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WATCH: KRS-One Verzuz Big Daddy Kane Ignites the Internet
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.
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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.
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Calling on the Crew
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.”
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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.
— Ruben || Check the Rhyme (@checktherhyme1_) October 18, 2021
It's a blessing to be able to celebrate these legends. #VERZUZ pic.twitter.com/NcsrP0fRHB
Kid Capri leaving the #VERZUZ tonight!! pic.twitter.com/S92jniVv4I
— VIBEZTK🎶📀😄💪💯 (@TerryJarrell_) October 17, 2021
This is the most legendary #VERZUZ of all time. Period. AND FOR FREE?!!?! WE DONT DESERVE 😩😭 pic.twitter.com/z47mOsqstX
— CHXNXL.ETH (@0xCHXNXL) October 18, 2021
The #VERZUZ is great… KRS-One is doing better on playing straight bangers…#BigDaddyKane is doing better on better stage presence and breath control
— Tariq Nasheed 🇺🇸 (@tariqnasheed) October 18, 2021
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.
— Izzy (@IzzyBestNews) October 18, 2021
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.
Written by Hattie Lindert | Twitter
