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Here is what went down at the KRS One and Big Daddy Kane Verzuz Show
by Rapjoint Lagos
Verzuz is an American webcast series created by record producers Timbaland and Swizz Beatz, that airs on Verzuz TV. Verzuz was introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic as a virtual DJ battle, with Timbaland and Swizz Beatz facing off in its first iteration through an Instagram Live broadcast in March 2020
Two titans of Hip-Hop, Big Daddy Kane and KRS-One, squared off in the latest entry of the popular VERZUZ battle series and the legendary emcees did not disappoint.
The culture was alive and well Sunday night, and fans got to see why these two legends are pioneers in their own right. KRS-One and Big Daddy Kane still have what it takes to teach the new generation about what it means to be an MC, even at 56 and 53 years old, respectively.
Kane was definitely more charismatic and engaging, while KRS wanted to let his collection of classics speak for him. The essential difference between the two performances boiled down to Kane trying to prove that he “still got it” and KRS tried to show the audience “this is how real emcees do it.”
KRS performed many of his songs in a variation of a Caribbean dancehall cadence and seemed to try to compete with the size of the venue. Kane, however, stuck to the basics, showing his remarkable breath control and the ability to perform rapid-fire lyrics from songs like “Wrath of Kane.” Kane’s dancing and stage performance were reminiscent of his heyday.
KRS-One and Big Daddy Kane took the gloves off and relived those days of rap ciphers and coming up with rhymes on the spot with a special bonus round. The two MCs would do off-the-top verses in between records until Big Daddy Kane called for KRS-One to join him in a round that was strictly for freestyling. Both men delivered, leaving fans in awe of their lyrical abilities at their age.
There was clearly an attempt to highlight the four elements of hip-hop (Emceeing, B-boying, graffiti and DJing). Kane teamed up with DJ Scratch, a producer and turntablist, while KRS One was joined by DJ Kid Capri, one of the most famous DJs in hip hop history.
Breakdancing is one of the four elements of hip-hop, and it wouldn't have been a celebration of the golden era without some form of breaking present on Sunday night. On top of giving fans a bonus freestyle round, Big Daddy Kane and KRS-One brought out their crews that included legendary breakers such as Crazy Legs and Pop Master for a dance battle fit for a showdown like the one happening inside the Barclays Center. Fans were calling for Big Daddy Kane to bust out some OG moves, but he opted for the B-Boys to steal the show.
Sunday night's Verzuz was a showdown between two of hip-hop's greatest MCs, but it also celebrated the genre's golden era. the star-studded guest list had fans reliving their childhood, from iconic hip-hop figures such as Nice & Smooth, to Das EFX, Mad Lion, Eric B, Kool DJ Red Alert, and Roxanne Shante, who even dished out a cold freestyle of her own.
The show was a great one that brought together Hip hop fans from around the world, once again the Hip hop culture wins.
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