We all have experienced it; those moments in life where you felt nothing was going right. You could not catch a break and it seemed as if everyone was against you. And then suddenly the horizon looked brighter and you found yourself entertaining company that was not there when you were down and out. You stepped back, analyzed the situation and realized these people around you had a disease that Biz Markie told you about twenty years ago: THE VAPORS!
Track Listing:
- Pickin’ Boogers
- Albee Square Mall
- Biz Is Goin’ Off
- Return Of The Biz Dance
- Vapors
- Make The Music With Your Mouth Biz
- Biz Dance Part 1
- Nobody Beats The Biz
- This Is Something For The Radio
- Cool V’s Tribute To Scratching
Markie’s clever approach to everyday situations made his debut album Goin’ Off, one of the most promising of 88’. With Big Daddy Kane playing a vital role by providing the sharp wordplay to Marley Marl incorporating his inventive production, this debut was (and still is) a must have for all heads.
One of the most solid tracks on the album was the classic, “Make The Music With Your Mouth Biz.” From the time the beat dropped to the incomparable piano rift, the track held the attention of those who listened. Biz created sounds that were so magnificent, many questioned if they were real. Witnessing mind-blowing beat boxing was nothing new but Markie took it to another plateau with his ability to capture sounds that coincided with the lyrical imagery of his tracks.
Although most of us do not talk about what lives within our nostrils, Biz gave a humorous account of uncomfortable positions in “Pickin Boogers.” The track was amusing yet vile enough to bang through our speakers. And “Nobody Beats the Biz,” was five of the greatest minutes captured on wax. TJ Swan and Biz played off one another by understanding how to approach a beat that could have clearly stood alone. The track blended perfectly with Biz’s skillful manipulation of words and his verbal musicianship that still can’t be touched.
The most recognizable song on the album “Vapors,” was another testament to Markie’s knack for telling great stories with humor and wit. Biz gave an honest portrayal of jive pretenders while he ushered a new word into the Hip Hop dictionary. As soon as we heard the drums slide in and the captivating horn in the backdrop that performed like Jordan on the court, we knew Biz was one of the most promising from the Juice Crew.
Although the album was solid, some tracks fell short like “Albee Square Mall” and “Return of the Biz Dance.” These songs came off as dull tales that failed to resonate with Hip Hop purists and did not stand a chance against the other tracks that filled the album.
The unparalleled beat boxing, astounding layers of break beats and intoxicating lyrics have made Goin Off a muse for future artists. Everyone from Special Ed to Mary J. Blige incorporated portions of this landmark debut to their own creative works after its release, allowing some of the more influential tracks to maintain their visibility. Also, the depth of the album production wise has transcended decades and has revealed why Marley Marl is so legendary.
Biz Markie had a solid team and comedic charm to compile creative works that were light-hearted classics without losing any of his imagination that made him the “Clown Prince of Hip Hop.” Goin Off gave us fun, imaginative tales that encapsulated simpler times that seem to be nothing more than a thing of the past.
