Big Daddy Kane

In the midst of rap’s late-’80s golden age, Big Daddy Kane introduced a new duality to the role of MC, proving that hardcore word assassins could also be smooth casanovas.

Born in Brooklyn in 1968, Kane rose up with Marley Marl’s hip-hop collective Juice Crew and became a New York rap fixture thanks to his indomitable lyrics, as showcased in his contributions to fellow Crew member Biz Markie’s 1988 debut, Goin’ Off.

Later that year, he released Long Live the Kane, demonstrating his magnetic versatility with the confidence of “Ain’t No Half-Steppin’,” charm of “The Day You’re Mine,” and pro-Blackness of the title track.