As an original member of the Juice Crew, Big Daddy Kane is highly regarded as one of the best rappers to ever put a pen to paper. His raw, witty and eloquent style originated in the project hallways of New York City.

Having gone to school with then super-popular rapper Biz Markie is how Kane was introduced to the world. The two became very good friends, and Kane actually wrote some of Biz's most famous lyrics.

Kane was introduced to Marley Marl, the Queensbridge, NY producer and the two recorded numerous songs together, having found an instant bond and respect for one another's work. One of the first songs to come out of this partnership is "RAW", a classic Big Daddy Kane record that blends hard-hitting lyricism with sharp, witty metaphors. If you listen to RAW closely, you can hear the bedroom-setup studio's lack of fidelity and distortion, making the record all the more real, gritty and in-your-face.

His first album, "Long Live the Kane" was released in 1988 under the classic NYC hip-hop label, Cold Chillin. Here, he was label mates with the likes of Biz, Masta Ace, and Kool G Rap.

Many think the Juice Crew were the predecessors of the Wu-Tang clan, and many think they still hold the title for best rap crew ever.

Kane was probably the first big rap sex symbol, as well. He posed in Playgirl magazine and was even included in Madonna's black and white photo book, "Sex".

He was later severely criticized for making "crossover" records that appealed to women in an attempt to sell more units.

After moving to Durham, NC, Big Daddy Kane has collaborated with local hip-hop legends Little Brother and 9th Wonder. Appearing on the lauded "Welcome to Durham" track with Phonte & Rapper Pooh was one of the first things he did after moving to the Triangle.