Square Biz

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"Square Biz"
Teenasquarebiz.jpg
Single by Teena Marie
from the album It Must Be Magic
Released1981 (U.S.)
GenreFunk[1]
Length6:26
LabelGordy
Songwriter(s)Teena Marie, Allen McGrier
Producer(s)Teena Marie
Teena Marie singles chronology
"Young Love"
(1981) 		"Square Biz"
(1981) 		"It Must Be Magic"
(1981)

"Square Biz" is a 1981 song by American R&B singer, Teena Marie. Bass player and frequent collaborator Allen McGrier is credited as the co-writer along with Marie. The song was released as a single from the album It Must Be Magic, and became one of Marie's signature songs. The song includes a rap break, an unusual feature at the time.

Cover versions and appearances in media[]

In 2002, a new version of this song, titled "Hollywood Square Biz", was used as the theme to the popular game show Hollywood Squares when it was known as H2 at the time from 2002 to 2004.[2]

In 2000 "Crip Hop" (Tha Eastsidaz featuring Snoop Dogg). Baby Boy soundtrack containing hip-hop and R&B music was released by Universal Records on June 19, 2001

In 2002, En Vogue performed a cover of the song on their concert DVD, Live in the USA.

Missy Elliott uses an interpolation of a verse from Square Biz in Ciara's 2004 hit single, "1, 2 Step".[3]

The Firm's "Firm Biz" contains a sample based on the song featuring Dawn Robinson from their first and only album The Album in 1997.

"Real Love" by Master P featuring , 2002

Chart performance[]

The song managed to peak at #3 on Billboard's R&B Charts, becoming Marie's highest peak on the chart at the time. The song managed to peak at #12 on Billboard's Club Play Singles, while performing moderately on Billboard's Pop Singles, peaking only at #50, becoming her second single to chart on the Pop Singles chart.

Charts[]

Chart positions[]

Charts (1981) Peak
position[4]
US Billboard Hot 100 50
US Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop Songs 3
US Billboard Dance/Club Play Songs 12

References[]

  1. ^ Breihan, Tom (December 26, 2010). "Teena Marie R.I.P." Pitchfork Media. Retrieved June 21, 2015.
  2. ^ Playlist Eleven of Teena Marie mlive.com/entertainment/detroit
  3. ^ The relevant verse in "1, 2 Step" begins with "Because I'm 5 foot 2..." whereas the verse in "Square Biz" begins with "I'm less than five foot one....".
  4. ^ Teena Marie Album & Song Chart History.Billboard Hot 100

External links[]


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