Teena Marie, was a R&B/Soul singer, songwriter, and producer known for her distinctive soulful vocals. Her sultry voice would earn her the title “Ivory Queen of Soul”.
“Square Biz” was the lead single released from her fourth album It Must Be Magic, in 1981. It would go on to become one of Marie’s signature songs. The track peaked at No. 3 on Billboard’s Black Singles chart, becoming her highest peak on the chart at the time. The song also peaked at No. 12 on Billboard’s Club Play Singles, and No. 50 on Billboard’s Pop Singles.
Missy Elliott used an interpolation of a verse from “Square Biz” in Ciara’s 2004 hit single, “1, 2 Step,” and The Firm’s “Firm Biz” contains a sample from the song featuring En Vogue’s Dawn Robinson from the group’s 1997 album The Album. Enjoy the video of Teena Marie’s performance of the hit at Motown Live above.
After the jump check out rising singer Leah LaBelle performing “Square Biz” at the 2012 Soul Train Awards.
