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
R.A.W
Big Daddy Kane Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Terrorist, here to bring trouble to
Phoney emcees, I move on and seize
I just conquer, and stomp another rapper with ease
Cause I'm at my apex and others are be-low
Nothing but a milliliter, I'm a kilo
Second to none, making emcees run
So don't try to step to me, cause I ain't the one
And they know it, so I don't see why you all
Try to front, perpetrating a stunt
When you know that I'll smoke you up like a blunt
I'm genuine like Gucci, raw like sushi
The Sage of Rage is what rap did to me
To make me want to create chaos and mayhem
Cold rock a party, until the A.M.
I'll make a muscle, grab the mic and hustle
While you stand dazed and amazed, I'll bust a little rhyme
With authority, superiority
And captivate the whole crowd's majority
The rhymes I use definitely amuse
Better than Dynasty or Hill Street Blues
I'm sure to score, endure for more without a flaw
'Cause I get raw!
I give a speech like a reverend, rappers start severin'
And in my lifetime, believe I've never been beaten
Or eaten, or just tookin' out
You know, come to think about, I keep emcees lookin' out
And real nervous, when I'm at your service
So give me that title boy, you don't deserve this
I work like a slave to become a master
And when I say a rhyme, you know that it has ta
Be perfectly fitted, cause I'm committed
The entertainer and trainer and Kane'll get with it
I go and flow and grow to let you know, I'll damage ya
I'm not an amateur but a professional unquestionable, without a doubt superb
So full of action, my name should be a verb
My voice will float, on every note
When I clear my throat, that's all she wrote
The minute that the Kane starts to go on
Believe it's gonna be smooth sailing so sail on
As I put other rappers out of their misery
Get em in a battle and make them all history
Rulin' and schoolin', emcees that I'm duelin'
Watch em all take a fall, as I sit back coolin'
On a throne, with a bronze microphone
Uhm, God bless the child that can hold his own
'Cause I get raw!
Chillin', killin' like a villain
The meaning of RAW is Ready And Willing
To do whatever is clever, take a loss never
And the rhymes I bust, comin' off is a must
And I come off hard with rhymes that are odd
I rip the microphone and leave it scarred
Never smokin' or hittin' or takin' a sniff
Only crushin' emcees that be tryin' to riff
I get strong and titanic, do work like a mechanic
Make emcees panic, they all get frantic
And skeptic, like a girl on a contraceptive
As I rocked, but hey, what you expected?
I'll get raw for ya, just like a warrior
Rather like a samurai, and I'll be damn if I
Ever let a Fisher-Price emcee hang
Their rhymes are toy, nothing but ying yang
So if we battle on the microphone
Bring your own casket and tombstone
And I'ma preach your funeral, tell me who in the world
Could ever come with more, I get raw!
In "Raw," Big Daddy Kane boasts of his raw power and lyrical ability, taking down phony emcees with ease. He describes himself as a terrorist, ready to create chaos and mayhem with his rhymes. He claims to be second to none, leaving his competitors in the dust. He mocks other emcees who try to front or perpetrate a stunt, warning them that he'll smoke them up like a blunt.
Kane asserts that he's a professional, unquestionable, and superb, with a voice that floats on every note. He works hard to become a master, carefully crafting rhymes that are perfectly fitted and committed. He's so good that other emcees get nervous when he's at their service, and they should be--when he goes on the mic, the Kane gets raw. He chills like a villain, always ready and willing to do whatever is clever, taking losses never.
Overall, "Raw" is a song about the power and prowess of Big Daddy Kane's rap skills. He poses a direct challenge to other emcees, warning them that they won't be able to stand up to his flow. The song's aggressive tone and bold lyrics helped establish Kane as one of the most fearless and innovative rappers of the late 80s and early 90s.
Line by Line Meaning
Here I am, R-A-W
I am here in my raw, unfiltered form ready to bring my best.
Terrorist, here to bring trouble to
Metaphorically, I am here to create chaos and stir up competitors.
Phoney emcees, I move on and seize
I quickly dismiss fake rappers and take control of the audience's attention.
I just conquer, and stomp another rapper with ease
I easily defeat other rappers and claim my dominance.
Cause I'm at my apex and others are be-low
I am at the top of my game while others lag behind in comparison.
Nothing but a milliliter, I'm a kilo
I am a great deal more powerful than others, making them seem insignificant.
Second to none, making emcees run
I am unmatched in my talent, causing other rappers to flee.
So don't try to step to me, cause I ain't the one
Others should not even attempt to compete with me because it is pointless.
I relieve rappers just like Tylenol
I remove the competition with my impressive and effective skills.
And they know it, so I don't see why you all
My rivals acknowledge my talent, so there is no point in trying to deny it.
Try to front, perpetrating a stunt
Others try to pretend they are better than me, but it is just a futile act.
When you know that I'll smoke you up like a blunt
If others try to compete with me, I will metaphorically overpower them quickly.
I'm genuine like Gucci, raw like sushi
I am authentic like the brand Gucci and raw in my talent like uncooked sushi.
The Sage of Rage is what rap did to me
My passion for rap brings out my emotion and anger, fueling my talent.
To make me want to create chaos and mayhem
The energy that comes from my love for rap leads me to stir up the audience.
Cold rock a party, until the A.M.
I entertain at parties all night long, creating an unforgettable experience for the audience.
I'll make a muscle, grab the mic and hustle
With power and determination, I grab the microphone and aggressively compete.
While you stand dazed and amazed, I'll bust a little rhyme
While others are awe-struck, I continue to deliver impressive lyrics.
With authority, superiority
I am completely in control and superior in talent.
And captivate the whole crowd's majority
I have the ability to capture the entire audience's attention and gain their support.
The rhymes I use definitely amuse
My lyrics are entertaining and impressive, leaving the audience in awe.
Better than Dynasty or Hill Street Blues
My talent surpasses that of the popular TV shows Dynasty and Hill Street Blues.
I'm sure to score, endure for more without a flaw
I am undoubtedly successful and continue to thrive without any mistakes or missteps.
'Cause I get raw!
This is the reason for my success and status in the rap community.
I give a speech like a reverend, rappers start severin'
My impressive skills cause inferior rappers to crumble and fail utterly.
And in my lifetime, believe I've never been beaten
Throughout my entire career, I have been undefeated and unparalleled in talent.
Or eaten, or just tookin' out
Others have never been able to defeat me or harm me in any way.
You know, come to think about, I keep emcees lookin' out
Other rappers constantly worry about competing with me and my reputation.
And real nervous, when I'm at your service
Others are intimidated when I compete against them and perform for the audience.
So give me that title boy, you don't deserve this
I deserve the recognition as the best rapper and others do not compare to my talent.
I work like a slave to become a master
I put in significant effort and work hard to achieve mastery and success.
And when I say a rhyme, you know that it has ta
My lyrics are concise and powerful, leaving a lasting impression on the audience.
Be perfectly fitted, cause I'm committed
I am dedicated to my craft and ensure that every word I say is perfectly fitting.
The entertainer and trainer and Kane'll get with it
I am both an entertainer and guide for others, helping them improve with my talent.
I go and flow and grow to let you know, I'll damage ya
With my steady flow and growth as an artist comes the ability to overpower opponents and inflict damage.
I'm not an amateur but a professional unquestionable, without a doubt superb
I am a seasoned professional, and my talent is unarguable and indisputably superb.
So full of action, my name should be a verb
My dynamic talent and impact are so significant that it feels as if they are actions rather than merely lyrics.
My voice will float, on every note
My voice is seamless and smooth on every note I hit while performing.
When I clear my throat, that's all she wrote
When I perform and clear my throat, I quickly steal the show, and others are left in my shadow.
The minute that the Kane starts to go on
As soon as I take the stage and begin to compete, others know they are in trouble.
Believe it's gonna be smooth sailing so sail on
The audience should know that it will be an effortless victory for me, and it is up to them if they want to continue competing.
As I put other rappers out of their misery
I overpower and defeat other rappers, causing them to feel defeated and inferior.
Get em in a battle and make them all history
In a battle against me, other rappers will be easily defeated and become a thing of the past.
Rulin' and schoolin', emcees that I'm duelin'
As I duel against other rappers, I show my dominance and control over the competition.
Watch em all take a fall, as I sit back coolin'
As I easily defeat my opponents, I remain calm and collected and continue to perform with ease.
On a throne, with a bronze microphone
My talent and dominance sets me above the competition, and I sit atop a throne with a microphone made of bronze.
Uhm, God bless the child that can hold his own
Those who can competently compete against me should be praised and respected.
'Cause I get raw!
My talent and uniqueness is the reason I am so successful, and I am proud of it.
Chillin', killin' like a villain
I remain cool and composed while fatally overpowering my competition.
The meaning of RAW is Ready And Willing
I am always ready and enthusiastic to compete with my raw, authentic talent.
To do whatever is clever, take a loss never
I am always eager to succeed and never willing to lose or give up.
And the rhymes I bust, comin' off is a must
My lyrics are a necessity and a requirement for my success and dominance in the rap community.
And I come off hard with rhymes that are odd
My unique style sets me apart, and my lyrics are sharp and powerful.
I rip the microphone and leave it scarred
My talent is so immense that it leaves an impact on the microphone itself.
Never smokin' or hittin' or takin' a sniff
I do not rely on drugs or other influences to enhance my performance, my talent alone is sufficient.
Only crushin' emcees that be tryin' to riff
I only overpower and defeat other rappers during a competition.
I get strong and titanic, do work like a mechanic
I become incredibly powerful like a titan and work just as hard and precisely as a mechanic.
Make emcees panic, they all get frantic
Rival rappers become overwhelmed and panicked during a competition against me.
And skeptic, like a girl on a contraceptive
Others are wary and cautious when competing against me, much like a girl on birth control is skeptical of pregnancy.
As I rocked, but hey, what you expected?
As I perform and compete, others should expect nothing less than my impressive and authentic style.
I'll get raw for ya, just like a warrior
I will compete with dedication and aggression, just like a brave warrior.
Rather like a samurai, and I'll be damn if I
I will compete with honor and precision, similar to that of a samurai.
Ever let a Fisher-Price emcee hang
Lesser, unskilled rappers will never compete with me and succeed.
Their rhymes are toy, nothing but ying yang
Other rappers are insignificant and do not compare to my skill and talent.
So if we battle on the microphone
In a competition with me, other rappers should prepare for a difficult and humbling experience.
Bring your own casket and tombstone
Competing with me will be lethal and result in a loss, so others should bring a casket and tombstone to prepare.
And I'ma preach your funeral, tell me who in the world
I will completely overpower and defeat other rappers during a competition, leaving them humiliated.
Could ever come with more, I get raw!
No other rapper can compare to my raw, authentic talent and passion for rap.
Lyrics © OBO APRA/AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@jcdinkins
Rakim and Kane are way above any of today’s studio puppets. I told a guy Rakim was the best rapper of all time and he said who is that? I just let it go moved past it no time for it.
@lmca08
Jason Dinkins have you seen their npr tiny desk concerts? Each one sounds even better live . Even after decades . True legends
@nocapzone5049
Jason Dinkins 😟
@kennethjackson1771
Saw kane and biz live at a party in baltimore.classic
@greentee5993
The greatest of all Time
@greentee5993
Rakim the Greastest I mean
@rumaki
"So full of action, my name should be a verb"... Still kicks 30 years later
@amirsyeed
I'm a young man learning the history of hiphop. These tunes are all new to me. Love listening to these legends
@harvichsambo3331
Lucky indeed! Rock on!!
@tylerstevens6295
Him Rakim and KRS-One was the pinnacle of the 80s cant forget Kool G Rap