Hip-Hop Made: Big Daddy Kane

This year we celebrate 50 years of Hip-Hop. Born at a birthday party in the rec room of an apartment building in The Bronx, New York City on August 11, 1973 -- Hip-Hop's cultural impact is still growing and rising to new heights as one of the most influential musical art forms. Joining in on the celebration and conversation, Hip-Hop legend Big Daddy Kane shared what made him realize that Hip-Hop was more than a hobby, and the moment he realized he made it, “Honestly I started rapping just because my older cousin Murdock was doing it… And as people were telling me I was good I started focusing on my craft and writing better lyrics. But it wasn’t until I met Biz Markie that I took it real serious, like this could actually be my life. When I saw his determination and everything that he was doing to try and get on… and the places we were going, and the celebrities we were meeting, I was like yo, this can really really happen.” “I think the first moment that I really felt that I made it was when I was in the studio with Patti LaBelle recording 'Feels Like Another One,' and she came in there with a plate of baked fish, mac n’ cheese, collard greens and she pulled some hot sauce out of her purse.” Recalling the mind blowing moment that “Patti LaBelle made some food for me.” When asked how he’d like to be described for his role in Hip-Hop, Big Daddy Kane revealed that throughout his career the answer has changed. “Well I mean when I started with this here thing it was really to be recognized as y’know that dope lyricist, so like that’s one of the main things. But throughout my travels y’know I’ve heard people say things to me like — my music got them through college, my music got them through Desert Storm, my music helped them with their marriage or stuff like that. I’ve heard a lot of crazy stuff, so knowing that music and stuff that you created can touch someone and have that type of impact, I think that that’s a real true blessing and something real special.” Words by Maia Kedem Interview by Mike Street