentionally desperate delivery on U, with a different tone, obviously

[@dntinker]

I'm gonna messy cry to it soon

[@thechief00]

100%, it's the sound of every one-sided crush lol

[@Burninator-ef7ng]

This legend unfortunately passed away yesterday. Rest In Peace to The Biz

[@Positive_Tea]

RIP Biz

[@matcoffidis1135]

For sure...❤

[@slavojdyrdek]

Hip-hop loves authenticity. With Biz, what you see is what you get, and he's loved for that

[@damienthonk1506]

The entire point of this song is that it's terrible on purpose (aka, inauthentic.) You don't really have a point there.

[@YaMamasAss]

@@damienthonk1506 You just proved his point is stronger, dumbass. lmfao

[@YaMamasAss]

@@damienthonk1506 Like, your point is "The song is terrible on purpose" which is made obvious and well-known. Which means it's authentic. Which was the point of the first comment. Headass lmfaooooooo

[@duuet5614]

@@damienthonk1506 just to let you know it's not on purpose. Biz was gonna have an r and b singer on the hook and they never showed up

[@-xphobia]

Yeah that's why all of these rappers today are incredibly authentic lmao. And biz is a huge star.

[@jlprizm]

How you can not love this guy? He just looks like he's having so much fun and you wanna join him and sing along.

[@patricklauer4452]

Jasmine L ikr

[@rosebyanyname]

Heard about Biz today and came here. Heaven has gained a truly deserving angel.

[@wesleyhunt7599]

RIP to another one. One-hit wonders are falling like flies now.

[@wintermute8315]

One hit was enough to fund a drug habit back then.

[@HolyGoddessMotherAnne]

Huey dead too one hit wonder wise and the lady who made lovergirl.

[@dtxspeaks268]

Honestly I don't even consider Biz a OHW. Real Hip Hop/Rap stans know about "Vapors" and "Nobody Beats the Biz."

[@spek-27]

He wasn't a "one hit wonder". Anyone who thinks that just doesn't know anything about hip hop history.

[@spek-27]

​@@wintermute8315 What TF are you talking about? Biz Markie's death didn't have anything to do with drugs.

[@Puma20]

And sadly in 2021 Mr. Markie has passed away at the age of 57 .. RIP ...

[@Valincio]

The Great Biz has passed on. RIP Biz Markie. You had what we needed.

[@chernobylcoleslaw6698]

F

[@Posiman]

Biz Markie and Spin Doctors doing a song for Space Jam soundtrack is officially the most 90s thing ever...

[@e11aguru]

A lot of guys have girl problems and can relate to the lyrics. That the song is so goofy and awkward makes Biz even more relatable as the every man who has issues with girls. So the badness is a big part of what's so good about this song.

[@ThierryRocksTV]

I agree definitely

[@mcj88]

Sadly the last year for the Biz hasn't been a good one. Last April he went to the hospital for diabetes complications, and in December he had a stroke and went into a diabetic coma. In fact just last night a rumour of his passing went around Twitter; it doesn't appear to be true, yet the word is also that he's in hospice care, so unfortunately it only seems like a matter of time... Still, I'm pulling for him and hope he can somehow pull through. EDIT, July 16: And now it's official, RIP Biz Markie.

[@devinq4605]

Well, in case you haven't heard, it is now.

[@BZABuddy]

Haven't read the details on on it til now but damn, that's basically what happened to Patrice O'Neal.

[@laylagardner8728]

Godspeed Biz, you're rapping with Angels now.

[@fireglo450music]

I think the best word to describe this man is "endearing." He just seems so genuine and nice. Like I just wanna hang with this dude and have a good time.

[@Cyberweasel89]

From the people who met Biz, they say he was an incredibly genuine person. He just wanted to make people laugh and smile, with no hidden agenda or ulterior motives to that at all. A true bard to the end, spreading joy and happiness wherever he could, making sure everyone was in on the joke rather than the butt of it (unless it was himself, and the best comedy always did come a place of vulnerability IMHO).

[@roshango125ab]

RIP Biz. You made all our late night car rides just a little more fun

[@cashnelson2306]

"A fella tongue kissin' my girl in the mouth" is one for the ages

[@CHIIIEEEEEEEEFFFFSSS]

Better than tongue kissin' her somewhere else, I guess.

[@LeUmoq]

Biz seems like a genuinely wholesome guy

[@ECL28E]

I'm still waiting for a Biz Mark and Will Smith collab

[@sherkonia644]

ECL28E there is one. "so fresh" by will smith ft biz and slick rick

[@niccage6375]

To quote sean fay wolfe of diamond axe studios, "Rip to the great and powerful Biz... you had one shot at life, and dammit, you made it count"

[@Davethe3rd]

DID HE DESERVE BETTER? The Biz deserved everything. Rest in Peace, Biz...

[@bobbobinson11]

Biz Markie seems like Jordan Peele doin a K&P skit

[@julekmeister]

For me he sounds more like Tracy Jordan

[@nakenmil]

I was JUST thinking that. He sounds EXACTLY like Tracy Morgen. It's uncanny.

[@Lndo-sh1xl]

Hey hate how accurate this is

[@Bradford659]

julekmeister I think he looks like Tracy Morgan when he’s got the Mozart wig on.

[@gruthakhul100]

that's ... incredible :O did he ever do that?

[@TheThingNG]

And now we don't even have a friend.....RIP the Biz

[@thechief00]

nobody beats the biz

[@joeblevins1061]

I do remember when this song was originally a hit, and your guess was exactly correct: Pop music was very slick and anonymous (a lot like it is now), and this song stuck out like a sore thumb. That's what made it a hit. People couldn't believe what they were hearing. Top 40 radio stations loved it, and it *did* play alongside Roxette, Paula Abdul, etc., etc.

[@wadespencer3623]

Greetings from the future, where another very not-slick song absolutely broke the zeitgeist fro 19 weeks straight.

[@avosmash2121]

Yeah this future is weird my dudes. I knew of Old Town Road, but had no idea it was a hiphop fusion with both Billy Ray Cyrus, AND a sample of Nine Inch Nails too?? It's a fun catchy little thing, not the best song ever made but by golly do I honestly wholly salute it for not giving a fuck about genres or what's trendy to copy. We need more Biz Markies, Weird Al's and Les Claypool sort of talents to just kick down the walls of boring sanity.

[@JasperJanssen]

Wade Spencer old town road seems like a much much slicker song.

[@michaelstoro71akov]

Yep! Though compared to the boring environment around them, both "straight up" and "the look" were also breaths of fresh air. I wasn't there at the time, but all three of these feel weird and exciting, each in their own way.

[@zomtron]

RIP Biz Markie. I didn’t know much about him before this video, but this helped me learn a decent amount about him, definitely enough to know what we just lost.

[@misunderstood781981]

Great comment

[@alluneedislessthan3]

Still one of the best songs to scream the lyrics to whilst plastered.

[@megamage911]

Cuz you can't possibly sound worse than the original anyways haha xD

[@juanmeza6492]

😂😂

[@NameEntry]

Plastered? FUCK THAT. I sing horribly along with this song while I'm stone cold sober!

[@NoActuallyGo-KCUF-Yourself]

*drinks* Yooouuuuuuuu

[@ronaldharris6569]

Yup it's raw emotions,not artistry, feels good to just get it out

[@seancain2216]

RIP Biz. Immediately came here to listen to your take on The Clown Prince of Hip-Hop.

[@Drybones898]

My step-dad told me a story about how he put a ton of quarters into a juke box with this song and then told his friend that they had to leave immediately.

[@yltraviole]

The original salt-and-pepper diner

[@justvibin1447]

Is your stepdad John Mulaney?

[@plaidmoon5642]

Late one night a few of us went out for some hamburgers and the guy running the grill was being an asshole. So, on the way out we chipped in and set up the juke box to play Donny Osmond singing Puppy Love 16 times in a row. Cruel, but the guy was much nicer to us next time.

[@jageiosjgaeiojg]

My mate did the same thing in a rough Welsh pub except it was a track on some soundtrack album that was like a 15 minute interview with the director. I mean obviously they'd have just unplugged it after 5 minutes but I choose to believe it just kept playing all day, infuriating drunk boyos

[@awzthemusicalreviews]

@@jageiosjgaeiojg the fact that it was even available is astounding. I laugh whenever I see stand up bits on a jukebox, because I can't imagine where people would go where they'd want to spend $1 to listen to George Carlin

[@NickJohnCoop]

Todd, thank you for doing this. It’s probably a better summing up of the man than many professional media sources. Nobody Beat The Biz! RIP

[@tacaloking4]

man this is probably one of the only songs were the bad singing is what made this song good i dont think the song would be half as likable if the singing was good it works because the singing sucks

[@rashotcake6945]

There’s tons of songs like that in indie, folk, and punk. I mean, you wouldn’t want an operatic singer over a lofi noise rock song

[@Talisguy]

@@rashotcake6945 Sure, but you can be an unpolished singer without being a *bad* singer. You don't want the lead singer in a punk band to sound too professional, but that doesn't mean they need to sound like shit. Just a Friend is the only song I've ever heard where better singing would actively make it worse.

[@Karmy.]

Float On by Modest Mouse

[@twistedwizard9100]

rest in peace legend. he deserved better

[@jacobbigaj6168]

Let's pour one out for the Biz. Rest in peace, man.

[@lemonworm]

Rest in Peace to an absolute fucking legend

[@philllllllll]

I just want to hug him.

[@morganqorishchi8181]

RIP Biz Markie. This song will forever be a delightful piano jam my mom likes to teach kids she gives piano lessons.

[@Gigas0101]

I love that "OH SNAP". Gets me every time.

[@thehopeofeden597]

I had to come pay my respects to the legend. Why? Because *NOBODY* beats The Biz.

[@misunderstood781981]

💯👍🏿

[@WilliamHasMelted]

Rest in Peace Biz You had what I needed

[@bebopwing1]

Man, I just watched this video after it popped up in my suggested, not realizing he'd passed away until after it finished and I opened up social media.

[@bridgetcooney5085]

Respect. Came back to this review, cause this is where I first heard of this legend. And I mourn his passing.

[@soulfoodie1]

I found this episode a few months ago and have been listening to 'Just a friend' regularly since. A thoughtful overview of Biz' s career which sadly now acts as a tribute. Such sad news about Biz. Thought with his wife and loved ones.

[@PassTheMarmalade1957]

This guy is just so...likeable. A breath of fresh air compared to all the Chris Brown's and Lil Wayne's and Jason Derulo's of the hip-hop world.

[@birdgod5584]

Lady Marmalade Jason Derulo is sometimes okay

[@lucasbell4831]

blueghostvalley He's not likeable.

[@bizarrenrugged3370]

people just can't keep Chris Brown name out they mouths

[@olumidesobodu5450]

Lady Marmalade you named like one rapper lol 😂

[@Flowtail]

Olumide Sobodu they said "hip-hop" in their comment

[@palepeople]

I would personally love an episode on "Tiptoe Through The Tulips" as performed by Tiny Tim. Just this utterly fascinating and strange outsider musician who somehow created an indelible piece of pop culture.

[@UBvtuber]

He's more famous for Living in the Sunlight these days though (with the giant elephant in the room being SPONGEBOB).

[@indyxpbullion2422]

His live version of Stayin’ Alive is 🔥🔥

[@BonJoviBeatlesLedZep]

Not a One Hit Wonder

[@FineFictMen]

I have to come back here after hearing the devastating news... R.I.P. Biz Markie

[@docdrew87]

From a hip hop historian perspective, Biz might have seemed goofy on his surface, but he paved the ways to include all types of people and styles into hip hop. Biz Mark is one of my favorites from the 80’s. ✌🏻

[@HockeyMetalRPG]

I was in college when this came out and there was nothing like hearing a bunch of drunk college frat boys screaming "YOU, YOU GOT WHAT I NEED"

[@petercahill6696]

Rest in Peace Biz Markie. You will always be one of the most unique and endearing personalities hip hop has ever seen.

[@WolfDB]

Everyone else has already said it, but RIP to the legend himself

[@ginnyjanisse1220]

RIP man. Such a unique artist with an everlasting persona.

[@GVxoxo]

Anyone else get Tracy Morgan 30 Rock Vibes from Biz Markie? Werewolf bar mitzvah Spooky scary Boys becoming men Men becoming wolves

[@thirteenfury]

G -Race Omg, thank god I'm not the only one. I swear Tracy Morgan is channeling Biz Markie in all his mannerisms and sketches. It's like they're twins born a decade apart.

[@binary_terror2]

That's exactly what I was thinking.

[@djangomarkov7948]

G -Race wait....they're not the same person?

[@dzevadbusnov9665]

G -Race hell yess

[@Hakajin]

Yes, so much. If Christina Aguilara is Jenna, and Justin Timberlake is Jack, Biz is definitely Tracy.

[@TravisBickle910]

Biz passed away today. RIP, he will be dearly missed.

[@billiejoeeyelash]

Well, I'm coming back to this as it is just now reported that today, Biz Markie died at the age of 57. Sad news, but I'm glad we can all reflect on his life like this.

[@birdtheidiot3002]

Everyone I love could die on the same day I was diagnosed with a painful life ending disease and this song would still make me smile.

[@Account_Not_Applicable]

I remember first hearing this song on one of those "I Love the 80s" specials on VH1, and I instantly adored it. It was goofy, it was sincere, it was terrible, it was awesome. Biz Markie seems like one of those guys who just radiates an energy that brings joy to people and I hope he keeps doing his thing.

[@therealbitwars]

Biz has always been well respected amongst his peers. Rest In Peace Biz Markie.

[@NotoriousLightning]

"Just A riend" actually samples an old Freddie Scott tune called "You Got What I Need."

[@lizd.8655]

I had to watch this again as soon as I heard the news. RIP great BIZ

[@FantageJapanRules]

i had to go to this video again after hearing the news… RIP to biz markie!

[@warriorwhacko]

R.I.P. Biz. You were a one of a kind original, taken from us all too soon. Thanks for all your songs and beatboxing.

[@williamraymusic]

Watching again in Biz Markie’s honor. RIP Biz

[@ModeratelyTrumpet]

Dude.. Wtf. This chorus is a master class in tonal expression.

[@bonecanoe86]

Coming back to watch this again after I heard the news. RIP Biz Markie

[@visionop8]

I always thought this song was popular because rap told a story in the 80s. There was always a complete story like "U be Illin'" or "Children's Story". Biz may have seemed a bit... off...lol, but he was a hip hop bard. He told this story of visiting his girl on a break from school and I'm sure all of us can picture the events in our heads when we hear it. He also showcased his ability to be a human cartoon character and I think thats why we still like this guy today. He's Daffy Duck in the flesh.

[@andrewmanzo8217]

RIP Markie, thanks for having featured him @todd in the shadows.

[@adamweller4806]

Huh, a re-upload I've never seen before, about a track I've never heard. Happy with that!

[@jacknapier8201]

Biz has no regrets... You can tell because Biz is clearly not the kind of person to ever have anything like a regret... And yes, Diamanda is right... SR4 is the best version.

[@artistwithouttalent]

Had to come back tonight. R.I.P. Biz.

[@Dogeathotdog1]

I love this show The history The humor The failed follow up portion The piano intro It all comes together to make the perfect show

[@fakechemicals]

You nailed it on this one. There's just so much love in this episode it's outright infectious.

[@djdtrickery]

Todd, you are the best. You could literally never leave 88-92 and be successful. Great job, man.

[@LockeWick]

He sings the song just how it should be, pathetic and real, and with his natural charisma of being likeable, it is a perfect song. From people being unable to relate to people that can relate, from people in a happy mood to those in a very down state, from those sober to those trash drunk, anyone can sing along to it and have fun. If you ask me, its a masterpiece because of how every moving piece in this song fits perfectly. There is no way anyone can make this song better then Biz.

[@skyden24195]

When this video got to the "did he deserve better?" part, the well deserved and enthusiastic "Yes!" that was given for Biz not only choked me up a bit, it also made me applaud. 👏👏👏

[@mierardi88]

Came here to mourn with you lovely people. #ripBizMarkie

[@wolfvanderbijl]

rip biz. you were such a joy to the world man

[@chefbanjo8139]

This is the first place I came when I heard the news, Rest In Peace to an icon.

[@Taigan_HSE]

May his memory be a blessing.

[@mookow2]

Had to come back to the video that introduced me to him R.I.P.

[@MrMegaManFan]

RIP Marcel. Also if you were a rap fan in the 80's "Nobody Beats the Biz" and "Vapors" were GIANT hits, regardless of whether or not they were "chart" hits. PS: Good on you Todd - you acknowledged his debut album, his Cold Chillin' familia, Kane helping him with the rhymes, the Gilbert O'Sullivan lawsuit, you covered all of the bases. Respect.

[@johnkoch9315]

I really wanna see an episode on A Thousand Miles by Vanessa Carlton. If I could afford to buy an OHW request that would be the first thing I would pick.

[@TAG037]

John Koch How much does it cost?

[@evasilverman9440]

John Koch She wasn't a one hit wonder, she just fell off the map.

[@johnkoch9315]

Can you name another song by her? I don't think I've ever heard one. Todd's done a few videos where they quote unquote have more hits but they're not ones that anyone remembers.

[@LEECUDDIHY]

I think todd should expand his definition of one hit wonder to someone who the general (music listening)public can only name one song from or associates that act with only one song. He says that he doesnt consider these ohw but how many times has he found a ohw that has other hits, if it doesn't disqualify those picks then it shouldn't disqualify the new expanded catagory. Theres a lot that comes under this catagory Aqua, b*witched, vanessa carlton, coolio ect ect

[@ProJatior]

John Koch Ordinary Day.

[@OmniMonitor]

"Hard to make a career when no one takes you seriously." What about Weird Al?

[@megamage911]

Holy shit, I thought exactly of Weird Al too xD But I guess the difference is, even if Al is a joke, and he presents himself like that, he still seems to be very competent at what he does. Biz made himself look like a complete fool in this song, and I think that worked against him over time, since it was all most people knew him for. I mean, on some of his later songs, you can definitely hear that he's improved his lyrical skills, flow etc. But it might have just been too late at that point. Holy shit this comment got a lot longer than I had planned xD

[@GarfieldiusPrime]

@@megamage911 yeah, once people associate you with something goofy it's hard for them to not think of it if you try to do something more credible or artistic or even just slightly more serious.

[@megamage911]

@@GarfieldiusPrime Though it CAN work sometimes. Jim Carrey managed it somewhat. Of his serious roles I think I like Eternal Sunshine of a Spotless Mind is the best.

[@logicn.reasoning9744]

@@megamage911 Favorite movie of all time!

[@megamage911]

@@logicn.reasoning9744 Yeah it's fucking great! :D

[@arashink]

Has anyone else played Saints Row IV and busted out laughing when the evil alien overlord starts singing along in an operatic voice?

[@shawnfields2757]

Yep. And Biz's version still sounds good. Even though Zinyak is a dick. That was hilarious though.

[@dannyhargreaves1326]

RIP Biz Markie! Never a friend to me! Always an icon!

[@DarkSoldier916]

Had to come back here after hearing the news. R.I.P. Biz

[@mr.pavone9719]

Biz Markie is that sweet guy with huge balls that belts out songs at the office karaoke party and makes everyone feel a little less self conscious so they join in the fun.

[@maxipad27]

I honestly feel like the not great singing makes it so much better. It just feels like it adds more emotion and makes it better for anybody else wanting to sing along.

[@rowanc88]

Rest in Power, Biz

[@YellowMage]

RIP Sir Bizmuth Marquis, Esq.

[@demh7823]

Rest in Peace, Biz Markie.

[@lego4virgo]

Biz lived near me in MD, when he was working as a local DJ. We chatted up in the store--pretty cool dude.

[@HolyGoddessMotherAnne]

May you rest forever in peace Mr.Biz Markie and may your legacy live on.

[@egghorse]

Please add original dates in the description for these reuploads so we can understand the context to the videos.

[@destroymarcy]

Yes

[@richsackett3423]

No

[@awzthemusicalreviews]

Maybe

[@bertfromseasamestreet]

Rest in Peace, Biz. You deserved everything good man.

[@CazMeister]

Copyright trolls: YOU! You got what I need. And you say it's just a claim, and you say it's just a claim oh baby you...

[@GasBandit]

Rest in peace, Clown Prince of Rap.

[@Guzuma]

RIP biz markie 💔 i just rewatched this episode last week too…

[@HitmonleeDeluxe]

The first time I heard Biz Markee was when he was featured in a De La Soul song called "Stone Age" and was all about bringing it back to the the beat box, its a pretty good song and makes reference to the age of sampling just being about over.

[@qualus]

Watching this a few days after we got the news The Biz was no longer with us, hits a completely different nerve.

[@dma69nyc]

The opening number of the 2021 Emmys was an amazing tribute. R.I.P. Biz

[@VanguVegro]

RIP Biz. Thanks for having been there.