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Big Daddy Kane

Alec Banks

Published Tue, October 5, 2021 at 12:09 AM EDT

Big Daddy Kane is a Hip-Hop legend. However, there was a period of time when his future was uncertain. While his skills as a battle MC were earning him acclaim on the streets, a recording career still seemed like a far-off dream.

1988

BEHIND THE PHOTO: BIG DADDY KANE

It was one of the hottest days in New York City in 1988. This is the story behind the legendary photo taken on top of Cold Chillin' records.

1987

HIP-HOP BEFORE AND AFTER BIG DADDY KANE’S “RAW”

Big Daddy Kane was broke and hungry even though he had a hit record. But that all changed when he found an obscure blaxploitation sample and brought it over to Marley Marl's studio.

1984

THE BATTLE BETWEEN BIG DADDY KANE AND BIZ MARKIE AT BROOKLYN’S ALBEE SQUARE MALL

The Albee Square Mall was a place where people could get the flyest gear at Gibb's and grab a drink from Orange Julius. On one special day, they witnessed the legendary battle between Big Daddy Kane and Biz Markie.

1987

HIP-HOP BEFORE AND AFTER BIG DADDY KANE’S “RAW”

Big Daddy Kane was broke and hungry even though he had a hit record. But that all changed when he found an obscure blaxploitation sample and brought it over to Marley Marl's studio.