Square Biz

"Square Biz" is a song by American R&B singer, Teena Marie. The song was released as a single in 1981 from the album It Must Be Magic. It would go on to become one of Marie's signature songs.

"Square Biz"
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)

The song interpolates a rap verse from the Sugarhill Gang's 1979 hit "Rapper's Delight".

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 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 Sera-Lynn, 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
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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


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