The Biz Never Sleeps on pic disc for the first time, just in time for Record Store Day! Originally released back in the golden era of hip-hop (1989 to be exact) this one found Biz really living up to his reputation as the "Clown Prince Of Hip Hop." No one is having fun with hip-hop these days like Biz was back then! His style was not only charismatic and playful, but equally skillful and creative as well. Just check the style on hits like "Just A Friend," "Spring Again," and "Me Versus Me" or album cuts "I Hear Music," "Mudd Foot," and "A Thing Named Kim." Funky-ass production duties are handled by his cousin Cool V, Paul C, and Biz Markie himself! This 2012 deluxe reissue also includes a bonus musical post card that plays Biz's classic hit "Just a Friend" that actually plays on a turntable. How cool is that?! Recommended.

• music label: Traffic 2012

reviewed by Von Bee 03/2012