Director Sacha Jenkins Pays Tribute to Biz Markie’s Indelible Impact
Captivating the world of music, an exploration of the life and journey of the late rapper Biz Markie comes alive in “All Up in the Biz.” This documentary, directed by renowned filmmaker Sacha Jenkins, premieres on Friday, August 11. Paramount+ and SHOWTIME subscribers can stream the film before it airs at 9 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME.
“All Up in the Biz” offers a comprehensive look at Markie’s journey in the hip hop industry. Best known for his hit “Just a Friend,” Markie etched his legacy in music history. Through his unwavering determination, humor, and originality, Markie’s dreams found expression in the hip hop world and beyond. The documentary includes unprecedented footage, interviews with key figures in hip hop like Fat Joe, Nick Cannon, and Tracy Morgan, and other creative elements.
Markie, celebrated as “The Clown Prince of Hip Hop,” is remembered for his talent in beatboxing, comedic rhymes, and an overall whimsical style. He emerged from Long Island and carved his unique niche in hip hop, inspiring numerous rap icons, including Rakim and Big Daddy Kane. Despite facing legal issues related to sampling, Markie’s contribution to the music industry has been acknowledged and celebrated.
The film unfolds Markie’s incredible journey, starting from humble beginnings. After his mother’s death, Markie often found himself living with a foster family. His dedication to his craft propelled him from this ordinary life to pop culture prominence. His story embodies how an individual’s passion and determination can shape the future of a culture.
Jenkins shares, “Biz Markie is the pure essence of hip hop. He believed in it, lived it, and harnessed its powers.” He highlights the influence Markie had on some of the industry’s greatest poets and more. Jenkins feels fortunate to have met Markie during his lifetime and regards the opportunity to portray him in this film as special.
Sacha Jenkins, known for his contribution to hip hop’s golden era, has previously directed successful projects for SHOWTIME. His repertoire includes “Wu-Tang Clan: Of Mics and Men,” “Bitchin’: The Sound and Fury of Rick James,” “Burn Motherf*cker, Burn!,” and “Word is Bond.” He recently directed “Louis Armstrong’s Black and Blues.”
“All Up in the Biz” is co-written and executive produced by Jenkins. Other key contributors include Andre Wilkins and Djali Brown-Cepeda as producers and Tara Hall, Vinnie Malhotra, Doug Banker, Kerry Gordy, Ashley Garrett, and Peter Bittenbender as executive producers for Mass Appeal. The film commemorates Markie’s extraordinary life, underscoring his influence on the hip hop industry and cultural history.
Join the discussion around Biz Markie’s influence and legacy at @coolbruthas. Remember to always Stay Fresh, Stay True.
