Marlon Williams (born September 30 1962 in Queens, New York City), better known as Marley Marl, produced rappers like Big Daddy Kane, Biz Markie, Roxanne Shanté, Kool G Rap, MC Shan and Master Ace ; as well as King Tee and LL Cool J. He was also important in the career of Eric B and Rakim, producing their first hits "My Melody" and "Eric B Is President", mixing James Brown samples and synthetic beats in a fashion unknown before. Marley Marl was one of the pioneers of sampling in hip hop. He debuted as an electro producer, but his records became sample-heavier soon, as can be seen if one compares the first two MC Shan LPs. The rhythms became less electronic, with drum machines becoming less prominent. Marl's influence on rap music probably can't be overestimated.

Marl started his career working for Tuff City records. He debuted with his own track called "DJ Cuttin" in 1985, released under the pseudonym NYC Cutter.

Discography

• 1988 In Control Volume 1
• 1991 In Control Volume II - for your steering pleasure
• 2001 Re-entry

Compilations

• 1995 House of Hits
• 2001 Best of Cold Chillin'