Downtown Music Publishing (DMP) has announced a new deal to represent the catalogue of hip-hop pioneer Biz Markie.
The agreement includes representation of the late American rapper’s name, image, and likeness (NIL) rights alongside publishing administration and sync licensing.
“Biz Markie was a truly original producer, performer and cultural force,” said Jedd Katrancha, DMP's chief creative officer. “We’re honoured to be entrusted with preserving and amplifying his legacy.”
Real name Marcel Hall, Biz Markie – who died in 2021 – is best known for his 1989 hit Just A Friend. His music has been sampled more than 1,500 times, ranging from Wu-Tang Clan to the Rolling Stones. He also collaborated with artists such as Jay-Z, Nas, the Beastie Boys, Big Daddy Kane, Will Smith and Slick Rick.
In many ways, I’m creating a blueprint for how to honour a legend while finding new ways for his work to live on for future generations
Tara Hall
The announcement of the DMP deal coincides with the 40th anniversary of Markie's 1986 EP, Make The Music With Your Mouth, Biz.
"There's a longer story behind this, but one day I asked Biz, ‘Who do you think I am to you?’ His reply runs through my mind every day. Biz answered, ‘You are my future,'" said Tara Hall, Markie's widow and executor of the estate.
"Going through his music, photographs, and videos from the beginning of his career has been incredibly meaningful," she continued. "As we approach the 40th anniversary of Make the Music With Your Mouth, Biz, I’m excited to share these pieces of his story and celebrate the creativity and spirit that made Biz who he was.
"In many ways, I’m creating a blueprint for how to honour a legend while finding new ways for his work to live on for future generations. Biz preserved his legacy, and now it’s my job to protect it.”
Markie’s catalogue and associated rights are managed under the direction of Hall, with his recorded music assets managed through Revilo Records. Distribution and catalogue services are provided in partnership with Rhino Entertainment and Warner Music Group.
Publishing interests are represented through Surrey Lane Publishing and administered by DMP, while The Biz Markie Experience oversees name, image, and likeness (NIL), intellectual property and experiential initiatives, with administration handled by Downtown Music Publishing.
The Biz Markie agreement reflects a period of continued growth for Downtown Music Publishing, building on its long-standing work representing iconic music catalogues including those of John Lennon & Yoko Ono, George Gershwin and Louis Armstrong, among others.
