Smooth Operator

Smooth Operator

Big Daddy Kane

The lead single of the album/CD It’s a Big Daddy Thing, this classic Kane track uses the bass line from Mary Jane Girls“All Night Long” to lay down a funky, mellow groove that suits the titular character perfectly. It topped the US Rap Chart in October 1989 and remains his only #1 on it.

“Smooth Operator” is furthers the competition between Kane and fellow NYC rapper Rakim. Not only does “Smooth Operator” sample Rakim’s line “‘cause I’m so smooth” (“Put Your Hands Together” from Follow The Leader) but the R also had a line on the same LP calling himself “a smooth operator operating correctly” (“Microphone Fiend”). Coincidence?