Director Sacha Jenkins (Word is Bond, Fresh Dressed) has a career that touched some of the most influential names in music. So, when Showtime began promoting his latest project, All Up in the Biz, some fans did that cock-eyed head slant at the TV like when a dog hears a funny noise.
That may have been due to a generation gap because Biz Markie was much more than the “Clown Prince of Hip-Hop” from the 1980s. He was a pioneer of the genre, captivating fans by “making the music with [his] mouth.” And when he died of severe complications from Type 2 Diabetes in July 2021, there was a cavernous void in music–whether the younger fans knew it or not.
Jenkins has spent his life reviewing the pulse of funk, R&B, soul, and hip-hop, from Rick James to the Wu-Tang Clan. He also co-authored the bestselling biography of Eminem, The Way I Am. But All Up in the Biz is perhaps his most complex undertaking to date.
In the short 57 years, Marcel Theo Hall’s presence on this planet affected more people than his direct peers, such as Doug E. Fresh, Rakim, Masta Ace, and his close friend and former partner from the Juice Crew, Big Daddy Kane. Biz inspired generations of hip-hop artists and lyricists thanks to the longevity of his beatboxing talent, diverse interests (the guy toured with Nick Jr.’s “Yo Gabba Gabba” in 2013), and frequent appearances throughout the annals of pop culture.
Just a Friend
Jenkins does more than set the stories about Biz Markie with special guests; he takes us on a journey. That is a fitting note because was one of the first rappers to understand hip-hop had more depth than a song or a dance–to Biz, hip-hop was about culture, a community.
From Harlem to Long Island, Biz would go into clubs, shatter the mic with his beatbox skills, and form strong relationships everywhere he went. That was the foundation of the notable Juice Crew (which is essentially the Wu-Tang Clan of the 1980s).
That journey took us through Biz’s connections with Roxanne Shante as her beatbox protege, creating ideas for music with his cousin and longtime DJ Cutmaster Cool V, or writing with early rap icons Rakim and BDK.
And then, there were puppets.
Jim Henson has nothing to fear from Jenkins’ reenactments of Biz Markie’s numerous trips to the hospital with his loving wife, Tara, through puppeteering. Somehow, it fits the theme of the documentary. This was Biz Markie; the guy was never 100% serious. Even during the film’s heartwarming and surprisingly touching moments, there was still a glimmer of happiness and joy. That was Biz, and it was fascinating.
Vapors
The Juice Crew was a collection of mad scientists in the music world. That innovation and pioneering business mindset birthed one of the notable record labels of the decade, Cold Chillin’ Records. Kane and Shante, MC Shan and Masta Ace, Marley Marl to Craig G–the record label helped mint the Golden Age of Hip-Hop.
And at the epicenter of that flow was Biz.
As Jenkins transforms our idea of a musical documentary, we learn about Biz’s ability to transform the creativity of urban culture and its soundtrack. Many of Biz Markie’s friends were growing in stature and street cred. Those rappers were acclaimed as stoic and strong.
Then, Biz just wanted to have a fun time. Throughout this documentarian’s voyage of Biz Markie’s influence and soul, we learn about his huge heart, bellowing laugh, and gregarious nature.
These artists we meet along the way spanned decades, actors from yesterday and today. And everyone in the documentary extolled the crazy genius of the Biz. Jenkins sets it all up when we are privileged to learn about Biz’s signature jam, “Just a Friend.”
In September 1989, the novel melody struck a chord with fans nationwide. In early 1990, the song skyrocketed to number 9 on the Billboard Hot 100. Today, the song is on playlists everywhere, where it will always be “liked.”
Nobody Beats the Biz
He made it. His love for music was noticed and Biz’s career was solidified. Now a friend-zone, beer-drinking anthem, “Just a Friend” is the perfect microcosm of Biz Markie’s fame and fortune.
The song, based on a true story, depicts smooth rhymes and an unexpected piano melody. Biz’s faux singing was the icing on the cake, and that’s what made him, him. No one saw that coming except for those who knew his jokes, pranks, and smile.
Beneath it all was a kid called Mark, who loved to make music more than most. As Rakim said, “You get a little jealous when someone loves hip-hop more than you do. Biz made me jealous.”
Jenkins frames the delightful and fun-loving rapper as purposeful as he was jovial, ever-planning to entertaining. There are times to make you smile and others that may make you drop a tear or two. It’s a story of a man who loved music and the people who made it. As simple as the documentary is produced, the journey becomes complex because you never see those serious turns coming.
This documentary is for more than hip-hop fans; it’s for music fans. Period. Jenkins’ film is much like Biz–unassuming, underappreciated, and unbelievable.
All Up In The Biz is currently available to stream on Paramount+ with Showtime.
This documentary is for more than hip-hop fans; it's for music fans. Period. Jenkins' film is much like Biz--unassuming, underappreciated, and unbelievable.
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GVN Rating 9
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