Showtime has announced the upcoming premiere of a new documentary feature on the late groundbreaking rapper, Biz Markie.
Titled All Up In The Biz, the documentary will be written, directed and executive produced by Sacha Jenkins and will chronicle how Biz Markie made a name for himself in the world of hip-hop, while also carving a lane for fellow rappers such as Rakim, Big Daddy Kane, De La Soul and E.P.M.D. to become legends in their own right.
“Crowned ‘The Clown Prince of Hip Hop,’ Markie was a beatbox wiz who was known for his comical rhymes and generally whimsical ways. A native of Long Island, Markie’s gift swiftly propelled him through hip hop history; he would inspire rap icons like Rakim and Big Daddy Kane in the process,” the synopsis reads. “The ride had a few bumps (like the groundbreaking sampling lawsuit he was wrapped up in) but in the end, Biz Markie was recognized as the actual personification of hip hop. ALL UP IN THE BIZ chronicles Markie’s extraordinary tale, from humble beginnings, often living with a foster family after the death of his mother, to pop culture ubiquity, and ultimately speaks to how an individual can chart their own destiny and shape the future of a culture.”
All Up In The Biz will feature never before seen footage, musical interludes, animation, puppetry, and interviews with Biz Markie and other prominent figures in hip hop, such as Fat Joe to Nick Cannon, on Biz Markie’s legacy.
“Biz Markie is the pure essence of hip hop. He believed in, he lived it, he harnessed its powers,” said Jenkins. “Most people don’t know that he used those powers to power up some of the culture’s greatest poets and then some. I was fortunate to meet with Biz when he was alive so to have the opportunity to bring him back to life now that he isn’t here…it’s a special film.”
Jenkins executive produces All Up In The Biz alongside Tara Hall, Vinnie Malhotra, Doug Banker, Kerry Gordy, Ashley Garrett, and Peter Bittenbender for Mass Appeal. The film was also produced by Andre Wilkins and Djali Brown-Cepeda
All Up In The Biz will premiere Friday, August 11, streaming on Paramount+ with Showtime before making its on-air debut that same day at 9 p.m. ET/PT on Showtime.
