Big Daddy Kane

Kane's 1989 sophomore album showcases his fast and furious rhyme style over serious beats from Marley Marl, Easy Mo Bee, Mister Cee, and Prince Paul. Definitely one of his best albums, this release is loaded with the classic jams "Smooth Operator," "Young, Gifted And Black," and "The House That Cee Built."

Mr. Asiatic gets respect for his virtuosity and his upright character--though the self-reliance dis of "Calling Mr. Welfare" seems harsh to a bleeding heart like yours truly, the whole first side raps up to the unity message of "Another Victory," with tough, generous music to match. Turn it over and pig on "pimp sh*t" designed to weed out dilettantes like yours truly. (Grade - B)