Monthly Archives: May 2014

Finding high quality and in-depth commentary on 90s hip hop is difficult. From those who think they know to those that know but are too condescending to share, it can be hard for newcomers wanting to take part in this culture. Around my senior year of high school I discovered a book at the public library that didn’t appear too engaging by its cover, but turned out to become on the most addicting and amazing books ever. I present to you: Ego Trip’s Book of Rap Lists.

Credit: Amazon

Perhaps one of the most inadvertent beauties of this book, is the fact that it was published in December 1999, right at the cusp of a new millennium. This is perfect because it ONLY documents hip hop from its genesis in the 70s up to my sweet 90s. If you are looking for loads of pictures then this might not be the book for you and chances are you one of those who has a “90s” blog with tons of visual but ABSOLUTELY no meaningful commentary. The book’s writing is what every hip hop journalist/writer should desire to attain. Humor and wit is balanced with plenty of factual and substansial information. From top charting hits to tall tales that many debate ever happened, this book has it all.

My only minor gripe about this book is that at some points it feels a little biased. Since Ego Trip was originally a New York published magazine, some of their top lists seem to be little more favorable to east coast artists.  Nevertheless, this is a must have for ANYBODY interested in not just the 90s, but Hip Hop’s true culture and the essence of what it is really about.

Biz Markie (born Marcel Theo Hall) is not only a hip hop legend, but one of the most innovate and creative artists to ever pickup a microphone. He has long considered the “Clown Prince of Hip Hop” due to his humorous lighthearted raps, something that hip hop would move farther and farther away from during the 90s. From a career spanning over 30 years to countless hit records, Biz has every right to be boastful but he chooses not. In a this highly competitive culture of money and braggadocious ways, Biz Markie is a true gem that continues to shine.

Last year in August, me and my friend were in Manhattan returning from a Vine event at Washington Square Park. While walking through SoHo we came across a new Pac Sun store’s grand opening. The building was filled with hipsters and members of this generation’s so called “counter-culture”. Most appeared to be lined to get the autograph of Riff Raff, one of the most bizarre artists I have ever seen. While I had absolutely no interest in obtaining his autograph, my curiosity of the place got the better of me especially since I have shopped at Pac Suns previously.

Upon entering the store, the line trailed all the way to the back to where Riff Raff must have been seated out of sight. “Lets just look at some clothes and get outta here”, I said to my friend already feeling overwhelmed by the crowd. IT was just then out of the corner of my eye I spotted a man that looked vaguely familiar. It then dawned on me that it was Biz Markie. At first I was reluctant to approach him but I soon realized that most people are here to see Riff Raff, so me approaching him for a picture has got to make him feel good. After briefly stepping out to his car, Biz came back to pose for a picture with me. “You didn’t I’d come back right?”, he chuckled as I laughed trying to disguise my awe of such a n honest person.

More from the event:

More about Biz Markie:

http://www.mtv.com/artists/biz-markie/biography/