Big Daddy Kane Biography

Fast Facts

• Was ranked number seven on MTV's list of the Greatest MCs of All Time
• Was the first rapper to sell out the Apollo Theater twice with his theatrical, choreographed shows meant for women only
• Started out as a member of the rap group Juice Crew in 1986 before debuting his first solo album, "Long Live the Kane," in 1988
• Quote: "(On his wide range of talents): "It's all music; it's about people respecting an art form․ Once you appreciate an art form, you're open to everything․""
• Quote: "(On returning to Brooklyn): "Your parents and grandparents talk about when this was that, so you expect․․․you'll go through it, too․ That's not crazy․․․what's crazy is when you see thugs on the corner and they got on skinny jeans and Vans sneakers․""
• Best known as a rapper, emcee, and record producer who is considered by many to be a legend of rap's golden age
• Has recorded seven studio albums, including "It's a Big Daddy Thing" in 1989, "Taste of Chocolate" in 1990, and "Prince of Darkness" in 1991
• Has also produced several songs for movie soundtracks, including "Lean On Me (Rap Summary" for the film "Lean on Me" and "Raw" for the film "Colors․"
• Has done collaborations with many prominent figures in the music industry, including Barry White, Patti LaBelle, Public Enemy, and Ice Cube
• Helped another big name in the rap industry get his start in the early 1990s when he began inviting Jay-Z to his shows and featuring him on the song "Show & Prove․"