Goin' Off
Biz Markie · 1988
45 min · 10 tracks · hip-hop
A playful blend of whimsical lyrics and infectious beats that captures the essence of late '80s hip-hop culture.
Top tracks — play these first
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Vapors — This track tells a relatable story about the ups and downs of fame, showcasing Biz's knack for humor while addressing real-life experiences.
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Nobody Beats the Biz — A signature anthem for Biz Markie, this track highlights his charismatic delivery and memorable chorus, establishing his identity in hip-hop.
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Make the Music With Your Mouth, Biz — This standout track features Biz's innovative vocal percussion, demonstrating his creative talent beyond traditional rapping and making it an early example of beatboxing in hip-hop.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
Biz Markie's debut blends humor and storytelling, establishing a unique voice in hip-hop.
What we noticed
- The album features playful, humorous lyrics that often tell stories or anecdotes, particularly evident in tracks like 'Vapors' and 'Nobody Beats the Biz'.
- Several tracks incorporate call-and-response elements, engaging listeners and creating a lively atmosphere.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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6/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- playful vibes for casual listening
- steady groove for social gatherings
- infectious beats for dancing
- clever wordplay sparks laughter
Maybe skip if you
- prefer intense emotional experiences
- seek fast-paced, high-energy tracks
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Goin' Off is Biz Markie's debut studio album, released in January 1988, establishing him as a unique voice in hip-hop. At this point, he had already gained some recognition through his singles and appearances but was looking to solidify his presence in the music industry with a full-length project.
- Stylistic neighbors
- DJ Jazzy Jeff & the Fresh Prince· De La Soul· Kid 'n Play
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Pickin’ Boogers 4:42
- 2 Albee Square Mall 4:43
- 3 Biz Is Goin’ Off 4:50
- 4 Return of the Biz Dance 3:59
- 5 Vapors 4:33
- 6 Make the Music With Your Mouth, Biz 4:56
- 7 Biz Dance, Part One 3:38
- 8 Nobody Beats the Biz 5:42
- 9 This Is Something for the Radio 5:14
- 10 Cool V’s Tribute to Scratching 3:07
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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