Rappers Big Daddy Kanae (L) and KRS-One onstage during VERZUZ at Barclays Center, Oct. 17, 2021
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Best Moments from Big Daddy Kane VERZUZ KRS-One

Best Moments from Big Daddy Kane VERZUZ KRS-One

Published Sat, October 16, 2021 at 7:45 PM EDT

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.

In what was a neck-to-neck showdown, Kane and KRS faced off at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, N.Y. and the two rappers ran through freestyles, a bevy of Golden Age rap gems, collaborations and soundtrack songs. Kane brought out guests like Nice & Smooth (for "Pimpin' Ain't Easy" and the duo also did their own Gang Starr collab "DWYCK") and Roxanne Shante--who Kane gave special props to for being the catalyst for the Juice Crew. Meanwhile Bronx legend KRS delivered with assists from Hakim Green of Channel Live, who performed their 1994 collaboration "Mad-Izm," Das EFX and Mad Lion. Kane also performed Marley Marl's classic posse cut "The Symphony" alongside fellow Juice Crewers Craig G and Masta Ace.

Kane and KRS both made sure to pay homage to DJs and breakers like the Rock Steady Crew in their respective sets; with Kane giving a showcase to DJ Scratch and KRS-One featuring Kid Capri.

BEST MOMENTS

Buckshot

Buck and KRS have a long collaborative history and Kris has done lots with Buck's fam over at Duck Down Records, so it wasn't a surprise to see the Brooklyn product take the stage in support of Bronx representer KRS-One. But it was cool that Buckshot made a point to pay homage to BK icon Kane in his own freestyle.

"I stayed outta you and Shan's shit. You're welcome."

Kane dropped the best line of the night; referencing the legendary Bridge Wars between Boogie Down Productions and the Juice Crew, which saw BDP's KRS-One spar with MC Shan of the Juice Crew. Kane never stepped to Kris back then, and he got a cool shot in about it.

The freestyles


Big Daddy Kane and KRS-One are two of the most legendary emcees in Hip-Hop for a reason. These are two people who set the standard for great rhyming; beyond their most beloved tracks, they are pillars of the art form. This performance was a good reminder to anyone who may needed a refresher.


Nice & Smooth


Greg Nice and Smooth B showed up and did their thing. One of the rap game's most unique duo's fed off of Kane and the crowd's energy and "DWYCK" was an unexpected (but welcome) moment.

"The Symphony"


Even though the crew was without one of it's legendary members (apparently Kool G Rap didn't accept his invitation), it was still very cool to see Kane, Craig G and Masta Ace get down on the first truly great posse cut. (A Marley Marl cameo woulda been nice touch, but can't have erything.)

Big Daddy Kane giving Roxanne Shante her flowers


In a heartfelt and touching moment, Kane brought Shante to make sure everyone understood just how important the she was to the formation of the Juice Crew.

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