#BoomBirthdays: 10 Fun Facts About Biz Markie

Today in hip-hop we celebrate the birthday of Harlem native Biz Markie. In honor of his birthday we’ve compiled a few random fun facts about the human beat box legend.

1. Biz Markie began his music career as a beat box for Juice Crew’s own Roxanne Shante.
2. He has a beat boxing segment on Nick Jr.’s popular show Yo Gabba Gabba called “Biz’s Beat of the Day”.
3. In addition to beat boxing, he’s a rapper and DJ’s for tons of music industry events.
4. In early 2000 he appeared in Men In Black II as an alien.
5. He has a collection of vintage toys including Hot Wheels and Matchbox cars.
6. In 2013, He went on tour for Yo Gabab Gabba Live.
7. He guest starred on an episode of Spongebob Squarepants, and did voice over work for Adventure Time.
8. Legendary rapper Big Daddy assisted Biz Markie with some of his rhymes.
9. His biggest single “Just A Friend” hit #9 on Billboard’s Hot 100 and VH1’s 100 Greatest Songs of Hip Hop.
10. He’s currently on tour hosting the Decade’s Collide: 80’s vs 90’s show.

Check out Vapors, another one of Biz Markie’s popular singles.

Photo Credit: David Corio / Getty