big daddy kane

musicology #485

SoulBoy#4

(Keni Burke – Risin’ To The Top)

Like I mentioned yesterday…time ain’t on my side for the next couple of days so can’t wax lyrical about today’s artist. Multi talented singer, songwriter, bass player, (today’s cut being a prime example), who wrote his first ‘hit’ at the tender age of 13 for Curtis Mayfield’s Windy C label.

Hip Hop fans, (as well as ‘Soul Boys’), will instantly recognise the BassLine which has been sampled by artists such as Doug E Fresh, Big Daddy Kane, LL Cool J, Pete Rock & CL Smooth, Mary J. Blige, and OC as well as providing the inspiration for legions of producers. The Jones Girls 1983 cut ‘All Night Long’ was 80’s Soul at it’s finest and of course it was this piece that preceeded it…would Love to share more of the Cats ‘medals’ with you but I HAVE to be out the door in ten minutes so without further delay hold this majestic slice of the 80’s Soul and Boogie pie…

musicology #442

NewYork NewYork #1

(Kool G Rap – Streets Of New York)

This week it’s all about NYC..The Big Apple. Why? because I’m going there on Friday to spend a few days with someone very special who is and has been an inspiration. Words don’t tend to do feelings justice so I’ll leave it at that…regular visitors to themusicologist will know that I have a tendency to wax lyrical and believe me I would like to continue in that tradition but being a dyed in the wool romantic the poetry could run away with me so I’ll do me best to rein it in before I get all 18th Century on yer arse and end up prancing about in velvet suits, curling up my ‘locks’ and spouting Wordsworth and Coleridge poems !!

So to balance that out hold this piece of 21st Century hip-hop from one of New York City’s legendary lyricists, the trail blazing, Kool G Rap .. one of the greatest rappers to have ever graced the M.I.C whose legacy runs deep. Member of Marley Marl’s Juice Crew, (along with MC Shan, Roxanne Shante, Big Daddy Kane and BizMarkie), the Cat has influenced many a BIG name and is highly regarded and respected by those in the know as a progenitor of the style which now dominates. A man whose authenticity regarding street narrative is beyond doubt..one final piece of information..he was born in 1968 which seems to be a significant year for many reasons.

musicology #160

vocalgroupaction2 #5

(The Emotions – Blind Alley)

first outing on themusicologist for this female vocal group with a tune that never fails to lift my spirits which, today need lifting….not for any specific reason, just one of them days when ‘the pressure drop’

better known for their part in Earth, Wind & Fire’s ‘Boogie Wonderland’ this piece is from their earlier days, (1972), at Stax and has formed the foundation for many a ‘version’ since from Big Daddy Kane and Pharcyde to Mariah Carey, (one listen should explain why)