Teena Marie's "Square Biz"

One Song

Hartbeat

Music Commentary, Music Interviews, Onesong, Comedy, Music

4.9 • 876 Ratings

🗓️ 22 May 2025

⏱️ 61 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

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Summary

Teena Marie is one of R&B’s most enduring artists, and in many ways, she perfectly encapsulates what it means to be Black famous. This week, Diallo and LUXXURY break down her 1980 hit “Square Biz” and explore the nuance of her legacy. They revisit her career-breaking collaborations with Rick James, celebrate her musical prowess, and ask the question: Is Teena Marie “blue-eyed soul” or in a league of her own? One Song Spotify Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/40SIOpVROmrxTjOtH7Q1yw?si=e7bd872adc3044ad Songs Discussed: "Square Biz" - Teena Marie "Lovergirl" - Teena Marie "Loverboy" - Billy Ocean "Behind The Groove" - Teena Marie "Ghetto Life" - Rick James "On The Wings Of Love" - Jeffrey Osborne "Tutti Frutti" - Pat Boone "Tutti Frutti" - Little Richard "I'm A Sucker For Your Love" - Teena Marie "It Must Be Magic" - Teena Marie "Super Freak" - Rick James "Portuguese Love" - Teena Marie "Wake Up" - Bill Wolfer "1, 2 Step" - Ciara feat. Missy Elliot "Rapture" - Blondie "Firm Biz" - The Firm "Emergency Room" - Ford & Lopatin "Gnarly" - KATSEYE Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcript

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0:00.0	Luxury. I've been looking forward to this episode for a minute. Today's song comes from one of
0:04.6	R&B's most enduring artists. And in many ways, she's that white artist who perfectly encapsulates
0:10.3	what it means to be black famous. Not only was she a beloved and respected singer, but she was also
0:15.9	a brilliant songwriter, arranger, and producer. And on today's song, she did it all. Today's song peaked at number three on the R&B singles charts in 1981 and has since become a fan favorite.
0:26.1	Everybody, get up!
0:27.4	We're talking about one song, and that song is Square Biz by Tina Marie.
0:31.1	I'm talking square this to you, baby.
0:34.3	Square, square this.
0:35.7	I'm talking love to their hands. Square, square this, I'm talking love to their hands.
0:38.5	Square, swear this, I'm talking...
0:40.7	I'm talking...
0:44.7	Hey, Harry.
0:48.7	Hello, mate.
0:49.5	Got any tips for the football?
0:50.7	Your best bet is to head over to bet Victor.
0:52.9	They'll give a new customer customers a terrific welcome offer.
0:55.7	If you bet a minimum of £10, they'll give you £30 in three bets.
0:59.6	Fawl, that's a steel of a deal.
1:01.2	It's a good darn deal that'll make your squirrel for real.
1:04.3	Neil?
1:05.0	My name's not Neil.
1:06.1	I know, but it rhymes.
	...

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