Searching For Marley Marl

I’ve heard legends about producer/dj Marley Marl for about as long as I can remember. People say he was the first person to ever sample a record, and credit him with being the first in hip hop to ever do a posse cut. He gave rap music a stable home in the 80s and is responsible for The Juice Crew, Biz Markie, Kool G Rap, and Big Daddy Kane. But like most legends, Marley Marl is virtually impossible to track down. After having him tell me to call him back two hours later every two hours for three days I contacted fellow Juice Crew member Craig G.

VICE: Craig, I can’t get Marley to do this interview. What’s up with that dude?

Craig G

: Marley will stay in the studio until 7 in the morning, sleep until 4, then forget he had 8 things to do. It’s not personal, man.

Even with you, huh? Didn’t you rhyme on one of his first records?

C

: Yeah, even for that song, I stood outside his building for like an hour and a half. He used to have everyone waiting for him, like Biz, Shan…. You could walk down his block and you’d see rappers sitting on the bench outside. If I called him right now I’d get that same shit.

You should try it.

Craig

: I doubt he’ll answer. (Calling Marley)

Marley

: Yo.

Craig

: Damn, you answered, Marley.

Marley

: Craig, what up bro?

Craig

: This dude has been trying to track you down for an interview for weeks. He called you three times today. Shit, I called you nine times and just hear that damn machine. Page me when you’re down for that song and I’ll head over immediately. Aight, and call that dude back for the interview.

Marley

: Aight.

Editor’s note: Marley never called back.

DEVIN HORWITZ

Check for Marley Marl’s new record

Re-Entry

on BBE Records.