Big Daddy Kane with Troop and Adina

Born in Pasadena, Troop, a quintet known for R&B hits like "Mamacita" & "Spread My Wings," topped Hot Soul charts & earned RIAA gold. They collaborated with Chuckii Booker & excelled independently. Member Steve Russell thrived with the Underdogs.

Brooklyn-born Big Daddy Kane, alias for Antonio Hardy, emerged in the late '80s as a hip-hop icon. Known for his smooth style and Afrocentric themes, Kane was part of the Juice Crew, collaborated with Biz Markie, and released classics like "Ain't No Half-Steppin'." He gained fame with hits such as "Smooth Operator" and worked alongside legends like Barry White. Despite a dip with the 1991 album Prince of Darkness, Kane's influence remains substantial in the genre.