Happy Birthday, Marley Marl!

Today, Sept. 30, is the birthday of New York DJ, producer and hip-hop innovator Marley Marl. He's now 56.

Marley Marl is credited with creating the art of music sampling in hip-hop. Drawing his inspiration from blues, doo-wop and R&B, the first track Marl sampled and reprogramed for his own set was The Honey Drippers' "Impeach the President" breakbeat for MC Shan's single "The Bridge" in 1985. He is best known for his long running DJ show "Rap Attack" on WBLS New York which he hosted with Mr. Magic. This is even referenced in Notorious B.I.G's 1994 hit single, "Juicy": "I used to read Word Up! magazine/Salt-n-Pepa and Heavy D up in the limousine/Hangin' pictures on my wall/Every Saturday Rap Attack, Mr. Magic, Marley Marl."

As a prominent producer in the 1980's, Marl worked with Marl King Tee, LL Cool J, Lords of the Underground, Eric B. & Rakim, Big Daddy Kane, Biz Markie and more. Marl started his production career under Tuff City Records and then helped found his own company, Cold Chillin' Records, in 1986. Now, at 56 years old, Marley still produces and travels the world spinning his old school brand of funk and golden era hip-hop.

Happy Birthday, Marley Marl!

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