I knew Biz Markie way before the "Just A Friend" success. Biz would always come to Springfield Gardens Queens and rock out with us in the parks. If we were in 231 park, he was there. If we were at The Bello, he was there. It didn't matter where the jam was, Biz was outside!!
What people didn't know at the time is that Biz had skills on the turntables as well. Not only was he nice on the turntables, he could also rhyme straight off the top.
Fast-forward to "Just A Friend". I was hanging out on Jamaica Avenue with one of my boys, I think it was Lord KCB. Anyway, we were on The Colosseum block when we bumped into Biz. He was just leaving a session with our man Paul C at 12 12 Studio. He was excited to see us, and was like "where y'all headed? I want y'all to give me some feedback!!" We hopped in the black truck, might've been a Pathfinder, and we headed to Mark Steward aka Big Phordee's crib in Laurelton. As we were riding down Merrick Blvd, Biz popped in the cassette and said, "tell me what you think". The second he started rappin we were opened. Once that beat dropped, we were in the truck rocking!! Then all of a sudden Biz started singing the hook. We paused, looked at each other, and started dying laughing. Not because is was wack or anything like that, but because Biz wasn't joking, he was really singing his heart out. We played it over and over until we got to Mark's crib. Back in those days Mark's crib was the place to be. When we pulled up, a few of the fellas were already there chillin. I can't remember everyone, but I know Rob aka Fryz was there. Mark had the boombox on deck, again Biz popped the cassette in. The tape started playing and again, it was the same exact reaction. First the head nodding, then vibing to the beat, then busting out in laughter because Biz Markie is really singing his heart out. IT WAS SO DOPE!!! We were so caught up in the song, we almost forgot MC Lotto was performing at Springfield High School's talent show.
We hopped back into Biz's truck and rolled up to Springfield to catch Lotto's performance. We made it just in time. We ran up on stage and started rocking with Lotto. Mind you, Lotto had no clue we were pulling up. He was just as surprised as the audience. Unfortunately Lotto was disqualified because they said he had professional help up there. My Bad Lotto 😂
After that, we all went our ways. It was a great day until I got a call from Biz later on that evening. "Somebody Stole My Tape!" He's yelling!! I'm like "No Way!!" Some of it's a blur, but I do remember Mark getting everyone that was at his crib that day to come back over, and cats was emptying those pockets. Damn, somebody stole Biz's tape. We were tight!! I thought this was going to be the end of Biz and my friendship. A few days later I get a call from Biz. "I Found The Tape, It Was Between The Seat In My Truck". The next thing we know the song came out and was a mega hit. He still came to my crib in Laurelton every now and then.
BIZ MARKIE WAS MORE THAN JUST A FRIEND, HE WAS MY BROTHER!! 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽
In memory of Biz, here's a Tapemaster B throwback to 1986 in 231 Park. Feel free to share 💪🏽
DOPE!!