He is known for his hard hitting fast-paced flow, and fantastic lyrics. Legend has it that even rap legend Rakim turned down a battle with Kane. He invented simply bragging on a track, and is the master of this style. Kane was noticed after a battle at a shopping mall by Biz Markie. Biz asked Kane to be a part of his Juice Crew, and he appeared on the posse cut, The Symphony. He was immediately one of the more popular acts on Marley Marl's Cold Chillin Records. The label included Masta Ace, and Kool G Rap amongst other legendary rappers. By the time Long Live the Kane was released, Big Daddy Kane was already an established act in the rap game, and managed to have a very successful debut album.
The only question is how will this album sound 25 years later? I'll be the judge of that.
1.Long Live the Kane
This is a very 80's beat with a lot of scratching and basic drum line. There isn't really a hook but more of an instrumental pause between verses. Kane lyrically is impeccable and his flow is never ending. Not only is this a great way to start an album, but for new listeners it is a great way to introduce Kane without overwhelming you.
2. Raw (remix)
Kane quickens the flow a lot here, with almost no pauses in his rhymes. He is flexing, and basically daring anyone to say anything negative about him. Spoiler alert; that would be a terrible idea. He speaks his classic line, "don't step I aint the one." This is similar to the last track, only superior in every way. This isn't a track that will get you hyped, but is lyrically insane. As you can see, this is a remix, but this version is better so don't worry about tracking down the original
3. Set It Off
The a capella at the beginning of this track is absolutely awesome. The beat is so quick that it matches Kane's flow perfectly. The speed Kane has in his rhymes in my opinion is much more impressive than the Busta Rhymes speed. He is maintaining lyrical mastery at a ridiculous pace. This beat was later used by Ghostface Killah, one of my favorite rappers, but this is better in every way. Kane annihilates this motherfucker.
4. The Day You're Mine
This is a classic Marley Marl beat. Unfortunately here we get an introduction to the cassanova character of Kane, later named the Prince of Darkness. This is a type of Kane song that you will grow to hate, but at first listen this isn't the worst song ever. That being said it is by far the worst song on the album.
5. On the Bugged Tip
Here we get introduced to a character that some will love, and some will hate. For me it's a bit of both. For those who don't know, I'm talking about the notorious Scoob Lover, who cut Kane's hair, and was a backround dancer. The real mistake was ever letting Scoob touch a mic. He has a little buddy named scrap lover who is not heard from on this album, but plays a similar role. Kane on the mic is so far superior to Scoob that it's stupid. Kane's last verse is incredible, and apparently he thought so too, because it will appear again on the album.
6. Ain't No Half Steppin'
This is widely regarded as one of the best hip-hop songs ever, and rightfully so. This song is over 5 minutes, and still leaves you begging for more. I'm sure at some point this blog will put out a best songs of all time list, and this will definitely be near the top. Kane flows incredibly for such durations of time, and never runs out of things to say. I could have a website that just talked about this song, and I would never run out of things to say. That would get rather boring so I'll just say, this song is incredible.
7. I'll Take You There
While Kane is of course unmatched on the mic once again. The part of this track you'll remember the most is the sample that act as the hook. I find myself walking around singing, I'll take you there ohhh, all the time. Another fantastic track pumped out with apparent ease.
8. Just Rhymin' With Biz
If you, like me, have a heart, that means you love Biz Markie's voice. Biz wasn't meant to be a great mc, but rather a fun guy to come out and get the crowd pumped for the main artist. Kane is fucking awesome on this track. It is a very quotable track, that ends with the awesome verse that was at the end of On the Bugged Tip, with a couple lines added.
9. Mister Cee's Master Plan
Ahh the classic ode to the DJ. Unfortunately nowadays Mister Cee is regularly found with male prostitutes, but back in the day he was a wizard on the boards. This just screams 80's, and is much more instrumental than rapping, but still a good listen.
10. Word to the Mother (Land)
A very good track, and a fun way to ride the album out. Not a highlight, but there are no problems with this song. The final song serves as the Afrocentric track, which was a custom in 88. The message in the song is a good one, and he has a line that was eventually used as a sample in a Gang Starr song, so that made me happy.
Rating: 5/5
Before you buy this album I have to say, that you may hate the production on this album. It is very classic 80's and this sound never left the 80's. While the production was great for this era, the average listeners may not recognize that. If you don't get it, well you're also just a fucking pussy. However, if you are a fan of rap at all it would be a crime for me not to recommend a purchase. One of the better albums of all time without a doubt, and an impressive addition to your record collection. Peace party people.