45 Comments

Great interview. BDK has such a warmth about him and you brought it out in the conversation. Sometimes I feel like a might know an artist who’s words are autobiographical. It feels truthful and intimate. I love how music is the sound track of all our lives- it’s such a reflection of our moments and culture and our deepest desires. I really enjoy your interviews with musicians.

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Dec 12, 2021Liked by Ari Melber

Great interview with Big Daddy Kane. I remember his fashion back in the day and I love his music.

You are right about this, “Now, the upstart has become an elder statesman in hip hop culture, while evincing a deep humility.” One can feel his humility through the interview. And he also admire your love for Hip Hop and how much you know about Hip Hop to the point of naming you Young AM😃👍🏽

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Dec 11, 2021Liked by Ari Melber

Just listened to your interview with BDK, like that he gave you an appropriate rapper name, Young AM. Amazing that you remember all the Rap quotes you have heard!

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Dec 11, 2021Liked by Ari Melber

Hi Ari! Great article. I feel like I knew Michael Jackson from his work as an artist. he was the best as for as I am concerned, just like you are the best at what you do! Have a great , safe, and blessed weekend Ari!

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Hello, Young AM!!! This interview with Big Daddy Kane was amazing. He definitely is old school, and such an inspiration to any young artist trying to make it the music industry. I didn't realize how many artists that he referenced I actually had heard about throughout the years. My kids watched MTV alot as young teens, and I would sometimes see some the videos. Not my cup of tea, but I wanted to be aware what they were watching. Thanks Ari, it's understandable why your show has so many viewers, you're being yourself, and we love that about you. As you say, you're keeping it real. Have a great weekend!!!🎼🎹🎤🙏

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Hi Ari. My favorite artist that epitomizes Kane`s philosophy is Stevie Wonder. Not only is he a prolific songwriter ( a great many artist, to this day, remix and remake his songs. ) Thru interviews and different events he shows such humility. He has given people great advice over the years. He has stayed himself and I love that.

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Dec 11, 2021Liked by Ari Melber

Hey, Ari. I’m more of an instrumental jazz fan and learned from actually spending time with artists (I am a partner in an online publication) that artists that people think are being true can be hiding many of the real feels. Kenny G once told me he wouldn’t do a jazz cruise with “these people”…aka his fans. He was a complete ass. Word of caution, don’t be fooled.

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P.S. To "Young AM" keep your swagger, stay humble, keep giving us your knowledge of politics, legalese, and your lyrical interjections to uplift our spirits on heavy news days. I think I can speak for a lot of your viewers we love your version of the news and if it is the news it has to be true (well at least if it is coming out of your mouth). FACTS!!!🥰

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There are two that come to mind: Adele, who takes you through periods of her life via her songs. Mary J Blige is another. Must admit, I knew absolutely nothing about Big Daddy Kane. Thanks, Ari.

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Ari, love the way you integrate a lesson in music and different kinds of genres, would love if you take a look at “ Supertramp” Roger Hodgson band!!! Think he is a genius with his songs !! Love them all // saw them when I was 15 and still at 60 can’t stop listening to such beautiful compile words of wisdom!! Blessings from Puerto Rico🎄🥰

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ari,as a 89yr.old frankie beverly is one of my heroes.

maze said it straight."happy feelings"spread it all over the world!BOOM!dblAA

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founding

I apologize in advance if I embarrass you here, but Kane’s humility reminds me of someone. Today you shared on the socials about the success of The Beat (wonderfully deserving), and what do you do but thank everyone. So many of Kane’s quotes here can be applied to you, but I will stop now.

I will never be so presumptuous to think that I “know” an artist from their work, all I can do have my own feelings about what I am hearing or seeing. That said, there is Stevie Wonder, and his essence surely endures. Starting with 12 year old Stevie working his heart out to move his listeners with his iconic harmonica on “Fingertips”, then moving on to last year’s protest anthem “Can’t Put it in the Hands of Faith.”

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Wow I am sorry but all I can say is everything you have written is how I envision your career to be. So if there is an artist (yes journalism/anchoring/reporting the news is an art) it would be you! You seem to be yourself and humbled to the accolades bestowed upon you. I don't profess to know you (wish I did though) but being a fan that follows your career (every aspect) I feel I have a glimpse of who you are (or at least what you share about your life). Ari, I would just say ditto to you "Be yourself.....and stay yourself." Always a fan. Stay safe stay well! 🥰🙏🏽🦋

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Only you can bring 3 totally different cultures together Ari!

Appreciate you

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Big Daddy Kane was big when I was a kid, so it's wild to see him now. Loved that he gave you the nickname Young AM! I enjoyed the interview! I think Tupac was an artist that I feel I would know if I had met him in person. He was the type of artist that what you see is what you get. Very transparent and honest. Even when his music changed in California, he really didn't. He was a great storyteller. There are so many artists out there that I wouldn't really know because they're a character they're playing and performing all of time.

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Hi Ari, I watch your show often for the truth, the perspectives, and yes, for what I learn, culture-wise and otherwise. Great interview. I'm a Seattleite and loved listening to you talk a bit about what Garfield was back in the day. After this, I went online and watched Big Daddy Kane's NPR Tiny Desk Concert. Poetry in motion. Thanks for what you do.

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