The ERA HIP HOP TOUR Ad. Image source: Ticketmaster.
The ERA HIP HOP TOUR is a show that hip-hop fans can’t miss. Hip-hop acts from the last forty years will come together in one place for one outstanding performance. The award-winning artists will then give a show to remember.
THE ERA HIP HOP TOUR LINEUP
According to WFMZ-TV 69 News, the first two-night event will be held on July 23rd and 24th. The Miramar Regional Park Amphitheater in Florida will host this event.
TLC, Trina, Slick Rick, 2 Live Crew, FatmanTHE ER Scoop, Too Short, and Big Daddy Kane are a few names that will hit two stages in July. Multiple legends in one place is a show that we all should see. As the show gets closer, more artists will be added to the iconic lineup.
Each performer needs no introduction because they are all legends already. These performers could headline a show themselves, and fans will come out in droves. Instead, they have come together for one epic weekend. Tickets are already on sale for both nights.
ERA HIP HOP TOUR TICKETS
General admission, VIP, and table service tickets are available. You can buy general admission for one night for $125 or both nights for $200. General admission gets you a tour wristband and access to all performances. VIP tickets for both nights will cost you $400, and they will give you access to unlimited food and drinks, the side stage, cool-down areas, and VIP tents. The Table Service tickets will cost $3000 but will get you a table for six front and center. Also, you get exclusive merchandise, two bottles of liquor with mixers, access to VIP lounges with food/drinks, and tour wristbands.
EXPECT MORE
This is just the first weekend of many ERA HIP HOP TOUR shows. Eventually, the show will move to Los Angeles and New York. This incredible weekend with legendary talent will be on another level.
Check out the ERA Hip Hop Tour website to learn more.
Big Daddy Kane apologized after making headlines for aggressive behavior toward an ASL interpreter last week. On January 14th, Big Daddy Kane entertained the crowd when he noticed a man on stage whom he believed to be a crazed fan. Kane reacted before asking any questions, giving the guy a couple of pushes. However, Billy Sanders was an American Sign Language Interpreter.
Big Daddy Kane’s Actions Go Viral
After the incident, a video began circulating showing Kane pushing the interpreter several times. The video went viral. The masses weren’t cutting the artist a break. With the understanding of what occurred and the lack of information revealed to the public, Kane wasted no time making his apology public. Did Big Daddy Kane need to go to social media and apologize? Well, no, because Kane had already brought apologies immediately after the incident.
A Misunderstanding Leading to a Flare-up
Why did the artist push Sanders? Simple, no one informed Kane an interpreter would be on the stage. So seeing Sanders shocked him. Thinking that the ASL interpreter was some deranged fan, he acted. Sounds logical. The artist backs up his sentiments when Big Daddy Kane apologizespublicly. As Kane said,
“I’ve done a lot of crazy stuff in my life. But I would never try to disrespect an interpreter that’s doing sign language for the deaf community onstage.”
Big Daddy Kane Apologizes And Addresses the Smoke and Mirrors
Kane made another critical point in his video. According to Kane, there was also video footage of him apologizing after finding out Sander’s identity. Somehow that footage never made it to mass media. That’s not surprising. Because If the video of Kane’s apology were made public, no big headline would exist. There would be nothing for the media to sensationalize.
Manipulation of Mass Media
Mass Media can be manipulative. Generally, seeking out stories and reporting them is the media’s job. But unfortunately, some outlets specialize in creating and re-crafting stories where none exist. So, it is always wise to dig before making knee-jerk criticism.
Big Daddy Kane received a lot of flak for a mistake he apologized for on the spot. But that wasn’t a good news story. So here we are.
Nevertheless, today we are happy that the “Ain’t No Half Stepping” artist took responsibility for his missteps and moved with integrity after gathering understanding. These actions speak well of his character. With that said, our sincerest hope for the future; is for fans to use a little more discernment. Not everything that is presented is as it seems.
Missed the Big Daddy Kane match-up against KRS-One? Then check out FM Hip Hop’s retrospective article for some highlights.
Iconic rappers KRS-One and Big Daddy Kane faced off last night in a Versuz battle, live from Brooklyn’s Barclays Center. Each rapper put respect on their name, bringing new fire to old hits, recruiting heavyweights from their crew and dealing lyrical blows for the culture.
“It’s real hip hop in this mother-f*cker tonight!” host Fat Joe, who competed against Ja Rule in the last Versuz battle, declared as he took the stage. “I guarantee you, this is gonna be the greatest Versuz yet. This is the golden era.”
KRS-One vs. Big Daddy Kane: History of Greats
KRS-One vs. Big Daddy Kane is a clash of New York greats, with KRS-One hailing from the Bronx and Big Daddy Kane repping Brooklyn. As Fat Joe said, both emcees hail from rap’s golden years.
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KRS-One rose to prominence in the group Boogie Down Productions, formed with crewmembers D-Nice and DJ Scott La Rock. The trio received critical acclaim for their debut 1987 album Criminal Minded, a pioneering gangsta rap album. Tragically, Scott La Rock was shot to death only five months after the project’s release. KRS-One continued releasing solo music in the ‘90s. He released his most recent record, Between da Protests, in 2020.
Big Daddy Kane’s classic collaborations with legends like Red Alert and the late Biz Markie earned him Gold certifications over the years. He first gained fame in the late ‘80s as a member of the Juice Crew. His music’s influence on hip-hop culture can’t be overstated, and Rolling Stone ranked his track “Ain’t No Half Steppin” no. 25 on their list of “The 50 Greatest Hip-Hop Songs of All Time”.
Kane hasn’t released a full-length album since 1998’s Veteranz Day received mixed reviews upon release. He released a new song last year with Chuck D and Loren Oden called Enough!.
They’re Still No. 1
After a spin-off that won up-and-coming producer DJ Midnight a million dollars, DJ Scratch, on the turntables for Kane, got the crowd hype with hits from Biggie, Lil’ Kim, Pharoahe Monch, and more. Kid Capri, spinning for KRS-one, even laid down a surprise freestyle. The disses’ started when there was a delay in Big Daddy Kane’s entrance attributed to “technical difficulties.”
“There ain’t no f*cking technical difficulties,” KRS-One said. “He’s hiding in the dressing room.” As he spoke, Kane finally sauntered onstage, dressed to the nines, in a perfect moment.
The rappers maintained their egos, and beef, delivering on classics like “Smooth Operator,” “I’m Still No. 1,” and “Pimpin’ Ain’t Easy.” Big Daddy Kane even brought up The Bridge Wars, the original rivalry between Boogie Down Productions and Juice Crew, over the true birthplace of hip-hop. But mostly, it was all love and respect between the legends, who proved themselves and complemented each other, honoring the golden era where they both made their names.
No strangers to a crew mentality, KRS-One and Big Daddy Kane brought out allies to drop bars and hype the crowd. Nice & Smooth, Mad Lion, Das EFX, Masta Ace, Craig G, and Channel Live’s Hakeem were just some of the legends who dropped in. Busta Rhymes, appearing to back up Kane, even pulled a gun on KRS-One after he laid down the mic.
KRS-One and Big Daddy Kane again revisited the Bridge Wars rivalry when KRS brought out Roxanne Shante for a standout freestyle on “The Bridge is Over.”
And though he tragically could only be part of the battle in spirit, Kane made sure to pay homage to the late, great Biz Markie. Immediately upon taking the stage, Kane launched into “Just Rhymin,” his 1988 track with Biz, to fans’ uproar.
Fans React
Versuz began as an Instagram Live show, and even as the battles have transitioned to stadiums fans have stayed vigilant online. Many took to Twitter to comment on all of the evening’s antics. In fact, determining a winner seemed less important than appreciating a showing from the masters.
As expected, KRS & Kane held it down. Their showmanship & competitiveness was elite, no stumbling over lyrics, rapping over vocals, or holding back.
KRS. Kane. Nice & Smooth. Mad Lion. Das EFX. DJ Scratch. Kid Capri. Red Alert. Roxanne Shante. Master Ace. Craig G. OG Breakdancers & B-Boys. Smiff & Wesson. Channel Live. This #VERZUZ represents a vanguard era of rap poetics and artistry that bred a generation of hip hop icons.
Even celebrities got in on the action. Diddy, Missy Elliot, Common, Pusha T, The Alchemist, D Nice, Lil Kim’, Royce Da 5’9, and DJ Khaled were only some of the hip-hop giants in the comments section on Versuz’ Instagram page.
Who’s Next?
Who will be next to trade bars in a Versuz battle? It may just be too early to say. At least some have their eye on Busta Rhymes…and some (Fat Joe) aren’t sure that’s possible. Either way, the bar is high.
Who do you think won the battle this time? Who would you like to see in the next Versuz? Keep up with us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook to let us know what you think.
The new ‘Verzuz’ event has been announced for October 17th. It’s probably not going to be 50 Cent Vs. T.I. However, viewers guess Big Daddy Kane and KRS-One are to perform.
On their Instagram, ‘Verzuz’ had published a poster with the upcoming event date and performers’ silhouettes. Fans of the show have reacted immediately, also posting their guesses about the silhouettes’ owners.
Kane has the showmanship going for him. He still puts on a GREAT show. But song-for-song it's going to be hard for for him when they get beyond 11 or 12. Kris has too much firepower. I think Rakim vs. KRS would have been even more intriguing. And THAT'S saying something. https://t.co/1KErkNsWTG
The silhouette conspiracy is topped by Big Daddy Kane’s words about KRS-One and wanting to battle with him. In 2019, Big Daddy Kane told Okayplayer that KRS-One’s “battle skills are incredible.”
“I’ve watched stuff that he’s done with other people he battled,” Big Daddy Kane said. “Direction-wise, I really respect his battle skills. If you want to go at it with someone, you want to go at it with the best. He’s one of the best-established artists who knows how to battle.”
‘Verzuz’ in the City
The upcoming ‘Verzuz’ is yet again happening in New York City. So did one of the previous events, which ended up with controversies.
During the event, Irv Gotti called out 50 Cent. While Fat Joe and Ja rule competed, Irv Gotti was commenting on the event’s stream. He claimed, “All y’all talking about that 50 sh_t.” Irv then added, “All good. He got beat up stabbed up. Shot up. And sued us. That’s all I’m gonna say. Your hero ain’t what you think he is. Period. And facts.”
Ja Rule also joined Irv later, stating that 50 would be nothing without Eminem.
In response, 50 Cent posted a series of pictures. In the photographs, 50 is wearing a suit, drinking cognac, and also smoking a cigar. The rapper also reminded in the comment section that “I put they whole label out of business, f_ck with me if you want to. I would stay out of my way if it wasn’t me. LOL.”
On top, Fat Joe called Vita and Lil Mo “dusty bitches.” They were brought by Ja Rule at the event’s stage at some point in the show. After a storm of various comments from all sides, Lil Mo eventually went on TMZ to talk about Fat Joe’s “vile” behavior.
Kane recently responded to Rakim’s gauntlet with his verzuz pick
With a bit of flex, Rakim (The God) took to social media in August of 2020, posting a flyer spotlighting himself with hip-hop contemporary Kane (King Asiatic Nobody’s Equal). Rakim was throwing down the gauntlet. For emphasis, he requested that “They do it for the culture!” but eventually, Rakim took down the post. As we know, there was no challenge.
Kane recently took to media addressing who he would like to battle in a verzuz. While he did not outright object to a Rakim challenge, he made KRS-One his obvious choice. It was made clear he wouldn’t enter a challenge with Rakim, and when asked who he would choose, he stated, “I think KRS-One would be an interesting one too!
Verzuz challenges are trending, and the hip hop community has its ears tuned
2020 was a year of change. During the pandemic, the push was for every industry to find creative ways to survive. Verzus was a way for vocal powerhouses, hip hop artists, and music producers to showcase their bodies of work. The concept is a mock duel performed from the comfort of their homes/studios and broadcast on social media. This creative outlet made for great fandom.
Kane, Rakim, and KRS-One are hip-hop pioneers
PC: Laze Elliot 3
They were there at the start and have gained much respect for their contributions. According to sources, Rakim and Eric B’s early 1987 album “Paid in Full” sparked a turning point in hip hop. KRS-One is appropriately called the “teacha.” His lyrics are said to have deep roots mired in the soil of some of the greatest thinkers and cultural influencers such as W.E.B. DuBois, Carter Woodsen, and John Henrik Clarke. At the same time, Kane is deemed a living legend. His contributions led to a shift in what lyricists brought to hip hop. Before them, no other hip-hop artists had come to the table with that level of depth.
Some are willing participants, while others answer the calling
Some of the biggest names in the industry have been participants–Babyface vs. Teddy Riley, Jagged edge vs. 112, Fabolous vs. Jadakiss, Ludacris vs. Nelly, and Snoop Dogg vs. DMX. The list is almost endless.
Whether there will be a Rakim and Kane verzuz or a Kane verzuz KRS-One is yet to be known. However, Kane has made his choice known. However, they owe nothing to the hip-hop community. Their legendary accomplishments speak for themselves. Still, a verzus against these pioneers would be an event to remember, providing fans a cultural exhibition of historic proportions.
Renae Richardson|
For a little bit more on what Rakim has been up to, check out our retrospective article!
