From songs like “Swagga Like Us” to Old Spice Swagger deodorant, it’s all about having swag nowadays in life.
While some of us naturally got it, others of us are trying to get it.
Big Daddy Kane is one of the original kings of swag in rap music.
From his debut CD, “Long Live The Kane,” in 1988, to his last solo effort, “Veteranz Day,” in 1998, the rap god has recorded countless classic tracks as well as maintained tremendous swag throughout his career for fans.
Here are my Top 10 Big Daddy Kane songs of all time. Please read, enjoy and share some of your favorite songs by one of the coolest and lyrically-gifted artists ever in rap.
10). The Lover in You (1991).
Big Daddy Kane took some heat from purists after releasing this record. Featured on his fourth CD, “Prince of Darkness,” the commercial-friendly “The Lover In You” was considered “soft” by haters. But to me, it is a smooth rap ballad and a byproduct of a matured Kane, whose music is actually years ahead of its time.
9). Rap Summary (Lean On Me) (1989).
Inspired by the 1989 movie starring Morgan Freeman and Bill Withers’ classic song “Lean On Me,” Big Daddy Kane delivers an inspiring message to disinterested high school students and a troubled system in “Rap Summary.” “Please eliminate the drug situation/Stop smokin’ and get an education,” Kane asks.
8). How U Get a Record Deal? (1993).
“How U Get a Record Deal?” is just one of about a half-dozen of slept-on tracks on Big Daddy Kane’s fifth recording, “Looks Like A Job For …”. Apparently fed up with the rise of wack rappers in the game, Kane flaunts his patented wordplay fans are accustomed to hearing and shows newbies how it should be done.
7). I Get The Job Done (1989).
Not many rappers can alter their flow like Kane. BDK sounds comfortable fast or slow when he spits. On “I Get The Job Done,” he hastens his tempo for New Jack Swing superproducer Teddy Riley. The duo creates such an infectious track that once the beat drops even wallflower fans can’t resist the dance floor.
6.) Young, Gifted and Black (1989).
Three-minute songs typically don’t crack my Top 10 lists. However, this one does. The final years of the ’80s was predominately about positivity and uplifting the community. “Young, Gifted and Black” is Kane’s big contribution. From the start to finish, Kane lays it down over legendary producer Marley Marl’s raw track.
5.) Mortal Combat (1989).
Big Daddy Kane is one of the best battle rappers ever in the game. With that said, he displays his love for war in “Mortal Combat,” a precise, lyrical assault featured on his sophomore effort, “It’s A Big Daddy Thing.” Kane goes all in on this joint, letting his competition know the consequences if they dare step to him.
4). Set It Off (1988).
Why do some historians and fans say ’88 may have been the best year ever in rap? Listen to “Set It Off.” From the production work to the cuts and scratches to the lyrics, this blistering track embodies that year. Like on “Mortal Combat,” Kane is just relentless on each and every verse and certainly in his comfort zone.
3). Smooth Operator (1989).
Big Daddy Kane, for sure, is one of the smoothest rappers in the business. Like rap icon Rakim, he doesn’t have to huff and puff on the mic to get his point across. Fans of course love this song’s relaxing music and laid-back lyrics, but the classic “Smooth Operator” also is that “it” moment in Kane’s career as well as in rap.
2). Raw (remix) (1988).
“Raw” is perhaps Big Daddy Kane’s most jaw-dropping lyrical performance. “I’m not an amateur but a professional unquestionable, without a doubt superb/Also full of action, my name should be a verb/My voice will float, on every note/when I clear my throat, that’s all she wrote,” he rhymes. Enough said.
1). Ain’t No Half Steppin’ (1988).
Stepping out of the shadows of veteran Juice Crew artists MC Shan, Roxanne Shante and Biz Markie, Kane can’t afford to trip on his debut effort, “Long Live the Kane.” While “Raw” may be BDK’s most impressive lyrical display, “Ain’t No Half Steppin,” to me, is his top song that is most difficult to stop playing over and over again.
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Source for Top 10 Big Daddy Kane Song of All Time:
http://www.officialbigdaddykane.com/
