An intimate, time-capsule tribute to Biz Markie, “The Biz Markie Experience” invited visitors inside the playful, deeply personal world of a hip-hop original, showcasing his “legendary collection of vinyl, sneakers, jerseys, bling and far beyond.” Hosted by the rap late icon’s widow, Tara Hall, at New York’s Invite Only Studios on April 8, the exhibition blended nostalgia with discovery. A dimly lit entrance and music-filled freight elevator set the tone, leading to rare artifacts — from a Screen Actors Guild card and a boating license to a 1986 demo reel. A newly unveiled portrait by photographer George DuBose, displayed for viewing in a private room, was a highlight of the evening, with select merchandise benefiting the Biz Markie “Just a Friend” Foundation.
Here are our photos of items from Biz Markie’s collection that speak to his interests and unique personality.
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The Biz Markie Experience
Image Credit: Evelyn Freja A rare Biz Markie portrait by photographer George DuBose, from a shoot for his single “Make the Music With Your Mouth Biz”
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The Biz Markie Experience
Image Credit: Evelyn Freja The master copy of his 1986 “Slugo” demo
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The Biz Markie Experience
Image Credit: Evelyn Freja Biz Markie’s custom piano, painted by Duke Doobie Sims, and a portrait
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The Biz Markie Experience
Image Credit: Evelyn Freja A CD copy of Biz Markie’s All Samples Cleared! album sits with paperwork from his historic Grand Upright vs Warner Brothers sampling lawsuit.
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The Biz Markie Experience
Image Credit: Evelyn Freja 1986 Adidas sneakers, with their original box and sales receipt.
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The Biz Markie Experience
Image Credit: Evelyn Freja Items from Biz Markie’s jewelry collection.
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The Biz Markie Experience
Image Credit: Evelyn Freja A signed letter from Barack and Michelle Obama, offering their condolences after Biz Markie’s death in 2021, plus a photo of Biz Markie and the future president circa 2004.
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The Biz Markie Experience
Image Credit: Evelyn Freja Biz Markie’s Sanyo cassette recorder, mic, and cassette tapes.
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The Biz Markie Experience
Image Credit: Evelyn Freja Rare Biz Markie trading cards, including one from when he threw out the first pitch at an Oakland A’s baseball game in 2014.
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The Biz Markie Experience
Image Credit: Evelyn Freja Items From Biz Markie’s extensive toy collection
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The Biz Markie Experience
Image Credit: Evelyn Freja Some of Biz Markie’s RIAA certification plaques
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The Biz Markie Experience
Image Credit: Evelyn Freja A Biz Markie hat.
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The Biz Markie Experience
Image Credit: Evelyn Freja Biz Markie’s NBA Jam arcade game
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The Biz Markie Experience
Image Credit: Evelyn Freja Biz Markie’s SL-700 Technics turntables
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The Biz Markie Experience
Image Credit: Evelyn Freja Biz Markie’s handwritten lyrics for his signature hit, “Just a Friend”
