Big Daddy Kane hopped on Instagram to thank the doctors, ambulance drivers, nurses and more who are working on the frontlines to ensure public health amidst the Coronavirus pandemic. He also treated his followers to a new freestyle.
“I know that we are going through some tough times [right now],” the “Smooth Operator” MC began on Wednesday (April 22). “But, we can make it through this… as long as we stick together, stay strong and stay smart.”
“I know that many of y’all have lost a loved one,” Kane continued. “I’d even like to say rest in peace to my good friend, DJ Lance. Rest in peace to my minister, Abdul Hafeez Muhammad.”
DJ Lance was a pioneering force in DJ and hip hop culture in Brooklyn in the 1970’s. He reportedly passed away due to COVID-19 on April 9.
Kane went on to thank the first responders who have been working through the pandemic.
“I also want to acknowledge all the people on the frontlines that’s been doing a great job through this pandemic,” he said, shouting out a few specific nurses and doctors.
“I want to acknowledge all the other funeral directors, nurses, doctors, medical technicians, morticians, coroners, firefighters, ambulance drivers — the list goes on and on. I salute you all for standing on the frontline. Stick together, my people. I’ma just leave you with this,” he said, before launching into his 40-second freestyle.
“Our neighborhoods is like a war zone/ Every time I look for soldiers, turn around, there’s more gone,” he rapped.
Earlier this month, Big Daddy Kane appeared in both of Kwamé’s Instagram live-streamed “One Song Classic Hip Hop Breakfast Jams.” Beyond impromptu performances from hip hop greats and candid COVID-19 discussions, the virtual event also partnered with the Community Coalition (CoCo), which is a nonprofit organization aimed at bolstering social and economic conditions in Southern Los Angeles.
Check out Kane’s freestyle below.