Big Daddy Kane vs. KRS-One was the ‘Verzuz’ Battle Hip-Hop Needed
Big Daddy Kane and KRS-One put on a Verzuz show for the ages at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn.
Verzuz is on a roll.
On Sunday, October 17th, two of the greatest MCs of all time faced off at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.
Big Daddy Kane, who had the home field advantage, faced off against KRS-One, who was the betting favorite coming into the match. And we hate to be cliché here but the only winner was hip-hop.
With Fat Joe acting as host, and DJ Kid Capri on the ones and twos, Kane and KRS-One had a battle that was more celebratory than tense. KRS-One came out the gate performing “Criminal Minded,” the title track from Boogie Down Productions’ iconic debut, while Big Daddy Kane came out with an ode to Biz Markie, performing their 1988 classic “Just Rhymin’ with Biz..”
The matchup was a case of two different styles: KRS-One came with his enthusiasm and this amazing bully energy — despite the fact that breath.control was an issue at times. While Kane’s swagger and charisma carried him to the finish line. While the competition wasn’t as fierce as previous Verzuz battles — like Lox vs. Dipset — but there were moments of one-upmanship. KRS-One had a freestyle where he sent a quick dart at Kane. And when KRS-One performed “The Bridge is Over” — the iconic Juice Crew diss — BDK responded by bringing out Roxanne Shanté to kick her own freestyle.
KRS-One dropping battle bars on Big Daddy Kane! ???#VERZUZ @IAmKRSOne pic.twitter.com/ccq1mbBlpC
— All Things Battles ?? (@AllThingsBRC) October 18, 2021
Put some respect in Roxanne Shante name ? #VERZUZ pic.twitter.com/b42Dv29FLb
— Aria (@aria_is_chicc) October 18, 2021
Shante wasn’t the only guest. There were also appearances from Das EFX, Nice & Smooth, Eric B, Crazy Legs, Buckshot, and Masta Ace and Craig G, who joined Kane for a rendition of the greatest posse cut, “The Symphony.”
It was easily one of the best Verzuz battles. And social media was buzzing with appreciation.
Big Daddy Kane gonna teach you real hip hop #VERZUZ pic.twitter.com/TkKQaXYZEN
— Aria (@aria_is_chicc) October 18, 2021
Big Daddy Kane 53
DJ Scratch 53
Kid Capri 54
Krs-One 56
Hip-Hop 48
And they said it wouldn’t last!#HipHopLives#Verzuz #BigDaddyKaneVsKrsOne— Keeper of Receipts? (@GChanger4U) October 18, 2021
When I say loyalty, this is what I mean #VERZUZ pic.twitter.com/vs26ClCZiT
— Christina 〽️ (@ChrissyHussle) October 18, 2021
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It’s going to be hard to top this. Watch KRS-One and Big Daddy Kane battle it out below.