Filmmaker Sacha Jenkins sits down with Salon to discuss his latest documentary about rapper Biz Markie. Jenkins reveals what he uncovered about the "Just a Friend" singer and why the 50-year anniversary of rap was the perfect occasion to tell his story. From Markie to Jay-Z, Jenkins reflects on what hip-hop is all about, what makes a legend and why he believes rap is a lot older than half a century. "I did a film about Rick James; I did a film about Louis Armstrong — same guys, same language, same environment," he told Salon's D. Watkins. "You're going to tell me that hip-hop is different from Louis Armstrong growing up in the hood in New Orleans or Rick James growing up in the hood in Buffalo? It's the same story over and over again. Black music in America is a reflection of and reaction to the environment."