Big Daddy Kane 8/17 6:00 PM

City Winery NYC presents Big Daddy Kane on August 17th at 6:00 PM!

View Big Daddy Kane's other City Winery NYC shows here(opens in a new tab)!

On September 10, 1968, Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn became the home of one of hip-hop's most lyrically diverse, innovative, and trendsetting Master of Ceremonies. Branded as Dark Gable, Black Caesar, and King Asiatic Nobody's Equal, he is undoubtedly known to the world as Big Daddy Kane.

Big Daddy Kane undisputedly defined the term "lyricist" in the world of hip-hop. Along with his lyrical ingenuity, he introduced innovative live performances. Kane was the first rapper to hold not one but two sold-out shows at the world-famous Apollo Theater exclusively for women. These live performances, which featured theatrics, choreography, and tailored costumes, proved that Big Daddy Kane was not only an MC but also a full entertainer. He revolutionized hip-hop fashion and the way hip-hop shows were performed.

Kane's musical career began when he was signed to Cold Chillin' Records in 1987. He released his debut single "Raw," which became an instant hit. He soon became known for his ability to flow effortlessly over even the fastest beats, a style that has become his legend. His pioneering style also sparked the reemergence of four-finger rings, rope chains, and high-top fades.

Kane was one of the first rappers to achieve multiple gold albums. He has had a long career with a catalog of music that includes his debut album "Long Live The Kane," featuring classics like "Ain't No Half Steppin'" and "Raw." He debunked the sophomore curse with his 1989 hit "It's A Big Daddy Thing," which features tracks like "Smooth Operator," "Warm It Up," and the Teddy Riley-produced classic "I Get The Job Done." This album is his most successful to date and was certified gold by the RIAA.

Kane’s third album, "Taste Of Chocolate," featuring "Hard Being The Kane" and "All Of Me," a duet with the late Barry White, showcased his love for soul music. His subsequent albums included 1991's "Prince Of Darkness," 1993's "Looks Like A Job For...," 1994's "Daddy's Home," and 1998's "Veteran’z Day." Big Daddy Kane has also been featured on film soundtracks with tracks like "Lean On Me (Rap Summary)" from the film "Lean On Me," "Nuff Respect" from "Juice," "A Job Ain't Nothin' But Work" from "Mo' Money," and "Raw" from "Colors."

As a powerful figure in rap, Kane has collaborated with many artists such as Kool G Rap, Masta Ace, and Craig G on the Marley Marl-produced "The Symphony." He worked with Public Enemy and Ice Cube on the single "Burn, Hollywood Burn," with Heavy D on "Don't Curse," with UGK on "Next Up," with Busta Rhymes on the remix of "Don't Touch Me," and with Patti LaBelle on the certified gold single "Feels Like Another One." He was also part of Quincy Jones's multi-platinum masterpiece "Tribute To Birdland" and the title cut "Back On The Block."

Over the years, Kane has expanded his career to include roles as an actor, designer, brand ambassador, and fine wine connoisseur. His distinctive baritone voice narrated the critically acclaimed documentary film “Notorious” and TV One’s “Being.” Kane’s film credits include “Posse,” “Meteor Man,” “Dead Heist,” “Brown Sugar,” and “Gunmen.” These films prepared him for roles in “Exposed” with Keanu Reeves and “Movie Madness” with Lorenzo Lamas, both released in 2016. More recently, Kane appeared on an episode of Law & Order SVU, a short film titled “Stomach People,” and the 2021 TV One release "Bad Dad Rehab 2."

Kane’s love for fine wines led him to release a signature BDK wine titled “A. Monterio,” set for release in late 2018. His sex appeal made him the Brand Ambassador of B. Walker Shoes, where he also designed the limited edition BDK Collection.

Kane has been featured in magazines from Rolling Stone to The Source and included on every list of the greatest MCs, dead or alive. His body of work has been solidified with a Grammy, a VH1 Hip-Hop Honors Award, and countless Lifetime Achievement Awards. In 2017, Kane was inducted into the Long Island Hall of Fame. In 2018, he was inducted into the Brooklyn Walk of Fame and presented with the Key to Brooklyn. In 2019, Kane was inducted into the North Carolina Hall of Fame.

The Man, The Legend, The Smooth Operator, “but it’s the Kane, so yo, you know the outcome.”