SURREY LANE
A premier music publishing company founded by Tara Hall, dedicated to managing, protecting, and monetizing iconic song catalogs while building bridges between the music of the past and tomorrow's sonic innovations.
Experience The Sound
Just A Friend (Official Video)
Biz Markie
From the album 'The Biz Never Sleeps' (1989)
"Just A Friend" stands as Biz Markie's most successful and enduring hit, reaching #9 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1990. The song's iconic status in hip-hop history is cemented by its unforgettable chorus, which samples Freddie Scott's "(You) Got What I Need" and features Biz's deliberately off-key singing.
The track's commercial success helped the album "The Biz Never Sleeps" achieve gold certification from the RIAA. Its cultural impact has extended far beyond its initial release, with the song being featured in numerous films, TV shows, and commercials over the decades.
In 2021, "Just A Friend" was selected for preservation in the Library of Congress's National Recording Registry for being "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant." The song's universal theme of unrequited love and its blend of humor with genuine emotion has made it a timeless classic that continues to resonate with new generations.
#9
Billboard Hot 100
Gold
RIAA Certification
1989
Release Year
2021
National Recording Registry
Publishing Catalog
Explore our extensive collection of published works, including timeless classics and rare gems available for licensing.
Goin' Off
The Biz Never Sleeps
I Need a Haircut
All Samples Cleared!
Weekend Warrior
The Rarities Collection
Goin' Off
The Biz Never Sleeps
I Need a Haircut
All Samples Cleared!
Weekend Warrior
The Rarities Collection
Copyright Management
As a full-service music publishing company, Surrey Lane Publishing proudly manages the following works from Biz Markie's catalog, officially registered with the U.S. Copyright Office.
Licensed Catalog
Surrey Lane Publishing proudly manages the following works from Biz Markie's catalog, officially registered with the U.S. Copyright Office.
Just A Friend
The Biz Never Sleeps (1989)
Spring Again
The Biz Never Sleeps (1989)
What Goes Around Comes Around
The Biz Never Sleeps (1989)
Vapors
Goin' Off (1988)
Make The Music With Your Mouth
Goin' Off (1988)
Nobody Beats The Biz
Goin' Off (1988)
Goin' Off
Goin' Off (1988)
Biz Is Goin' Off
Goin' Off (1988)
Alone Again
I Need A Haircut (1991)
I Need A Haircut
I Need A Haircut (1991)
The Sway
I Need A Haircut (1991)
I'm The Biz Markie
All Samples Cleared! (1993)
Young Girl Bluez
All Samples Cleared! (1993)
Let Me Turn You On
All Samples Cleared! (1993)
Chinese Food
Weekend Warrior (2003)
Turn Da Party Out
Weekend Warrior (2003)
Throw Back
Weekend Warrior (2003)
Let Me See U Bounce
Weekend Warrior (2003)
Studda Step
Weekend Warrior (2003)
Take It From The Top
Weekend Warrior (2003)
Def Fresh Crew
Single (1986)
This Is Something For The Radio
Single (1986)
Return of the Biz Dance
Single (1990)
The Doo Doo
Single (1993)
Bounce (Let Me See You)
Single (2003)
Tear Shit Up
Single (2003)
Friends
Single (2004)
Pickin' Boogers (Remix)
Rarities (2005)
World Famous Biz Dance (Live)
Rarities (2005)
Iconic Published Works
Experience the groundbreaking compositions that defined an era and continue to generate licensing opportunities across media, film, television, and advertising.
Just A Friend
1989
The iconic hit that showcased Biz's unique vocal style and storytelling.
Vapors
1988
A classic track with Biz's signature humor and memorable beats.
Make The Music With Your Mouth
1986
Pioneering beatboxing track that showcased Biz's incredible skills.
Nobody Beats The Biz
1988
High-energy track with Biz's unmistakable charisma and flow.
Publisher's Vision
"Music is our most powerful cultural bridge. At Surrey Lane Publishing, we're not just preserving the past—we're creating connections between generations, between artists, and between different musical traditions. Our work as publishers is about honoring legacies while ensuring these iconic compositions continue to generate value and reach new audiences through strategic licensing and rights management."
Tara Hall
Founder & CEO, Surrey Lane Publishing