BY BANDINI • SEPTEMBER 10, 2019

oday (September 10) marks Big Daddy Kane’s birthday. Commanding audiences far and wide since he was a teenager, the now 51-year-old living legend continues to be among the culture’s best performers. From collaborations with Ghostface Killah and Joell Ortiz, as well as new freestyles, King Asiatic continues to add to a respected catalog—even if he keeps fans waiting on a potential eighth LP.

In less than a month, the MC born Antonio Hardy will join 9th Wonder in entering North Carolina’s Music Hall Of Fame (the Brooklyn native has made a home in NC). On his B-day, we salute one of the greatest rappers with a rarity that reminds of his excellence.

In April of 1988, Marley Marl was giving a lot of shine to his and Mr. Magic’s Juice Crew. With Marley playing the records, they did so at New York City’s 107.5 WBLS FM. At the time, the two radio juggernauts were expanding their New York City collective including Roxanne Shanté, Biz Markie, and MC Shan. Kane represented a battle-tested emerging Brooklyn artist on the Queens-based arsenal of lyricists. Ahead of Long Live The Kane, Marley played a rendition of “Raw” that did not make the album. It featured another MC on the rise, Kool G Rap.

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