Ain't No Half-Steppin'
Big Daddy Kane Lyrics

Mh, mh, mh
Expressing agreement and anticipation before starting the song.

Ahh yeah, I'm with this
I am fully engaged and ready to perform.

I'm just gonna sit here laid back
I will relax and take a comfortable position.

To this nice mellow beat, you know?
I will enjoy and flow with the smooth rhythm.

And drop some smooth lyrics, 'cause it's '88
I will deliver some skillful and impressive verses because it's the year 1988.

Time to set it straight, y'know what I'm saying?
It's time to demonstrate my true talents and make a clear statement, do you understand?

And ain't no half stepping
I will not hold back or settle for mediocre performance.

Word, I'm ready
I am fully prepared and committed to giving my best.

Rappers stepping to me, they want to get some
Other rappers approach me with the intention of challenging or competing.

But I'm the Kane, so yo, you know the outcome
I am Big Daddy Kane, and everyone knows I will emerge victorious.

Another victory, they can't get with me
I consistently defeat my opponents, and they cannot match my skills.

So pick a BC date 'cause you're history
Choose any date in the past, as you will soon become irrelevant and forgotten.

I'm the authentic poet to get lyrical
I am the genuine artist who excels at crafting powerful and meaningful lyrics.

For you to beat me, it's gonna take a miracle
It is highly unlikely for anyone to surpass or outperform me.

And, stepping to me, yo that's the wrong move
Engaging in a confrontational manner with me is a misguided decision.

So what you on, Hobbs, dope or dog food?
Are you under the influence of drugs or living a low-quality lifestyle?

Competition, I just devour
I effortlessly overcome and defeat competitors.

Like a pitbull against a Chihuahua
It's an unfair match, similar to a larger, aggressive dog against a smaller, timid one.

'Cause when it comes to being dope, hot damn, I got it good
I possess extraordinary talent and skill when it comes to being exceptional.

Now let me tell you who I am
Allow me to identify and introduce myself to you.

The B-I-G D-A-double D-Y K-A-N-E
My name is spelled out for you: Big Daddy Kane.

Dramatic, Asiatic, not like many
I possess a unique and captivating style, distinct from others in the industry.

I'm different, so don't compare me to another
I am incomparable and should not be compared to anyone else.

'Cause they can't hang, word to the mother
Others cannot match my level of skill and expertise, I swear.

Atleast not with the principal in this pedigree
They cannot compete with the essential qualities and attributes passed down in my lineage.

So when I roll on you rappers, you better be
When I confront or challenge other rappers, they should be prepared.

Ready to die because you're petty
They face the possibility of defeat and humiliation due to their insignificant stature.

You're just a butter knife, I'm a machete
You lack cutting-edge skills, while I am a powerful and formidable force.

That's made by Ginsu, wait until when you
Just wait until I unleash my full potential against you.

Try to front, so I can chop into
If you attempt to deceive or challenge me, I will strike and cause significant damage.

Your body, just because you try to be basing
I will attack you physically and metaphorically for acting arrogant or powerful.

Friday the 13th, I'ma play Jason
I will assume the role of a fearsome and relentless character like Jason Voorhees from the movie series 'Friday the 13th'.

No type of joke, gag, game, puzzle or riddle
Don't attempt to amuse, deceive, or confuse me in any way.

The name is Big Daddy, yes Big not little
I am known as Big Daddy, emphasizing that I am significant and should not be underestimated.

So define it
Clearly understand and recognize my dominance.

Here's your walking papers, sign it
You receive your notice of defeat, as you must acknowledge and accept your loss.

And take a walk
Leave the scenario defeated and humiliated.

As the Kane start to talk, 'cause
I will now speak and express myself as Big Daddy Kane.

My rhymes are so dope and the rappers be hoping
My lyrics are excellent and other rappers aspire to reach my level.

To sound like me, so soon I'll have to open
They try to imitate my style, but I will soon have to establish a school for aspiring emcees.

A school of emceeing, for those who want to be in
An institution where aspiring emcees can learn and develop their skills.

My field in court then again on second thought
In my domain, I am a master, but upon reflection, I realize the need to share my knowledge and help others improve.

To have emcees coming out sounding so similar
An abundance of emcees with a striking resemblance to me is confusing for the audience.

It's quite confusing for you to remember
It becomes challenging for individuals to differentiate and remember who the true originator is.

The originator, and boy do I hate a
I despise imitators who fail to acknowledge my influence and originality.

Perpetrator, but I'm much greater
I surpass those who attempt to imitate me, as I possess superior talent and artistic ability.

The best, oh yes, I guess suggest the rest should fess
I am undeniably the best, and it would be wise for others to admit their inferiority.

Don't mess or test your highness
Do not challenge or provoke me, as I hold a position of superiority.

Unless you just address with best finesse
If you approach me with skill and grace, then I may consider acknowledging you.

And bless the paragraphs I manifest (I manifest)
Praise the written portions of my songs that I create and bring into existence.

Rap prime minister, some say sinister
I am considered a prominent figure and leader in the rap industry, while some perceive me as cunning and malicious.

Non-stopping the groove, until when it's the
I continue to maintain the rhythm and energy of the music until the end.

Climax, and I max, relax and chill
Reach the pinnacle of the song, giving my maximum effort, then proceed to relax and enjoy the moment.

Have a break from a take of me acting ill
Take a pause from witnessing my incredible and skillful performance.

Brain cells are lit, ideas start to hit
My mind is stimulated, and creative ideas begin to flow effortlessly.

Next the formation of words that fit
I then construct meaningful and cohesive lyrics that align with the rhythm and message.

At the table I sit, making it legit
I sit down with confidence, ensuring the authenticity and credibility of my work.

And when my pen hits the paper, ahh shit
Once I start writing, the results are exceptional and impressive.

I stop and stand strong over emcees
I figuratively tower over other emcees, asserting my dominance and superiority.

And devour with the power of Hercules
I consume and conquer my opponents with a strength and force comparable to that of Hercules.

Or Samson but I go further the length
I surpass the power and ability of Samson from biblical mythology.

'Cause you could scalp my Cameo and I'll still have strength
Even if you take away my most prized possessions, I will still possess strength and ability.

And no, that's not a myth, and if you try to riff
This is not a fictional idea, and if you attempt to challenge me.

Or get with, the man with the given gift of gab
Or try to compete with the individual blessed with exceptional verbal skills.

Your vocab, I'll only ignore
I will disregard and dismiss your limited vocabulary and uninspiring language.

Be sleeping on your rhymes 'til I start to snore
I will find your rhymes so uninteresting that I may fall asleep.

You can't awake me, or even make me
You are incapable of arousing my interest or impressing me.

Fear you, son, 'cause you can't do me nothin'
I have no reason to feel threatened or intimidated by you, as you are incapable of causing any harm or impacting me significantly.

So, think about it if you're trying to go
Consider the consequences before you attempt to challenge or confront me.

When you want to step to me, I think you should know that
If you decide to engage in a confrontation with me, you must understand the outcome.

I appear right here and scare and dare
I am present in this moment, ready to intimidate and challenge others.

A mere musketeer that would dare to compare
I am a powerful and dominant force, daring anyone to try and match my skills.

Put him in the rear, back there where he can't see clear
Push him to the back, where his vision becomes obscured and he loses sight of his goals.

Get a beer, idea or near stare, yeah
Have a drink, contemplate, or closely observe, yeah

So on to be want to be competition
Moving forward to confront aspiring competitors.

Trying to step to me, must be on a mission
Attempting to challenge me means you must have a strong purpose or goal.

Up on the stage is where I'ma get you at
I will confront and defeat you when we are both on stage.

You think I'm losing?
Do you believe I am at a disadvantage or losing?

Chh, picture that
That thought is absurd and impossible to imagine.

The name is Big Daddy Kane
I am introducing myself as Big Daddy Kane.

Ain't no half-steppin'
I am not engaging in anything halfway or with less than full effort.

I'm the Big Daddy Kane
I am the influential and dominant Big Daddy Kane.

Down the road
In the future or as time progresses.

My rhymes are so dope and the rappers be hoping
My lyrics are excellent and other rappers aspire to reach my level.

To sound like me, so soon I'll have to open
They try to imitate my style, but I will soon have to establish a school for aspiring emcees.

A school of emceeing, for those who want to be in
An institution where aspiring emcees can learn and develop their skills.

My field in court then again on second thought
In my domain, I am a master, but upon reflection, I realize the need to share my knowledge and help others improve.

To have emcees coming out sounding so similar
An abundance of emcees with a striking resemblance to me is confusing for the audience.

It's quite confusing for you to remember
It becomes challenging for individuals to differentiate and remember who the true originator is.

The originator, and boy do I hate a
I despise imitators who fail to acknowledge my influence and originality.

Perpetrator, but I'm much greater
I surpass those who attempt to imitate me, as I possess superior talent and artistic ability.

The best, oh yes, I guess suggest the rest should fess
I am undeniably the best, and it would be wise for others to admit their inferiority.

Don't mess or test your highness
Do not challenge or provoke me, as I hold a position of superiority.

Unless you just address with best finesse
If you approach me with skill and grace, then I may consider acknowledging you.

And bless the paragraphs I manifest (I manifest)
Praise the written portions of my songs that I create and bring into existence.

Rap prime minister, some say sinister
I am considered a prominent figure and leader in the rap industry, while some perceive me as cunning and malicious.

Non-stopping the groove, until when it's the
I continue to maintain the rhythm and energy of the music until the end.

Climax, and I max, relax and chill
Reach the pinnacle of the song, giving my maximum effort, then proceed to relax and enjoy the moment.

Have a break from a take of me acting ill
Take a pause from witnessing my incredible and skillful performance.

Brain cells are lit, ideas start to hit
My mind is stimulated, and creative ideas begin to flow effortlessly.

Next the formation of words that fit
I then construct meaningful and cohesive lyrics that align with the rhythm and message.

At the table I sit, making it legit
I sit down with confidence, ensuring the authenticity and credibility of my work.

And when my pen hits the paper, ahh shit
Once I start writing, the results are exceptional and impressive.

I stop and stand strong over emcees
I figuratively tower over other emcees, asserting my dominance and superiority.

And devour with the power of Hercules
I consume and conquer my opponents with a strength and force comparable to that of Hercules.

Or Samson but I go further the length
I surpass the power and ability of Samson from biblical mythology.

'Cause you could scalp my Cameo and I'll still have strength
Even if you take away my most prized possessions, I will still possess strength and ability.

And no, that's not a myth, and if you try to riff
This is not a fictional idea, and if you attempt to challenge me.

Or get with, the man with the given gift of gab
Or try to compete with the individual blessed with exceptional verbal skills.

Your vocab, I'll only ignore
I will disregard and dismiss your limited vocabulary and uninspiring language.

Be sleeping on your rhymes 'til I start to snore
I will find your rhymes so uninteresting that I may fall asleep.

You can't awake me, or even make me
You are incapable of arousing my interest or impressing me.

Fear you, son, 'cause you can't do me nothin'
I have no reason to feel threatened or intimidated by you, as you are incapable of causing any harm or impacting me significantly.

So, think about it if you're trying to go
Consider the consequences before you attempt to challenge or confront me.

When you want to step to me, I think you should know that
If you decide to engage in a confrontation with me, you must understand the outcome.

Ain't no half-steppin'
I am not engaging in anything halfway or with less than full effort.

I'm the Big Daddy Kane
I am the influential and dominant Big Daddy Kane.

Ain't no half-steppin'
I am not engaging in anything halfway or with less than full effort.

I'm the Big Daddy Kane
I am the influential and dominant Big Daddy Kane.

Ain't no half-steppin'
I am not engaging in anything halfway or with less than full effort.

I'm the Big Daddy Kane
I am the influential and dominant Big Daddy Kane.

Down, down, down, down the road
Further along the journey or path.

I appear right here and scare and dare
I am present in this moment, ready to intimidate and challenge others.

A mere musketeer that would dare to compare
I am a powerful and dominant force, daring anyone to try and match my skills.

Put him in the rear, back there where he can't see clear
Push him to the back, where his vision becomes obscured and he loses sight of his goals.

Get a beer, idea or near stare, yeah
Have a drink, contemplate, or closely observe, yeah

So on to be want to be competition
Moving forward to confront aspiring competitors.

Trying to step to me, must be on a mission
Attempting to challenge me means you must have a strong purpose or goal.

Up on the stage is where I'ma get you at
I will confront and defeat you when we are both on stage.

You think I'm losing?
Do you believe I am at a disadvantage or losing?

Chh, picture that
That thought is absurd and impossible to imagine.

The name is Big Daddy, you know, as in your father
I am introducing myself as Big Daddy, reminiscent of a father figure.

So when you hear a def rhyme, believe that I'm the author
When you encounter a strong and impressive verse, understand that I am the creator of that rhyme.

I grab the mic and make emcees evaporate
When I take hold of the microphone, I cause other emcees to disappear or become insignificant.

The party people say, "Damn, that rapper's great"
Listeners at parties express admiration and awe at my exceptional rapping skills.

The creator conductor of poetry
I am the originator and director of poetic and expressive verses.

Etcetera, etcetera, it ain't easy being me
I possess numerous talents and qualities that make being me a challenging task.

I speak clearly so you can understand
I articulate my words with clarity to ensure comprehension.

Put words together like Letter Man
I skillfully combine words in a manner similar to a puzzle or game, like the popular television personality Letterman.

Now that's dictation, proceeding to my innovation
That is the act of giving verbal commands and instructions, which leads to my creative and original contributions.

Not like the other MC's that are an imitation
I am not like the other emcees who simply copy and mimic the styles of others.

Or an animation, a cartoon to me
They appear artificial and unreal, like animated characters in a cartoon, in comparison to my authentic presence.

But when I'm finished, I'm sure that you are soon to see
Once I complete my performance, you will undoubtedly recognize and understand my greatness.

Reality, my secret technique
The realness and authenticity I bring to my craft is my secret weapon.

Because I always speak with mentality
My words are always backed by intelligence, thoughtfulness, and deep understanding.

I put my title in your face, dare you to base
I confidently present my reputation and accomplishments to challenge and provoke you into reacting or responding.

And if you try to come get it, yo I'ma show you who's with it
If you attempt to compete or challenge me, I will swiftly demonstrate my abilities and prove my dominance.

So if you know like I know, instead of messing around
If you possess the same knowledge and understanding that I do, rather than engaging in trivial actions,

Play like Roy Rogers and slow (slow) down (down)
Act in a calm and measured manner, channeling the composure and restraint of the famous cowboy Roy Rogers.

Just give yourself a break, or someone else will take
Take a moment to pause and rejuvenate yourself, or someone else will seize opportunities that come your way.

Your title, namely me, because I'm homicidal
I will snatch and claim your position or rank, as I possess the potential to defeat and conquer my opponents.

That means murder, yes I'm about to hurt another MC
I will metaphorically murder and severely damage the reputation and skills of another emcee.

That try to get with me
Those who aim to compete or challenge me will experience the consequences.

I'll just break him and bake him and rake him
I will physically and metaphorically break, destroy, and humiliate him.

And take him and mold him and make him
I will reshape, control, and dominate him.

Hold up the peace sign
I display the peace sign, symbolizing the end of conflict or the hope for peace.

As Salaam Alaikum
A traditional Islamic greeting meaning 'Peace be unto you.'