“If you’re thirty and up make some noise!” How often do you hear that at a hip hop event? Well, it was certainly the vibe at the Triller sponsored VERZUZ showdown that took place at the Barclays Center on Sunday night. Introduced by past VERZUZ participant Fat Joe, legendary MCs Big Daddy Kane and KRS One had attendees in the jam-packed stadium bobbing their heads to classic hip hop joints that basically contributed to the “Ten Commandments” of lyricism.
First, let’s just say that Big Daddy Kane, donning an OG Valentine-colored, two-piece fit with pimp hat and Versace sneaks to match, was an entire middle-aged snack — scruffy beard, James Brown dance moves, and all. If a biopic is ever made on the legend, Idris Elba would be the perfect candidate to play the handsome playboy.
Second, KRS One tackled the stage with hit after hip hop hit, giving the most in every performance. Both MCs honored the foundation of hip hop, bringing out breakdancers and reputable lyricists, such as Nice & Smooth, Eric B., and Das EFX. They even included some freestlying much to the delight of the highly amused crowd. Nearly two hours into the battle, neither MC was showing signs of slowing down, literally.
“We need to take a second to show hip hop in its real essence,” said Big Daddy Kane in the middle of the set. “I want to take them back to when motherf—–s wasn’t scared of beats that was over 120 beats per minute.”
Watch the VERZUZ battle HERE!
Of course, the highlight of the night had to be KRS One’s mega-hit and culturally impactful single “The Bridge is Over,” which was loudly praised by the enthralled crowd. Another infamous moment, Big Daddy Kane brought out Roxanne Shante, who performed a snippet of “Go On Girl.”
One thing that’s for sure, Big Daddy Kane and KRS One have some of the best produced songs in hip hop history. Before sampling loops, YouTube producers, and auto-tune singing baby-voiced rappers, hip hop was aggressive with the flows. The two rappers have certainly had an influence. Brooklyn rap heavyweights Jay Z was inspired by Big Daddy Kane, while Notorious B.I.G. had a similar delivery to KRS One.
See Footage from the Pre-Show VERZUZ Party
For the elders in the crowd and commenting online, the battle brought back a moment of hip hop nostalgia. For the youngins’, Big Daddy Kane and KRS One successfully delivered one of the most enlightening history lessons in hip hop.
