Last year (October 17, 2021), Hip Hop legends, Big Daddy Kane and KRS One went toe to toe in a Verzuz battle. Many thought it was a good look considering Kane and KRS’ affiliation with the Juice Crew and Boogie Down Production, respectively, whom were at odds during the late-80s.
No doubt the Verzuz battle lived up to the hype. However, the “Rakim vs Big Daddy Kane” has been the topic of discussion among Hip Hop heads since the beginning of their careers. Since the battle hasn’t happened thus far, let’s talk about their debuts.
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When it comes to Hip Hop artists changing the game, Rakim’s name has to be thrown in the equation. Prior to his arrival, the culture’s top emcees like Kurtis Blow, Run-DMC, and LL Cool J used simple rhythm patterns, relying on energetic deliveries instead of complex word play. Not Rakim. The God MC showed off his unique skill set in his 1987 debut, Paid In Full.
The album peaked at number fifty-eight on the Billboard 200 chart and produced five singles, “Eric B. Is President,” “I Ain’t No Joke,” “I Know You Got Soul,” “Move the Crowd,” and “Paid in Full.”
BDK possessed it all; he could rap, dance, and he was a ladies’ man. In 1988, those possessions would be on display with his debut, Long Live the Kane. His lyrics, alongside Juice Crew founder, Marley Marl’s production, turned out to be a match made in Heaven. The album featured dope tracks such as “Ain’t No Half-Steppin,” “Set It Off,” “Raw,” and Just Rhymin’ with Biz” featuring Biz Markie.
Long Live the Kane didn’t do well on the Billboard 200, only peaking at the 116 spot. However, it would do better on the Top R&B/Hip Hop Albums, peaking at number 5 and it’s considered a classic among BDK’s long time followers.
As I aforementioned, Hip Hop fans longed for a battle between Big Daddy Kane and Rakim, two of the genre’s most prolific lyricists. Initially, fans thought there were a beef between the two. Which was another reason it’d been nice to see the two squared off.
Big Daddy Kane’s friend and fellow Juice Crew affiliate, the late-Biz Markie reveals that despite the rumors, there was never a problem between BDK and Rakim. How would he know? Well, Biz would also reveal during an interview with Charleston City Paper that he actually introduced the two.
“Nah, it was never a battle. And the funny thing is I was in a group with Rakim. I introduced Kane to Rakim.”
We have two classic albums that were major contributors to the Golden Age era, however, which was the better one?
Which is the better album between ‘Paid in Full’ or ‘Long Live the Kane’?
Polls Are Closed!!
Paid in Full – 67%
Long Live the Kane – 33%