Rapper Biz Markie Official Guest of Ken Ulman

Who knew Ken Ulman was down? As in, you know, cool.

A May 10 fundraising event for the county executive will feature rapper/dj Biz Markie.

If you’re a parent, you may be familiar with his appearances on the music-heavy children’s show Yo Gabba Gabba.

If you’re like me, the first thing you thought was: “Yooooou got what I need, but you say he’s just a friend, you say he’s just a friend …”  from his 1989 top-ten hit, “Just a Friend.”

According to Rachael Rice of Rice Consulting, which is handling Ulman’s fundraising, “the host of the event knew [Markie] and thought it would be fun.”

The invitation, which Patch noticed on HoCo Rising, also lists Kevin Liles, former president of record label Def Jam Recordings, as a special guest.

Def Jam released many of the most popular recording artists of the 90s, from rapper L.L Cool J to metal band Slayer.

Tickets to the event, at the Maple Lawn Clubhouse in Fulton, start at $35 and go up to $500 – for which sponsors can spend an hour with Ulman and a chance to take a picture with him and Liles.

No mention of photo opportunities with Markie.

Commentors on HoCo  Rising expressed mixed feelings about the event, and the invitation itself, which announces a “Black and White Affair With Howard County Executive Ken Ulman and Special Guests DJ Biz Markie and Kevin Liles.”

“Is the ‘Black and White’” some sort of racial thing? This flyer has a racial vibe,” wrote Bix.

B.Santo, however, was pretty stoked.  “Biz Markie is awesome!”  

What do you think? Is Markie going to bring new donors? A crowd? The party?