A decade removed from the rap game, Biz Markie returns with his long-anticipated Weekend Warrior. Biz burst onto the scene in the mid-eighties combining beatboxing, freestyling and emceeing while working with legendary producer Marley Marl. Unfortunately an uncleared sample on 1991's 'I Need a Haircut' led to a lawsuit with Gilbert O'Sullivan that Biz Markie lost in federal court. In the past decade he's released the occasional 12" single, but has mainly focused on building a huge name for himself as a DJ - spinning at the Super Bowl, the NBA All-Star Game, The Grammy's and more.

Renowned for his fun and funky style, Biz Markie is once again able to capture this vibe on Weekend Warrior. The beats from a handful of producers are mediocre, but don't disappoint. Featured artist Lil Kal is a pleasant surprise, as he lends his vocals to 'Let Me See You Bounce,' 'Like a Dream' and the impressive 'Turn Back The Hands of Time.' P. Diddy also makes a guest appearance on the Wild Style Theme remake, 'Do UR Thang.'

'Turn Back The Hands of Time' is the album's gem. Although it deals with the worn out topic of reminiscing about the hip-hop lives that have been lost, Biz Markie manages to cement a solid track with Lil Kal's killer hook. The feel good favorite 'Throw Back' had me seeing visions of Will Smith's 'So Fresh,' which incidentally featured Biz Markie. While so many song sequels have failed, 'Friends' successfully plays on the success of his smash hit 'Just Friends', while exploring a different point-of-view on the "just be friends" relationship. 'Chinese Food' has an appealing oriental flair and is dedicated to his love of shrimp fried rice, but lacks lyrical continuity as no verse is remotely related to the chorus.

Weekend Warrior has an overall enjoyable feel, shinning bright in certain spots, but falling short in others. When Biz Markie is able to focus on the topic at hand, his lyricism shines ('Friends'), but on the whole, the decade-long wait for a full album left me only partially satisfied.

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