Widely regarded as one of the greatest rappers during the 'golden age' of hip hop (1986–1993), Kane's experimentation with R&B beats and his alignment to the Five Percent faction drew criticism. Later albums, such as Looks Like a Job For..., were acclaimed, but he was never able to return to the commercial and artistic success of It's a Big Daddy Thing. However, he still tours extensively and is involved in several upcoming projects. He recently featured in Morcheeba's hip hop trip song 'What's your Name'.
During 1996, before the murder of 2Pac, it was said that Pac intended to start his own label, Makaveli Records, featuring promintently East Coast acts; one of the artists he intended to sign was Kane, and the two even recorded a song before the rapper's death, entitled Wherever U Are.
Big Daddy Kane has posed for Playgirl and Madonna's Sex book. As an actor, he debuted in Mario Van Peebles' western, Posse.
Big Daddy Kane is famous for his pimp persona that is portrayed in his lyrics. He is famous for the title of his song, "Pimpin' Ain't Easy". The backronym "King Asiatic Nobody's Equal," is often applied to his moniker.
Recently (especially as of 2002), Big Daddy Kane has been increasingly doing collaborations with underground/alternative hip hop artists (ie. Little Brother, The Alchemist and DJ Babu from the Beat Junkies) and Kane has mentioned that he is not intending to release another solo album as he is looking towards a career in acting.
Discography
1988 Long Live the Kane (Cold Chillin')
1989 It's a Big Daddy Thing
1989 Back on the Block
1990 Taste of Chocolate
1991 Prince of Darkness
1993 Looks Like a Job For...
1994 Daddy's Home (RCA)
1998 Veteranz Day (Blackheart)
2002 The Man, The Icon (Landspeed)(Produced by Alchemist and DJ Babu on 2002's "Duck Season Vol. 1"
2003 Any Type of Way (Landspeed)(12" single produced by DJ Premier)
2003 Parts of the Process Morcheeba
Float
Big Daddy Kane Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I stay afloat with a note, the way a boat oughta
I'm too poetically inclined, one of a kind
True and divine the genuine, breakin a bond and gettin mine
And droppin the funkiest lyrics that ever been known to MC's
Cause I can recite it fast, or even rap slow
Huh, man I can just talk and my shit'll flow
Because I mastered the rhythms of winnin lyric
Hit em, just the flow itself'll tell you that I did em
So let the K-to-the-A-to-the-N-to-the-E
Show you the meaning of real harmony, as I float
Float.. float on
Float on.. float on.. (repeat 2X)
Peep this
I'm always on the down-low, smooth and mild
But when it's time to get wild, huh, you know my style
I drop lyrics wham bam by the gram on a jam
And gooooooood DAMN!
It's like a disaster that nobody goes after
Rappers turn ghost like Casper
Cause battlin me, you'd only meet your fate
You'd probably come out better tryin to fight in Kuwait
To be smart, would be not to start
Not even The Wiz can give you that much heart
Rap is like an art.. and man you know
That kind of makes me like Michaelangelo
Not to sound conceited, or either to boast with what I said
Cause I'm too modest to ever lose my level head
But if I ever got bold and said I'm higher
I can give more reasons than Earth, Wind & Fire
Many follow in the footsteps, tryin to get a rep
Of a lover and a smooth black brother
But I'm knockin imitators out the box
Because you couldn't copy Kane if your name was Xerox
I'm like the God in light, some of my writing might
Be too much for your mind to explode like dynamite
And if it sounds good to you then get on it doggone it
Capture this like a Kodak moment as I float
Float.. float on
Float on.. float on.. (repeat 2X)
In this third verse, I'll make it sure mental
See the way that you serve rap's like a death penalty
So back up off me, ain't nobody stoppin Kane
I'm shittin on rappers like I never been potty trained
That means defeatin deletin and beatin
While all the tenderonis I'll be meatin and greatin and treatin
And welcome to a new Terrordome
When I come to roam, you know Daddy's Home
Rhymes come at you full powered with might
They call in the SWAT team when I start to write
And declared my lyrics illegal weapons in every state
So I can get five to ten for carryin a Papermate
Just a little bitty taste of this'll burn so bad
You'll want to call me the Big Daddy Inferno
So don't even think about a battle, I sail without a paddle
In other words, I FLOAT
Float.. float on
Float on.. float on.. (repeat 2X)
The song "Float" by Big Daddy Kane expresses his confidence and skill as an MC. In the first verse, he compares his ability to stay afloat to that of a boat, using a clever play on words. He declares himself to be one of a kind and true and divine, with masterful rhythm and flow. He boasts of being able to recite and rap fast or slow, and even just talk and effortlessly make his rhymes flow. In the chorus, he repeats the phrase "float on" to emphasize his mastery of the art of rapping.
In the second verse, Kane describes himself as always being cool and smooth until it's time to turn up the energy and let loose with his rhymes. He drops lyrics so fast and fierce that it's like a disaster that nobody goes after, causing other rappers to turn into ghosts like Casper. Battling him would be a hopeless endeavor, with Kane warning that it would be easier to fight in Kuwait. He likens his work to that of Michaelangelo, and knocks imitators out of the box, emphasizing that his style is so unique that it can't be copied.
In the final verse, Kane declares himself unstoppable and unstoppable, likening his rhymes to "illegal weapons in every state," and saying that he could get prison time for carrying a Papermate pen. He ends by stating that he "floats" above all other rappers, without ever needing a paddle to steer his way.
Overall, "Float" is a classic song that showcases Big Daddy Kane's incredible rhyming skills and confident persona, making it a standout track in the history of hip-hop music.
Line by Line Meaning
Manslaughter, walkin on water
I'm so skilled and confident in my abilities as an MC, it's as if I'm performing miracles and defying gravity like Jesus walking on water
I stay afloat with a note, the way a boat oughta
I stay successful in the rap game by sticking to my artistic vision and delivering rhymes that are solid and reliable like a well-crafted boat
I'm too poetically inclined, one of a kind
My talent for writing and performing rap lyrics sets me apart from other MCs and makes me truly unique in the hip-hop community
True and divine the genuine, breakin a bond and gettin mine
My rhymes reflect my authentic self and my experiences, and I won't let anyone or anything stand in the way of my success and fulfillment as an artist
So freeze, I'm makin it flow with ease
My rhymes come naturally and effortlessly to me, and I'm confident in my ability to captivate listeners with my flowing delivery
And droppin the funkiest lyrics that ever been known to MC's
My rhymes are unmatched in their funkiness and groove, and they set a high bar for other MCs to follow
Cause I can recite it fast, or even rap slow
My rhymes are so versatile and adaptable, I can deliver them at any speed or style and still make them sound great
Huh, man I can just talk and my shit'll flow
I'm so gifted and in tune with my creative instincts, I could make rhymes come out of thin air just by talking
Because I mastered the rhythms of winnin lyric
My years of experience and hard work have honed my skills and made me an expert in crafting rhymes that always come out on top
Hit em, just the flow itself'll tell you that I did em
My rhymes are so effortlessly dope, even the rhythm and cadence alone make it clear that I've dominated any competition
So let the K-to-the-A-to-the-N-to-the-E
I'm the MC known as Kane, and I'm about to show you what real rap skill and artistry look like
Show you the meaning of real harmony, as I float
As I deliver my rhymes with grace and ease, I'll demonstrate what true harmony between art and artist sounds like
I'm always on the down-low, smooth and mild
I'm not one to brag or seek out unnecessary attention, but I'm always cool, calm, and collected in my approach to rap and life in general
But when it's time to get wild, huh, you know my style
I excel in both the laid-back, chill aspects of hip-hop as well as the more hype and energetic parts, no matter what the occasion calls for
I drop lyrics wham bam by the gram on a jam
When I'm on the mic in a live setting, I'm always dropping dope rhymes and verses that hit hard and leave an impression on the audience
And gooooooood DAMN!
My rhymes are so incredible and awe-inspiring, they leave listeners astounded and speechless
It's like a disaster that nobody goes after
My live performances feel like a force of nature or a calamity that no other rapper would dare to follow or try to compete with
Rappers turn ghost like Casper
Other MCs disappear or fade into obscurity like ghosts in the face of my prowess and success in the rap game
Cause battlin me, you'd only meet your fate
Any rapper foolish enough to try and take me on in a battle would be setting themselves up for a humiliating and crushing defeat
You'd probably come out better tryin to fight in Kuwait
A rapper trying to battle me would have a greater chance of survival fighting in a war-torn country like Kuwait than facing me and my rhymes head-on
To be smart, would be not to start
Any rapper with common sense and a healthy regard for their own wellbeing would know better than to challenge me in a battle or try to compete with my skills and style
Not even The Wiz can give you that much heart
Even the bravest, most confident person or character in the world, like the titular character from The Wiz, would likely be intimidated by me and my rhymes
Rap is like an art.. and man you know
I approach rap as a form of artistic expression, and my rhymes are my canvas and palette to create with
That kind of makes me like Michaelangelo
My artistic genius and command of the form of rap draws a parallel to the legendary artist Michelangelo and his mastery of sculpture and painting
Not to sound conceited, or either to boast with what I said
Despite my immense talent and success, I don't want to come across as arrogant or egotistical
Cause I'm too modest to ever lose my level head
I stay humble and grounded despite my success and never let it go to my head
But if I ever got bold and said I'm higher
If I ever did let my ego get the better of me and claim to be the greatest MC of all time, for example,
I can give more reasons than Earth, Wind & Fire
I could back up my claim with countless reasons and examples, from my rhymes to my impact on the rap world, much like the funk band Earth, Wind & Fire could explain their own musical greatness
Many follow in the footsteps, tryin to get a rep
Many MCs try to emulate my success and follow in my footsteps, hoping to gain a reputation and fanbase like mine
Of a lover and a smooth black brother
Many MCs try to cultivate an image and persona like mine, as a smooth-talking and charming black man who exudes charisma and style
But I'm knockin imitators out the box
Despite the many imitators and copycats who try to replicate my success, I remain at the top of my game and continue to surpass them in skill and ability
Because you couldn't copy Kane if your name was Xerox
My talent and unique style are impossible to imitate, no matter how hard someone tries, much like how a Xerox copy can never be an exact replica of an original document
I'm like the God in light, some of my writing might
My skills and artistic ability are godly and divine, and my writing is often profound and illuminating like a beacon of light
Be too much for your mind to explode like dynamite
My rhymes and lyrics are so powerful and thought-provoking, they could overwhelm and astonish even the most jaded listener
And if it sounds good to you then get on it doggone it
If my rhymes and flow appeal to you and move you, then don't hesitate to embrace them and enjoy them to the fullest
Capture this like a Kodak moment as I float
My performance and rhymes are so memorable and powerful, they are like a snapshot that captures a moment in time and are worth preserving in your memory
In this third verse, I'll make it sure mental
I'll use this final verse to really drive home my point and make a lasting impression on listeners
See the way that you serve rap's like a death penalty
The way many MCs approach rap is like committing a crime deserving of the most severe punishment, and they suffer due to their lack of skill and authenticity
So back up off me, ain't nobody stoppin Kane
Don't even try to come for me or compete with my skill and ability, because you'll have no chance of success against me in the rap game
I'm shittin on rappers like I never been potty trained
My rhymes and talent are so far superior to other MCs, it's like they're still in diapers and haven't even learned to use the bathroom yet
That means defeatin deletin and beatin
I'm capable of defeating and destroying any MC who dares to challenge me and my throne
While all the tenderonis I'll be meatin and greatin and treatin
While I'm crushing my opponents and dominating the rap game, I'll also be flirting and charming my female fans and admirers
And welcome to a new Terrordome
I'm ushering in a new era and wave of hip-hop that emphasizes raw skill, talent, and artistry, and my rhymes and performances are the standard to aspire to and emulate
When I come to roam, you know Daddy's Home
When I step onto the stage or microphone, there's no mistaking the fact that I'm the king of the rap game and the one in charge
Rhymes come at you full powered with might
When I unleash my rhymes and flow, they come at you with maximum force and energy, leaving no room for interpretation or doubt
They call in the SWAT team when I start to write
Even law enforcement can't handle the sheer firepower and impact of my rhymes and lyrics, and they'd need a special team of trained professionals to contain me
And declared my lyrics illegal weapons in every state
My rhymes are so explosive and influential, they've been deemed too dangerous and powerful to handle by the powers that be, and have been banned and restricted in all 50 states
So I can get five to ten for carryin a Papermate
Even something as innocuous and commonplace as a pen can be seen as a deadly weapon in my hands, and I risk getting arrested and sentenced to prison for even possessing one
Just a little bitty taste of this'll burn so bad
Even just a small sample or snippet of my rhymes or flow can produce a powerful and overwhelming sensation of awe and admiration in listeners that may be too intense for them to handle
You'll want to call me the Big Daddy Inferno
My rhymes and abilities are so hot and explosive, they're like a raging inferno or a force of nature that leaves a lasting impression on anyone who experiences them
So don't even think about a battle, I sail without a paddle
Any rapper who tries to challenge me or take me on in a rap battle will be left floating without direction or hope, as I easily outmatch and outclass them with no need for extra help or support
In other words, I FLOAT
I'm completely in control and dominant in the rap game, and I can easily adapt and thrive to any situation or challenge that comes my way
Lyrics © CAK MUSIC PUBLISHING, INC
Written by: A. HARDY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind