Nobody Beats the Biz

On July 16th 2021 Hip-Hop lost someone that held the culture to a high standard. Biz Markie gained his wings and Hip-Hop lost an eccentric necessary energy that keeps the party of life going. Biz Markie was the party, the vibe, and the pulse of the culture all at once. He may not have been the most lyrical but he embodied the MC title to the fullest. Whether he beatboxed,made ad libs on songs, or he versed a rhyme Biz Markie made the record big.

I remember the first time I heard Nobody beats the Biz song. I was taken to another level of appreciation when it comes to hearing the personality and delivery of Biz on the record. I heard what is deemed a Hip-Hop classic record and it was truly a God send to my ears. Biz Markie was always around the innovators and movers in the culture running with the legendary Juice Crew, Def Squad and more. Biz Markie had classic records that had your favorite artists respect him and had the culture reach high levels of entertainment. With songs like "Just a Friend", "The Vapors", "Erase Racism" , and "Make the Music with your Mouth", Biz Markie will live forever in Hip-Hop as a ground breaker when it comes to music and composition. As an MC and a DJ, Biz Markie made Hip-Hop entertaining fun and an amazing experience. See DJ Kool's "Let Me Clear My Throat" video to see how Biz Markie can get a crowd on 1000 quickly.

One of the most stand out examples of Hip-Hop I salute Biz Markie for is his contributions to education in the Hip-Hop community is his work on the Nickelodeon. Yo Gabba Gabba is played for children around the world. Biz Markie's MC stamp is not just on stage, in clubs and in parties. He is and was an MC and DJ for the children, and by giving them the enjoyment of education he made learning fun and took Hip-Hop to another level.

We at Heritage Hip-Hop want to say Rest In Peace Biz Markie, and May The Most High accept you into Heaven and eternal LIFE. One day we all have to go back to the one that made us all. I would love to go to Heaven and be at a great arena and see Biz Markie Dj and perform with the greats. Biz Markie will always be remembered for his jokes, his dance, and his songs. I will always remember him as a fan and as someone that learned of his greatness through respect of the community and the peers. Take a moment to give respect for the life story that has closed but please, continue to re read and relive the story that inspires so many of us. Salute to you Biz and Go off, forever.

And Then There Was...X...RIP DMX

All heroes do not wear capes. All heroes did not get their power from spider bites, magic rocks or something that does not relate to our lives. In Hip-Hop culture our heroes are the people that came from the bottom and made it out to a place where they could influence others with their voices and talents. DMX is a hero when it comes to Hip-Hop and life because he looks like us, he suffered like us and ultimately he died leaving us to remember the man and the myth called DMX.

For me DMX is more than a rapper/MC. DMX was a statement the world was not ready for. The hardcore street bred rapper that talked to his demons in his music but prayed for forgiveness and salvation on record and with the people. Whether he was making us dance, recognizing the harshness of the street life, bringing the most beautiful women to the party, or being the family we all have that deals with demons of their own, DMX is our hero.

Transcending Hip-Hop is hard to do but this man went from music, to movies, to video games and ultimately into our everyday lives by dealing with his demons and trauma head on when on Television. Iyanla may not have fixed his life, and the documentaries may have never fully told us his story but the tales of the adventures of Earl Simmons tells us of more than music. There are the prayers, the sitting with the homeless, giving money and charity, and all for what? Ultimately he did what so many people fail to do when they make it "big". He stayed grounded and connected to the people while keeping God first.

We will remember DMX for the music, his rendition of Rudolph the Red Nose Rain Deer, and the Drink Champs interview he did. Even while the mainstream media wants to keep a negative stigma on his name by talking about what he lost or his "troubles", DMX will be our light and inspiration whenever he asks "Where the hood at?" He will forever be a voice that will be remembered for standing out in the crowd and making the song where people had to keep up with his energy and presence on the track. DMX is a G.O.A.T talent that we may never see again. They say heroes never die. If that is true then it is up to us to forever keep his memory and influence alive. Through all the good and tough times DMX held us down and now it is our turn to honor our hero by remembering the man, the pain and the music that changed our lives. #RIPDMX

Grumpy's World: The Premiere Radio Podcast

Every Tuesday from 8pm to 10pm the entertainment world comes to Grumpy’s World, hosted by Grumpy Old Man. The proclaimed Mayor of NJ Hip-Hop, Grumpy, is known for breaking records and highlighting Independent artists of all music genres. The host Grumpy is a celebrated artist, actor and host of not only this show, he has also hosted industry events and numerous artist spotlights. When artists come on this show they not only break their music, but get industry advice on how to further their career interests, and personal goals as well.

Grumpy also serves as A&R for record label CIMG (Champagne International Music Group). By premiering on his show artist get the perspective of the listeners (fans), and of a music industry professional as well. Grumpy’s world is where all independent artists not only break their music but get exposure to major labels and rotational radio air play.

His show, Grumpy’s world, is the flagship show at 8 Squad Rebel Radio and is highly regarded with the social community as well. While being connected to Save the Kids Village, a non profit group that serves the community, this show brings the culture to the artists and introduces them to a broad audience not captures on a terrestrial radio show. By being a flagship show on a major independent radio network that is soon to become FM the whole world is watching and listening.

Catch Grumpy’s World on 8 Squad Rebel Radio every Tuesday from 8 pm to 10 pm on Youtube, the 8 Squad Rebel Radio App, Instagram and Facebook.