The Lord Of The Rings
I received a call the other day from TJ Swan. Now, just in case you don't remember who Swan is, he's the guy that pretty much sang all of the choruses on the early Biz Markie records, including songs like "Make The Music" and "Nobody Beats The Biz". During our brief phone conversation we talked about old times when his crew, better known as the "Juice Crew", would crack jokes on my BDP crew.
Swan and Biz were always easy targets. I mean really, any "ugly" joke would pretty much kill Biz. Even after we would call him names like, "Biz Monkey", Biz would immediately respond with something hilarious. Back then, TJ Swan was known for always wearing a tight sear-sucker suit, with rubber bands around the pant legs, and a pair of black Bally shoes. I recall the time when we were all going at it and KRS-One referred to Swan's tight outfit as a "blood pressure suit". Swan would also wear at least 2 rings on each of his fingers. If you name a ring, he wore it, including name rings, brass knuckles, engagement rings, washers, and any other rings he could fit on his fingers. And he wore them all at the same time!
Comments
I tried to wear so many rings one time but they really bothered me all the time and prevented from working. I bacame irritated in a couple of days. Can't imagine how he does it.
Posted by: Ben | July 19, 2006 03:53 AM
Peace to the old school! I was down with BLS/JUICE CREW but the whole BDP was TIGHT! Anyone with any old bls/kiss tapes/cds please get at me at: sherreearrington@sbcglobal.net
i have tapes from 1985-1989 that i would love to trade. mike t.
Posted by: mike t | May 12, 2006 02:43 PM
Mad love to all that keep the memory of folks TJ Swan (AKA Tharon Grant) and Biz alive. I grew up in the same hood with those cats and remember TJ when he was imitating Micheal Jackson at CI Talent shows. He loved him some MJ. Swanny, If you are out there....holla a a bra.
Doug
Posted by: Doug McBride | January 18, 2006 02:31 PM
Omg I remember all of that. I remember it wasnt just the crews, each of you had a station to get on, Kiss FM and WBLS. I swear I heard that Sucker Suit comment before..hahaha
Posted by: Heyward | December 7, 2005 07:45 PM
Biz Monkey...oohh, y'all were wrong for that. (It was funny as hell, though!)
Posted by: Butta | August 17, 2005 04:14 AM
What the deal yo? I am from San Diego CA and we have been trying to get on the map forever. I have been telling these young cats that I know a TJ SWAN that was a DJ here back in the day. Can you confirm that TJ SWAN was a DJ here in SD once upon a time.
Posted by: Art Theezy | August 13, 2005 06:16 AM
I hate to be crazy - but OH MY GOD - thank you so much for bringing up TJ Swan. I talk about him all the time to people & NO ONE seems to know who I'm talking about. As a Queensbridge native it may be easier for me to remember him, but at same time, he's contributed so much to the game & no matter where you are from, people should know that he's the reason why the likes of Nate Dogg, Ja Rule, & 50 Cent (to name a few), are so successful at making little melodies in to huge hits.
I can't remember the title, still this day I have a this tune in my mind. "Girl. I want to know your name. Is it Lisa Marie or is it Jane...".
Anyway, I'll stop rambling. I just wanted to express my gratitude towards you for bringing people up to date about those who are shamefully forgotten from time to time in this Hip Hop arena.
Keep the dream alive - Thanks & Take care.
Melanie
Posted by: Melanie | August 12, 2005 04:01 PM
That was hilarious!!...keep it coming D!
Posted by: thea | August 12, 2005 03:39 PM