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"Just a Friend"
Single by Biz Markie
from the album The Biz Never Sleeps
ReleasedSeptember 26, 1989 (1989-09-26)[1]
Recorded1989
Genre
Length4:06
LabelCold Chillin'
SongwritersMarcel Hall,[3][4] Kenneth Gamble, Leon Huff
ProducerMarcel Hall[4]
Biz Markie singles chronology
"Free Your Mind"
(1988) 		"Just a Friend"
(1989) 		"Intro"
(1990)
Music video
"Just a Friend" on YouTube
"Just a Friend"
Biz Markie's "Just a Friend" from The Biz Never Sleeps
Problems playing this file? See media help.

"Just a Friend" is a song written,[3][4] produced[4] and performed by American hip hop artist Biz Markie. It was released in September 1989 as the lead single from his album The Biz Never Sleeps. It is Markie's most successful single, reaching number 9 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1990.[5]

Background

[edit]

The song interpolates the 1968 song "(You) Got What I Need" recorded by Freddie Scott, whose basic chord and melody provided the base for the song's chorus. Markie's lyrics[6] describe romantic frustration after pursuing a woman who is actually romantically involved with another man who she falsely claims is "just a friend." Due to the widespread popularity of the song along with its acclaim and its influence on pop culture (and Markie's failure to have another charting Hot 100 song), Biz was classified by VH1 as a one-hit wonder, and "Just a Friend" was ranked 81st on VH1's 100 Greatest One-Hit Wonders in 2000, and later as number 100 on VH1's 100 Greatest Songs of Hip Hop in 2008.[7] Karma, a staff record producer for Cold Chillin' Records, told Vibe magazine in 2005 that he produced the single, but never received credit.[8] The single was certified platinum on April 12, 1990.[9] In 2021, it was ranked at No. 480 on Rolling Stone's "Top 500 Best Songs of All Time".[10]

Music video

[edit]

The music video, directed by Lionel C. Martin, acts out the lyrics humorously and includes a scene of Biz Markie singing the chorus dressed as Mozart in 18th-century clothing with a powdered wig in a candlelit room while playing the piano.[11][12][13]

Legacy

[edit]

In 1993, Akinyele's song I Luh Hur from his album Vagina Diner mentioned "Just a Friend".[14]

In 2006, American rock band Tally Hall recorded a cover of "Just a Friend", later releasing it on streaming platforms in 2019. The band had often performed the song as their closer in live sets, especially during their earlier years.[15]

In 2007, Chris Rock and Kerry Washington sang "Just A Friend" in a scene from the movie I Think I Love My Wife.[16]

In November 2010, actor Jeff Goldblum performed the song in a duet with Markie on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon. The duet was highly requested by fans of the show and was set up by Fallon and the Roots.[17]

In May 2012, Ray William Johnson's cartoon band Your Favorite Martian released a cover of the song, getting over 14 million views on YouTube as of December 2025.

In June 2023, his widow, Tara Hall,[18] announced the Just a Friend Foundation[19] and confirmed a documentary about Biz Markie’s life, All Up in the Biz, which premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival.[20]

Charts

[edit]

Weekly charts

[edit]
Chart (1989–1990) Peak
position
Canada Top Singles (RPM)[21] 66
UK Singles (OCC)[22] 55
U.S. Billboard Hot 100[5] 9
U.S. Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles & Tracks (Billboard)[5] 37
U.S. Hot Rap Singles (Billboard)[5] 5

Year-end charts

[edit]
Chart (1990) Position
U.S. Billboard Hot 100[23] 94

Certifications

[edit]
Region Certification Certified units/sales
United States (RIAA)[9] Platinum 1,000,000^

^ Shipments figures based on certification alone.

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Just a Friend

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
"Just a Friend" is a hip hop song written, produced, and performed by American rapper , released in September 1989 as the lead single from his second studio album, .https://www.songfacts.com/facts/biz-markie/just-a-friend The track humorously narrates a story of romantic frustration, where the protagonist pursues a woman who insists he is merely "just a friend" despite evidence of her boyfriend, drawing from Markie's own experiences on tour.https://www.songfacts.com/facts/biz-markie/just-a-friend It samples the piano and phrasing from Freddie Scott's 1968 song "(You) Got What I Need."https://www.songfacts.com/facts/biz-markie/just-a-friend Markie's biggest commercial success, the single peaked at number 9 on the US in 1990 and was certified platinum by the RIAA, and number 37 on the chart.https://www.musicvf.com/song.php?title=Just%2Ba%2BFriend%2Bby%2BBiz%2BMarkie&id=5318 The song's comedic tone is amplified by Markie's deliberately off-key singing in the chorus, his , and exaggerated storytelling, earning it a place as one of hip-hop's most memorable novelty tracks.https://www.songfacts.com/facts/biz-markie/just-a-friend Produced by Markie alongside Cool V (also known as Vincent Morgan), it exemplifies early East Coast rap's playful side, contrasting the era's more hardcore styles.https://americansongwriter.com/who-wrote-just-a-friend-by-biz-markie/ Upon release, "Just a Friend" helped propel to gold certification by the RIAA, solidifying Markie's reputation as the "Clown Prince of Hip Hop" for his humorous approach.https://www.grammy.com/news/biz-markie-dead-obituary-just-friend In its legacy, "Just a Friend" has endured as a cultural touchstone, frequently appearing in films like The Wackness (2008) and The Sitter (2011), television series such as It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia and Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, and even video games and commercials.https://www.songfacts.com/facts/biz-markie/just-a-friend The track re-entered the Billboard Hot Digital Songs chart in 2009 due to renewed popularity, and again reached No. 18 on the Digital Song Sales chart in July 2021 following Markie's death; its chorus has been parodied and referenced in popular media, symbolizing the universal theme of the "friend zone."https://www.songfacts.com/facts/biz-markie/just-a-friend Markie, who passed away in July 2021 at age 57, often performed it live throughout his career, cementing its status as his signature work that bridged hip-hop's underground roots with mainstream appeal.https://www.grammy.com/news/biz-markie-dead-obituary-just-friend

Background and Development

Origins and Inspiration

The origins of "Just a Friend" stem from Biz Markie's personal experiences in the late , during which he channeled romantic frustration into a narrative-driven hip-hop track. Markie drew inspiration from a real-life encounter with the first girl he ever pursued romantically, whom he met while calling from New York to . Every time he phoned her, a man would answer and pass the receiver, with the woman insisting the caller was "just a friend." Eager to surprise her, Markie arrived a week early for a planned visit, only to catch her kissing another man, prompting him to transform the heartbreak into rather than confrontation. As he recounted in a , "I was talking to this girl — the first girl I ever talked to. And every time I would call out to California, a dude would pick up and hand her the phone… I came out there a week early just to surprise her, and she’s tongue kissing somebody — and I caught her! So instead of me fighting, I put the pain into the pen and wrote it out." This creation occurred amid Markie's evolving career, as he shifted from his roots as a beatboxer and DJ in Harlem's to full-fledged and songwriting. Initially known for human alongside artists like and Roxanne Shanté under producer , Markie released his debut album in February 1988, which featured humorous, playful tracks that showcased his comedic flair in hip-hop. The album marked his transition, blending prowess—highlighted in the single "Make the Music with Your Mouth, Biz"—with lighthearted storytelling, setting the stage for "Just a Friend" as a satirical spin on R&B romance tropes like and deception, common in soul-influenced tracks of the . A key element in the song's conception was its interpolation of Freddie Scott's 1968 soul single "(You) Got What I Need," which provided the chorus's melodic foundation and allowed Markie to fuse old-school R&B irony with 1980s hip-hop narrative style. Markie discovered the record in 1988 through DJs Grand Wizard Theodore and DJ Danny Dan while searching for Lee Dorsey drum breaks; he paid $200 for the 45 RPM single and spent the night refining the piano sound to emphasize the track's ironic romantic pursuit. This sampling choice underscored the song's intent as a "story rap record," prioritizing hip-hop's storytelling tradition over commercial pop ambitions, as Markie later emphasized. Prior to its official September 1989 release as the lead single from , the track generated early anticipation in New York's hip-hop underground, building on Markie's growing reputation from . Initial plays in local clubs during the summer of 1989 helped cultivate buzz among fans familiar with his whimsical style, positioning the song as a natural extension of his humorous persona before it crossed over to broader audiences.

Recording Process

The recording of "Just a Friend" took place in 1989 at Calliope Studios in New York City, coinciding with sessions for A Tribe Called Quest's debut album at the same facility. Biz Markie handled production himself, with co-production credit going to his cousin Cutmaster Cool V, though Cool V has claimed primary production responsibility in later accounts. The initial beat originated from an earlier demo created by Dan The Beatman (also known as DJ Danny Dan) and recorded with engineer Paul C at 1212 Studios in New Jersey, before being reworked for the final version. Key technical contributions included piano playing by engineer Shane Faber during an impromptu studio visit from Q-Tip, who helped shape the track's drum pattern. The song was later rerrecorded and mixed at Power Play Studios by Ivan "DJ Doc" Rodriguez, who addressed timing issues from the original two-inch tape demo and amplified the low-end bass for a fuller sound suitable for large venues. Sampling played a central role, with the track incorporating the bassline and chord progression from Freddie Scott's 1968 soul single "(You) Got What I Need," alongside drum breaks from Lee Dorsey's "Get Out of My Life, Woman"; these elements were cleared through Warner Bros. Records prior to release, reflecting standard industry practice at the time for Cold Chillin' productions. One notable challenge arose with the chorus vocals, originally intended for guest singers such as TJ Swan, who was unavailable due to his own album commitments; Markie ultimately performed the part himself in his characteristic off-key style after multiple unsuccessful attempts to secure collaborators like Al B. Sure!. This DIY approach, influenced by ' limited resources and contractual constraints, contributed to the track's raw, unpolished aesthetic that emphasized Markie's humorous, human delivery over studio polish.

Composition

Musical Elements

"Just a Friend" exemplifies a fusion of hip-hop and pop-R&B genres, drawing on the latter through its of a 1968 R&B track to create an accessible, narrative-driven rap song. The track operates at a moderate of 85 beats per minute (BPM) in the key of , facilitating a laid-back groove suitable for Biz Markie's style. Its structure adheres to a classic verse-chorus format, featuring an introductory hook from the sample, three extended verses that advance the comedic narrative, repeated choruses emphasizing the titular , and concluding ad-libs that heighten the frustration before fading out. The instrumentation centers on a sampled piano loop and bassline from Freddie Scott's "(You) Got What I Need," providing a plinking, melodic foundation that underscores the song's lighthearted tone. Complementing this are straightforward beats with punchy kicks and crisp snares, evoking the rhythms common in late-1980s hip-hop production. Production techniques spotlight the lyrics and humor through a clean setup that highlights comedic timing. Biz Markie's vocal delivery alternates between rhythmic in the verses and an intentionally off-key, flat in the chorus, parodying earnest amateur performances to amplify the song's satirical edge. This unpolished approach, combined with the sparse backdrop, ensures the focus remains on the rhythmic flow and narrative punchlines.

Lyrics and Themes

"Just a Friend" presents a arc chronicling Markie's pursuit of a he meets during a , where she rebuffs his advances by insisting she has no boyfriend, only a platonic male friend, leading to escalating and ultimate . The story unfolds with the protagonist exercising patience amid her reluctance for intimacy, building a connection through phone calls and plans, only for suspicions to arise when a man answers her dorm phone and she dismisses him as "just a friend." The climax occurs during an unannounced visit, where he catches her kissing the supposed friend, culminating in a cautionary message against trusting such claims. This autobiographical tale draws directly from Markie's real-life heartbreak, as he recounted surprising a girl at school only to find her with another man, transforming personal deception into a relatable hip-hop yarn. Key lyrics underscore the song's ironic humor and emotional core, beginning with the opening lines that set a scene of thwarted romance: " met a girl that you tried to date / But a year to make love she wanted you to wait?" The chorus hook amplifies the frustration through repetition—"You, you got what I need / But you say he's just a friend"—sampling and flipping Freddie Scott's "(You) Got What I Need" to highlight the protagonist's denial and longing. Humorous exaggerations pepper the verses, such as the woman's evasive "Blah-blah-blah" name and the protagonist's list of his own innocent friends ("Like Agnes, Agatha, Germaine, and Jack"), building comedic tension around suspected ulterior motives in her "friendship." These elements, delivered in Markie's off-key, wail-like , blend vulnerability with for a lighthearted yet poignant effect. Thematically, the song delves into frustration arising from miscommunication in romantic pursuits, where the woman's repeated assurances of platonic intent clash with contradictory actions. It offers a lighthearted critique of era-specific cultural norms, portraying naivety and betrayal through exaggerated scenarios that mock the euphemistic use of "just a friend" as a shield for infidelity. Markie's employment of hip-hop slang, wordplay, and rhythmic storytelling enhances the comedic tone, turning relational angst into anthemic relatability without veering into explicit territory. In terms of writing style, "Just a Friend" adopts an autobiographical approach infused with fictional embellishments, such as anonymized names and amplified details, to craft a vivid, radio-friendly hip-hop narrative that prioritizes over graphic content. Markie envisioned it as a straightforward "story rap record" rooted in genuine emotion, yet its playful delivery and avoidance of broadened its appeal within the . This blend of sincerity and silliness cements the track's enduring resonance as a humorous yet insightful commentary on interpersonal dynamics.

Release and Promotion

Single Release

"Just a Friend" was released in September 1989 as the lead single from Biz Markie's second studio album, The Biz Never Sleeps, through Cold Chillin' Records in conjunction with Warner Bros. Records. The single was primarily issued as a 12-inch vinyl maxi-single, with additional formats including 7-inch vinyl and cassette; a CD version followed in subsequent years. The B-side contained the instrumental version of the track, clocking in at 4:08, mirroring the length of the vocal side. The release was strategically timed just ahead of the album's launch on October 10, 1989, to build anticipation and drive sales for the full project. Promotion efforts centered on radio airplay, particularly targeting urban contemporary stations, where the track quickly gained traction and debuted on the Hot Black Singles chart in October 1989. Biz Markie supported the single with live performances, including appearances on television programs that showcased hip-hop acts to broader audiences. Marketing for the single highlighted its humorous storytelling and relatable narrative about , positioning it as an accessible entry point for hip-hop to cross over into pop markets without alienating core fans. Advertisements appeared in music industry publications to emphasize the song's comedic appeal and Biz Markie's charismatic persona. Initial indicators showed strong early momentum, with no notable controversies surrounding the launch, allowing the focus to remain on its lighthearted vibe.

Music Video

The music video for "Just a Friend," directed by Lionel C. Martin, was produced in 1989 and shot in New York studios on a modest budget of approximately $40,000. With a runtime of about 4 minutes, it captures the song's humorous tone through a blend of narrative reenactments and exaggerated performances. The visual concept centers on embodying a comedic persona, notably dressed as in 18th-century attire, including a powdered , while performing the chorus at a grand in an opulent hall. This stylistic choice amplifies the track's playful frustration, with skits featuring actors in period costumes depicting the lyrics' story of romantic confusion, including a rival "friend" figure. Key scenes include an opening sequence of on a bench trading "yo mama" jokes with friends, transitioning to narrative vignettes: Biz meeting a woman at a , exchanging flirtatious glances and photos, sharing phone calls and visits, and culminating in the discovery of her kissing another man. Cameos appear from rapper Craig G as a man in a and Cool V as himself, adding to the lighthearted ensemble. The video concludes with Biz for comedic effect, underscoring its satirical edge. It premiered on in late 1989, helping to promote the single's crossover appeal. The official upload to on the UPROXX channel occurred in August 2010, where it has amassed over 96 million views as of 2025.

Commercial Performance

Chart Performance

"Just a Friend" achieved significant commercial success on the U.S. , marking Biz Markie's highest-charting single. It debuted on the on January 20, 1990, entering at number 71, and peaked at number 9 on the chart dated March 17, 1990, spending a total of 22 weeks on the ranking. The song also reached number 37 on the chart, where it charted for 12 weeks, and number 5 on the chart. On the 1990 year-end Hot 100, it placed at number 94. Internationally, the single had more modest performance. It peaked at number 66 on the Canadian RPM Top Singles chart. In the , "Just a Friend" entered the UK Singles Chart in May 1990, reaching a high of number 55 and spending three weeks on the listing. The track received limited airplay in , reflecting the niche status of hip-hop at the time. The song's chart trajectory on the Hot 100 was characterized by a gradual ascent, climbing steadily through radio play and music video exposure, reaching the top 10 in early 1990. Its crossover appeal to pop radio stations contributed to this slow but sustained rise, similar to the trajectory of MC Hammer's "" during the same era. After peaking, it descended the chart and exited after 22 weeks.

Certifications and Sales

In the United States, "Just a Friend" was certified by the RIAA on February 21, 1990, for 500,000 units shipped, and subsequently achieved status on April 12, 1990, for 1,000,000 units shipped. As of 2025, the single has been certified by the RIAA, equivalent to 1,000,000 units including . By 1991, physical single sales in the U.S. exceeded 1.2 million copies, with additional digital downloads surpassing 500,000 units in the post-2000s era due to renewed interest. Globally, the track's shipments are estimated at around 1.5 million units. No formal certifications were awarded in the or , though sales estimates indicate over 100,000 units in each market; as of November 2025, it has accumulated approximately 175 million streams on . The song's resurgence in the , fueled by placements in films and television such as (2004), significantly increased digital sales and streaming activity.

Reception and Legacy

Critical Reception

Upon its release in , "Just a Friend" received positive attention for its humorous storytelling and accessible appeal in the hip-hop landscape. later highlighted the track's classic status, crediting Biz Markie as a pioneer in intentionally "bad " that captured the sweet, relatable essence of romantic mishaps. praised the song as a standout on , noting its dinky line and off-key that blended a sad yet funny tale of with wholesome wit. Retrospective reviews have solidified "Just a Friend" as a benchmark in hip-hop comedy. VH1 ranked it #81 on its 2002 list of the 100 Greatest One-Hit Wonders and #100 on its 2008 list of the 100 Greatest Songs of Hip-Hop. placed it at #68 on its 2015 list of the 200 Best Songs of the , commending how defied rapper stereotypes with his unpretentious, uproarious delivery that made the genre more inclusive. In 2021, lauded the track in 's obituary as a rueful tale of romantic , emphasizing its emotional honesty drawn from the artist's real-life experiences of rejection. Modern compilations reflect consistent acclaim, with rankings in and Rolling Stone's greatest hip-hop s lists.

Cultural Impact and Covers

The "Just a Friend" has had a lasting impact on , often defining Biz Markie's public persona despite his extensive career as a DJ, beatboxer, and collaborator in hip-hop. Frequently labeled a , it solidified his reputation for humorous storytelling in rap, even as he contributed to projects like producing for the and appearing on tracks by artists such as . VH1 ranked the track at number 81 on its list of the 100 Greatest One-Hit Wonders, highlighting its outsized cultural footprint relative to his other work. The song has appeared in various media, embedding its hook and narrative in film and television. It features in the 2007 comedy I Think I Love My Wife, where it underscores a scene of romantic confusion, amplifying the film's themes of friendship and desire. In 2010, performed a memorable duet of the song with actor on , blending Markie's original delivery with Goldblum's idiosyncratic piano playing and spoken-word flair, which went viral and introduced the track to new audiences. Additionally, the song is referenced in the lyrics of Akinyele's 1993 track "I Luh Ya Daddy" (also known as "I Luh Hur"), repurposing its playful frustration in a rawer hip-hop context. Covers and parodies have further extended the song's reach across genres and formats. R&B singer Mario released "Just a Friend 2002" in 2002, a modernized remake that peaked at number one on the Billboard Hot 100, demonstrating the track's adaptability to contemporary R&B while echoing its themes of unrequited affection. Indie rock band Tally Hall recorded a cover in 2006 for their internet series Holy Crap, later officially released in 2019, infusing the song with their quirky, theatrical style. Beyond direct adaptations, "Just a Friend" influenced hip-hop's emphasis on relatable, narrative-driven explorations of relationships, paving the way for acts like OutKast, whose storytelling in songs such as "Ms. Jackson" drew from similar confessional humor and emotional vulnerability in the genre. In 2023, the Just a Friend Foundation was established in Biz Markie's honor to support music education for underprivileged youth, channeling the song's legacy into community initiatives. The same year, the documentary All Up in the Biz featured the track prominently, chronicling Markie's life and its cultural resonance through interviews and archival footage. In the 2020s, the song regained prominence on , going viral on through memes and challenges that humorously reenact its dramatic chorus and wigged-out style, amassing millions of views. As of November 2025, "Just a Friend" had surpassed 500 million total streams across platforms like and , underscoring its enduring appeal to younger generations.

References

  1. https://uproxx.com/music/biz-markie-billboard-charts-death-just-a-friend/
  2. https://ew.com/music/2019/09/25/biz-markie-just-a-friend-30th-anniversary/
  3. https://www.rapreviews.com/2004/03/biz-markie-goin-off/
  4. https://www.songfacts.com/facts/freddie-scott/you-got-what-i-need
  5. https://www.whosampled.com/Biz-Markie/Just-a-Friend/
  6. https://unkut.com/2024/03/who-really-made-the-beat-for-biz-markies-just-a-friend/
  7. https://medium.com/micro-chop/biz-markies-just-a-friend-started-out-as-you-must-be-on-speed-ab88ed69fa2c
  8. https://www.fifteenminuteswith.com/2019/05/27/biz-markie-just-a-friend/
  9. https://atlantablackstar.com/2021/08/11/i-still-havent-gotten-paid-biz-markies-just-a-friend-collaborator-dj-cool-v-reveals-duo-never-saw-a-dime-from-sales-of-1989-hit/
  10. https://www.songfacts.com/facts/biz-markie/just-a-friend
  11. https://tunebat.com/Info/Just-a-Friend-Biz-Markie/1MQCTOWVfy4PcuBXkBsHVB
  12. https://genius.com/Biz-markie-just-a-friend-lyrics
  13. https://au.rollingstone.com/music/music-lists/best-songs-of-all-time-30065/biz-markie-just-a-friend-30087/
  14. https://www.grammy.com/news/biz-markie-dead-obituary-just-friend
  15. https://pitchfork.com/features/lists-and-guides/the-25-funniest-rappers-of-all-time/
  16. https://www.vulture.com/article/biz-markie-wake.html
  17. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7017196/
  18. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9aofoBrFNdg
  19. https://www.newsweek.com/biz-markies-video-just-friend-watched-over-70m-times-rest-heaven-1610716
  20. https://www.80sxchange.com/post/flashback-video-just-a-friend-by-biz-markie
  21. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7017196/fullcredits/
  22. https://www.billboard.com/artist/biz-markie/chart-history/hsi/
  23. https://www.officialcharts.com/charts/singles-chart/19900527/7501/
  24. https://www.wikiwand.com/en/articles/Just_a_Friend
  25. https://open.spotify.com/track/3yNVfRQlUPViUh8O2V9SQn
  26. https://www.nytimes.com/2004/01/18/arts/the-sweet-sounds-of-really-bad-singing.html
  27. https://trouserpress.com/reviews/biz-markie/
  28. https://rateyourmusic.com/list/hoshie/vh1s_100_greatest_one_hit_wonders/
  29. https://pitchfork.com/features/lists-and-guides/9700-the-200-best-songs-of-the-1980s/
  30. https://www.theguardian.com/music/2021/jul/17/biz-markie-obituary
  31. https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-lists/100-greatest-hip-hop-songs-of-all-time-105784/
  32. https://www.vulture.com/article/biz-markie-obit.html
  33. https://genius.com/Akinyele-i-luh-hur-lyrics
  34. https://kworb.net/spotify/artist/22282KfMxDo2PMjnBc82I4_songs.html
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