Toronto, ON - Big Daddy Kane is more than an artist – his name often references an entire culture that took hip-hop to another level- a level that some say we have drifted far, far away from. I had a swift eight minutes to pick the legend’s brain and he broke down his thoughts on music today, Canadian hip-hop and why he slept on a Toronto Airport bench.

Big Daddy Kane is performing live in concert in Toronto March 26th at the Phoenix Concert Theatre located at 410 Sherbourne Street.  The event is brought to you by Megahertz Music, The Substance Group and Goodtimes. In Montreal March 27th, the concert is brought to you by Dreams Come True, with Escape Ent, Dreamskai, Global NTT & Jesse Walker. It's going down inside Saints located at 30 Ste. Catherine West.

Ladies, gentleman and all the 'anti-halfsteppers' alike – Big Daddy Kane:

HipHopCanada: Peace, Big Daddy Kane. Appreciate the time you’re taking to talk to me today. First and foremost, Canada is excited to have you back.

Big Daddy Kane: I can’t wait to come back to Canada.

HipHopCanada: Are you touring with the band?

Big Daddy Kane: You know we’re going to tear the show up . . . it’ll be live entertainment. No, the band won’t be coming this time but we’re going to take it through all the classics.

HipHopCanada: Dope. Okay, getting in to this: is there anything you wish the younger generation knew about hip-hop?

Big Daddy Kane: Yeah – that it comes in so many sounds and to take it all in. You know, there no original hip-hop sounds because it’s all based off of samples and jazz, funk, soul – those are all elements of hip-hop. Actually, they ARE hip-hop. I hope the younger generation recognizes that.

HipHopCanada: What are your thoughts on the hip-hop community uniting to support Obama?

Big Daddy Kane: It’s such a beautiful thing – I love talking about this. He’s in the process of changing the community and the world, I hope the entire world continues to unite to support this man.

HipHopCanada: What other moments stand out to you where you have been part of the community uniting for a cause?

Big Daddy Kane: Good question – hmmm. I think when KRS One and the “Self Destruction” movement was taking place, the hip-hop community was pretty united. Also, I’ve seen the hip-hop community come together to end gangs as well. We can be a powerful group when we want to be.

HipHopCanada: Absolutely. As a man who focused on dancing just as much as rapping, what do you think of today’s dance movement? Do you cringe?

Big Daddy Kane: [Laughing] You know, it’s all about dancing today.

HipHopCanada: It’s not the same.

Big Daddy Kane: Missy (Elliott) gets it in, that’s for damn sure. I think it would be incredible if a performer could focus on bringing a whole dance movement to their live set. We need to see more of that.

HipHopCanada: Is there anyone you are following or check for in the Canadian music industry?

Big Daddy Kane: Hell yeah. I’ve had a few conversations with Kardi on the phone. I check for him.

HipHopCanada: Dope. You’ve had longevity in hip-hop that is completely rare . . . what has been a defining decision you’ve made in your career to get you where you are?

Big Daddy Kane: Honestly, that would have to be that first freestyle battle I ever did against Biz Markie. That was a conscious decision that my entire career has been based off of. Wow, where would I be if that didn’t happen?

HipHopCanada: The real question is where would hip-hop slow jams be! You love the ladies but what else was your inspiration for writing?

Big Daddy Kane: [Laughing] Definitely the ladies, but I’ve also had a whole lot of fun in this industry and that inspires me daily.

HipHopCanada: What is your favorite slow jam of all time?

Big Daddy Kane: That is a great question. I’ll be thinking about this all day but for now I’m going to go with Marvin Gaye "Let’s Get It On".

HipHopCanada: As a definite ladies man, do you have any advice for the new generation on how to treat a woman?

Big Daddy Kane: [Laughing] Wow. Be nice to them. Definitely, definitely be nice to them. Respect the ladies.

HipHopCanada:  I know we’re almost out of time. I’ve got a reader question for you – (shout out to Sonny Phono). Are you still acting?

Big Daddy Kane: Definitely. I just released two movies in the last while; “Love For Sale” and “Dead Heist”.

HipHopCanada: Anything else in the works?

Big Daddy Kane: Not at the moment, but I’m sure there will be something soon.

HipHopCanada: Last question! Do you have any favorite Canadian memories?

Big Daddy Kane: Oh yeah. I actually reference it on my third album, the “Fifty Dolla Crew”. When Cool V and I used to tour with Biz Markie . . . Biz would give us fifty dollars each. Unfortunately, Biz was always late and once when we were coming back from Toronto he made us miss our flight. It was thirty-five dollars to catch the next flight, so instead of coming back to NYC with fifteen dollars – we slept on the airport bench and caught the next cheap plane out (laughs). That’s the “Fifty Dolla Crew” legendary tale.

HipHopCanada: [Laughing] Okay, this is the real last question. You’re an obvious legend and you’ve helped shape hip-hop. Do you have any advice for Canada’s developing urban industry?

Big Daddy Kane: Wow, tough question. Well, the industry as a whole is messed up – so I think the best thing is just to stay positive and never compromise who you are. You need innovation to grow, innovation will always stand out. Innovation is timeless.

HipHopCanada: Thanks for your time.

Big Daddy Kane: Thanks, Tara.

Editor's note: Check out Big Daddy Kane live in Canada on March 26th in Toronto and March 27th in Montreal. Check out his website at http://www.officialbigdaddykane.com.

  

Tara Muldoon Tara Muldoon didn't realize others saw her passion as work. Starting at the historical Masterplan Show (89.5), she has been mentored by some of hip hop's most notorious players. Currently focused on her writing and publicity abilities, she was recently featured on the Tyra Banks Show for her music industry dreams. She is on HipHopCanada.com's management team. Hit her up at http://www.myspace.com/taramuldoon.