It's a Big Daddy Thing cover

It's a Big Daddy Thing

Big Daddy Kane · 1989

76 min · 17 tracks · hip-hop

A vibrant fusion of slick lyricism and confident bravado, showcasing Big Daddy Kane's mastery over East Coast hip-hop.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Smooth Operator — This track exemplifies Kane's charismatic delivery and lyrical dexterity, blending storytelling with a catchy hook that resonated widely.
  • →
    Children R the Future — Addressing social issues with an optimistic outlook, this song highlights Kane's ability to weave meaningful messages into engaging narratives.
  • →
    I Get the Job Done — With its confident proclamation of prowess, this track showcases Kane's signature bravado while emphasizing his role as a formidable presence in hip-hop.
  • →
    Ain’t No Stoppin’ Us Now — This anthem of perseverance captures the resilience of the hip-hop community during a time of rapid change and growth within the genre.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

64 /100
Treeline
Higher than 79% of albums we've rated

Big Daddy Kane's second album showcases strong lyricism and production, solidifying his place in hip-hop.

What we noticed

  • Several tracks feature layered vocal harmonies and call-and-response elements, enhancing the engagement with listeners.
  • The production incorporates jazz and funk samples, creating a vibrant backdrop that complements Kane's dynamic delivery.
  • The last three tracks slow down the tempo, allowing for introspection before concluding with a remix that revisits earlier themes.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
8/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
7/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • dynamic emotional journeys
  • long, immersive listening sessions
  • wave-like pacing experiences
  • lyrical storytelling focus

Where this album fits

Career context
It's a Big Daddy Thing is Big Daddy Kane's second studio album, following his groundbreaking debut, Long Live the Kane. Released in 1989, this album solidified his status as a leading figure in hip-hop, showcasing his evolution as both a lyricist and performer during a peak period of creativity in the genre.
Stylistic neighbors
Rakim· KRS-One· Nas

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • Children R the Future

    Kane shifts from personal reflection to addressing youth empowerment is particularly striking.

    This pivot not only broadens the scope of the narrative but also emphasizes his commitment to inspiring future generations.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 It’s a Big Daddy Thing 3:23
  • 2 Another Victory 4:53
  • 3 Mortal Combat 5:23
  • 4 Children R the Future 3:59
  • 5 Young, Gifted and Black 3:15
  • 6 Smooth Operator 4:44
  • 7 Calling Mr. Welfare 4:27
  • 8 Wrath of Kane (live) 5:03
  • 9 I Get the Job Done 5:30
  • 10 Ain’t No Stoppin’ Us Now 3:21
  • 11 Pimpin’ Ain’t Easy 4:13
  • 12 Big Daddy’s Theme 2:08
  • 13 To Be Your Man 5:46
  • 14 The House That Cee Built 5:28
  • 15 On the Move 5:21
  • 16 Warm It Up, Kane 4:14
  • 17 Rap Summary (Lean on Me) (remix) 5:11

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata