Pharoahe Monch shared an incredible story of the late great Biz Markie in Spin Magazine. The title of the article is Vinyl Saved My Life: A Tribute to Biz Markie, where Pharoahe recounts a tale of a stop on the The Source Magazine Tour (around 1992 if memory serves me right) with Biz Markie, Lord Finesse, Cooley Live, The Almighty RSO, Red Hot Lover Tone, Roxanne Shante and of course, Organized Konfusion with O.C. In an attempt to shadow Biz Markie while diggin' for records, Pharoahe joins Biz on what would end up being the first part of a story that stretches the night, and ends in gunfire. A series of fortunate events trace back to earlier that day and ultimately, a piece of vinyl did in fact save his life. Hear all about the story and Pharoahe's affinity for his fallen friend in the article on Spin Magazine HERE. Not only is this an incredible story, but a behind the scenes glimpse at of one of the greatest personalities in hip-hop history. Pharoahe shares, "Ehwa, Ehwa, Rrer! Ecka, Ecka, Eeee . . ." He licked his fingers each time he swiped through the book.... When he talked, he sounded exactly like his records—extremely funky. His speaking voice made you want to put a beat under his sentences." Yes! I met Biz briefly in Myrtle Beach some years back, and he was everything I anticipated and much more. R.I.P., the Funky Biz Markie, and thank you, Pharaohe Monch for this full story that I'd only early heard snippets of in the past. Nobody Beats the Biz!
