September 30, 2021

Happy Born Day, Marley Marl! (Playlist)


One of hip hop’s first and finest Radio DJs and Super Producers, Marley Marl created many of the sharpest beats and hooks in rap history and continues his industry leadership to the present day. Famous for representing the rap Mecca Queensbridge, and known for introducing hip hop producers to sampling, Marley, born Marlon Williams, appears at the forefront of many of hip hop’s most important moments and movements: including rocking alongside Mr. Magic on Rap Attack, co-founding the legendary Juice Crew, battling KRS One and BDP in the infamous Bridge Wars, producing LL Cool J’s Mama Said Knock You Out, breaking new talent on Future Flavas, even inspiring the late great Notorious B.I.G. Marley’s discography is extensive, with classics including "Around the Way Girl," "Eric B. Is President," "Nobody Beats the Biz," "The Symphony" and hundreds more. The longstanding rivalry with KRS One was even put to rest when he and Marley collaborated on Hip Hop Lives in 2007. Marl is in the studio, on the decks, and on the airwaves daily, and can be heard on Golden Era Radio with co-host Roxanne Shanté every Friday night from 8pm to 10pm on WBLS 107.5 FM, as well as his new podcast, Legendize. Join me in celebrating the life of Marley Marl on his born day with a brief playlist of some of my favorite cuts from the man himself. Did I miss or even worse, mis-credit something? Way too many ill tracks to include everything, but listen below...