Big Daddy Kane’s “Smooth Operator” was an honest self-boast about his popularity with women. He wrote and produced the song for his second full-length album, It’s A Big Daddy Thing, which was released in 1989. Kane was known for his ability to rap fast, but on “Smooth Operator,” he was conversational. The Mary Jane Girls’ sample of “All Night Long” and Kane’s casual delivery made “Smooth Operator” sound like a rapper making an R&B song. Consequently, “Smooth Operator” had a presence on the rap, R&B, and dance music charts. The video was an illustration of everything that made Kane so debonair. He played pool, had his nails done, had his shoes shined, sat on his throne, socialized with beautiful women, and performed one of his well-known James Brown-inspired dance routines with his dancers.
Chris Rock, Al B. Sure, Kwame, and Kim Porter had appearances in the video. It’s A Big Daddy Thing is Kane’s most commercially viable album and one of the most important rap albums ever. In 2024, Big Daddy Kane is still marveling audiences with his legendary skills. He recently weighed in on the rap battle between Kendrick Lamar and Drake. Big Daddy Kane will appear with MC Lyte, Rakim, DJ Spinna, and more at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center on October 19, 2024, for represent! social justice through spoken art.
