Biz Markie brings his 80s vs 90s tour to Cincinnati tonight at Bogart's. The legendary artist, who is known for "Just a Friend", his beat boxing segment on Yo Gabba Gabba!, and an upcoming 80s cruise has kept the talented rapper busy, all while managing to lose 150 pounds. Markie answered a few questions about his plans for 2016 and the motivation behind staying busy.

”We got bands...I could be unpredictable with it, you never know what I’m going to do”, Markie says about tonight’s show. “I’m going to be DJ’ing, but the only thing I can tell you is that it’s going to be pure fun.” Markie confirmed that audiences should expect the unexpected and come prepared to have a good time. In June, Markie will go on yet another tour to support the 30th anniversary of his first album, Make the Music with Your Mouth, Biz.

Sandwiched between tours, Markie along with other 80s icons (including Modern English, A Flock of Segulls, Tiffany and many others) will undock and embark on The 80s Cruise for what will be the best 80s celebration to ever exist. Planned stops on the March cruise include Puerto Rico and the Bahamas. On top of that, Markie will make stops at SXSW and the Denton Music Festival in Texas.

Diagnosed with diabetes, Markie made a lifestyle change and as a result has lost 150 pounds to date. “I cut out red meat and pork. I eat sugar free foods. I drink diet soda like Zevia cuz Zevia don’t got nothin’ in it.”

Obviously “Just a Friend” is a timeless classic and that one single was lucrative for the rapper, but when asked what his motivation is to keep going, and to choose not to live off of the “Just a Friend” money, Biz replied, “I love doing hip-hop. I look at it as a hobby. Music is my life. I’m not doing it just for the money, I’m doing it for the culture.” 

Check out Biz Markie with Cherry on Top and Devils Due tonight at Bogart’s. Tickets are only $10.