Learn the Biz Markee
Learn basic beatboxing inspired by Biz Markie: practice mouth percussion sounds, combine rhythms, and record a short beat to share safely.
Step-by-step guide to Learn the Biz Markee
Step 1
Gather all your materials and bring them to a table or floor space.
Step 2
Find a quiet comfortable spot where you can hear yourself clearly.
Step 3
Sit or stand in front of the mirror so you can watch your mouth while you practice.
Step 4
Take a small sip of water to moisten your lips.
Step 5
Make the bass drum "B" sound by pressing your lips together and popping a quick burst of air without using your voice.
Step 6
Make the hi-hat "t" sound by placing your tongue near your teeth and making a short crisp "ts" noise.
Step 7
Make the snare "pf" sound by pushing air through slightly closed lips so it pops like "pf" or "pff."
Step 8
Tap a steady 4-beat pulse with one finger on your leg to set a slow tempo.
Step 9
Say the pattern "B t B pf" slowly while keeping the steady pulse with your finger.
Step 10
Repeat that pattern 8 times, keeping the timing steady and watching your mouth in the mirror.
Step 11
With an adult's help, record a 15–30 second clip of your beat using a phone or computer.
Step 12
Share your finished beatboxing clip on DIY.org.
Final steps
You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!
Help!?
If I don't have a mirror or a phone/computer, how can I still watch my mouth and record the beat?
Use a shiny window, a piece of aluminum foil, or the reflective back of a tablet to watch your mouth while practicing, and record the 15–30 second clip using a friend's device or any voice‑recorder app on an available gadget.
I'm struggling to get the 'B' or the snare 'pf' to pop correctly—what can I try?
For the bass 'B' press your lips firmly together and release a quick burst of air without voicing, and for the snare 'pf' tighten your lips a little more and push a short strong breath while practicing slowly with the finger pulse and watching your lip shape in the mirror.
How can I adapt this activity for younger or older kids?
For younger kids simplify to just 'B' and 't' with a slow 2‑beat leg tap and four repetitions, while older kids can repeat 8+ times, add faster tempos, extra sounds, and multitrack recording on a computer.
What are ways to extend or personalize the beat before sharing it on DIY.org?
Personalize by changing the 4‑beat pattern (for example 'B pf t B'), adding new sounds like 'k' or 'ch,' using a metronome app for tighter timing, and trimming or layering your 15–30 second recording with free editing software before uploading to DIY.org.
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Facts about beatboxing and vocal percussion for kids
🥁 Beatboxing uses your mouth, lips, tongue, and voice to imitate drum sounds like kick (B), hi‑hat (t), and snare (k).
🎤 Biz Markie was nicknamed the “Clown Prince of Hip Hop” and loved mixing goofy fun with his beatboxing and raps.
🎵 Biz Markie’s hit “Just a Friend” made the U.S. top 10 in 1989, showing how beatbox‑flavored hip hop can go mainstream.
🎧 Doug E. Fresh is often called “The Human Beatbox” and helped popularize beatboxing in the 1980s.
🌍 There are international beatboxing battles where performers create rhythms, sound effects, and clever vocal tricks live on stage.
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