Big Daddy Kane, born Antonio Hardy, is undeniably a seminal artist whose immense career and importance to music can hardly be justified by description. From classics like ‘Raw,’ ‘Set It Off’ and ‘Ain’t No Half Steppin’ to his work with the legendary Juice Crew – a collective from Cold Chillin’ Records with Marley Marl, Biz Markie and Roxanne Shante, among others – Big Daddy Kane has marked hip hop history with a unique, powerful impression. His inimitable style, both in rapping and fashion, has set trends that still linger 20 years later (long live the legacy of four-finger rings). His
second LP, ‘It’s A Big Daddy Thing,’ is still widely regarded as one of the most essential albums in hip hop. His fast-rap style and enchanting lyrical charisma has landed him work with far too many to mention – including the likes of Teddy Riley, Patty LaBelle, Jurassic 5, Morcheeba and, more recently, the Stanton Warriors with ‘Get Wild Off This,’ which shakes and breaks on 2006’s ‘Stanton Sessions Volume 2.’

“Because of all of his past tracks, we thought he would be perfect to be able to work our tempo. It wasn’t easy getting hold of him, but it was something we could tell our grandchildren about in years to come.”- Stanton Warriors

It seems only natural that the Stanton Warriors would feel inspired to celebrate the work and supremacy of the almighty Kane at their next onslaught of the Stanton Sessions at FABRICLIVE. This time around, the Stanton Warriors have lugged along some scorching hot and fr-fr-fr-fresh names to join the party, embracing Russian breakbeat sensation Lady Waks as well as Baltimore’s finest, Spank Rock, whose uptempo hip hop sound (reminiscent of Kane) fits
perfectly in line with the Warrior’s style…

“We used to mix uptempo Hip Hop over House tunes during the early days of warehouse parties, so for us it was all underground dance music. I guess we carry that same ethos now. It’s good to see lots more uptempo Hip Hop cuts being produced now by people like Spank Rock, Switch and Deekline.” – Stanton Warriors

Spank Rock’s Alexxxchange, Devlin & Darko will also be celebrating the launch of their no-holds-barred FABRICLIVE.33 mix – good, honest party music at its best.

Sure, we’d all love to be given our own chance to deliberate the genius of Big Daddy Kane, but maybe, just maybe, we should leave this one to the party-makers whose appreciation speaks volumes above the rest…

Do you remember the first time you heard Kane?
Dominic B (Stanton Warriors): “Yes, it was at a house party when I was at school. I was like ‘Damn, I want this!’”
Ronnie Darko (Spank Rock): “Back when I was in elementary school, my Uncle had the “It’s a Big Daddy Thing”
cassette. I used to love his videos back in the day, he would have Scoob & Scrap Lover doing the illest dance moves!”
Chris Devlin (Spank Rock): “It was in my friend JB’s bedroom and I was 10. I think I said, ‘I don’t know about this, do
you have that Vanilla Ice tape?’ But later, when I actually admired good raps and DJs, I saw a guy juggle the break of
“Ain’t No Half Steppin’” and I was like ‘Damn.. why don’t I know this?’…I found out about a lot of things in an ass-
backwards kind of way.”

What’s your favorite work of his?
Dominic B (Stanton Warriors): “’Raw’ & ‘Wrath Of Kane.’ Still sound solid today.”
Ronnie Darko (Spank Rock): “’It’s a Big Daddy Thing’ LP.”
Chris Devlin (Spank Rock): “…uh ‘Aint No Half Steppin’’.”

What is it you admire about his style?
Dominic B (Stanton Warriors): “Some rappers have great lyrics but dull delivery or tone of voice. Other rappers are
full of gangsta attitude and not much musical substance. Kane simply ticks all the right boxes needed to be a bad ass
rapper.”
Ronnie Darko (Spank Rock): “I think his flow over Marly Marl’s production fit perfectly. He’s such a smooth operator.”
Chris Devlin (Spank Rock): “Well, he don’t really half step, ever. He puts words together really well and he’s still
rocking in ‘07.”

How do you think he’s influenced hip hop?
Dominic B (Stanton Warriors): “For sheer stage presence, individuality, and block-party-rocking skills, Kane probably
influenced a whole generation of MC’s.”
Ronnie Darko (Spank Rock): “He influenced me!”

How has he influenced you?
Ronnie Darko (Spank Rock): “…I save Hip Hop!”
Dominic B (Stanton Warriors): “It’s influenced us in the fact that the tracks are so simple yet smash it when played
out loud in a club. A feat not all Hip Hop can claim to.”

Got any good Kane stories?
Dominic B (Stanton Warriors): “He still likes to get involved with the crowd when he performs. I’ve seen him literally
get right into the crowd and almost get lost in the dancefloor while still rapping! He’s a seasoned pro.”
Ronnie Darko (Spank Rock): “We played SXSW last year and he was supposed to play a party with The Rub, but his
flight got cancelled or something and we (Spank Rock) ended up filling in for him at the show. They were big shoes.”
Chris Devlin (Spank Rock): “Yeah, we had to do a show he missed at SXSW last year, so like he didn’t come and
then we did a show in his place….Thanks Big Daddy!”

Are you looking forward to sharing the stage with him on the 6th?
Dominic B (Stanton Warriors): “Very much looking forward to it. I’m gonna drop the freshest beats I can blag, borrow
or steal! All the Stanton Session nights have been really good. Real hip hop rubbing up alongside booty bouncing
breaks works wonders on that fabric dancefloor.”
Ronnie Darko (Spank Rock): “We gonna put it on BLAST!”
Chris Devlin (Spank Rock): “Fuck!!!! Do we actually have to share the stage? I gotta go, I thought we was in room
three…”

Full lineup:
FRIDAY 6 APRIL
FABRICLIVE.
tickets: 0870 902 0001 or www.fabriclondon.com
9.30pm-5am £12/10(NUS/Fabric First Members)

ROOM ONE:
Stanton Warriors, Big Daddy Kane (LIVE), Alexxxchange, Devlin & Darko (Spank Rock), Lady Waks, Sick Rick,
ROOM TWO:
Hatcha, MRK1, Benga, N Type, Youngsta, Scuba, SLT Mob, Downshifter
MCs Crazy D, Vicious & Dangerous
ROOM THREE:
ANNIE MAC PRESENTS…
Annie Mac, Speaker Junk, Crookers, Rachel Barton