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Taste of Chocolate
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| Taste of Chocolate | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | ||||
| Studio album by | ||||
| Released | October 30, 1990 | |||
| Recorded | 1990 | |||
| Genre | Hip hop | |||
| Length | 53:25 | |||
| Label | ||||
| Producer |
| |||
| Big Daddy Kane chronology | ||||
| ||||
| Singles from Taste of Chocolate | ||||
| ||||
| Review scores | |
|---|---|
| Source | Rating |
| AllMusic | |
| Christgau's Consumer Guide | |
| Entertainment Weekly | B[3] |
| Los Angeles Times | |
| Rolling Stone | |
| The Source | |
Taste of Chocolate is the third album by American rapper Big Daddy Kane, released in October 1990 on Cold Chillin' Records.[7] The album reached No. 10 on the Billboard Top Soul Albums chart and No. 37 on the Billboard 200 chart.[8][9]
Overview
[edit]Artists such as Barbara Weathers, Gerald Albright and Barry White appeared on the album.[7]
Singles
[edit]"Cause I Can Do It Right" reached No. 22 on the Billboard Hot R&B Singles chart and No. 4 on the Billboard Hot Rap Singles chart.[10][11] "It's Hard Being the Kane" reached No. 17 on the Billboard Hot Rap Singles chart and "All of Me" featuring Barry White got to No. 14 on the Billboard Hot R&B Singles chart.[12][13]
Track listing
[edit]All tracks are written by Big Daddy Kane, except where noted.
| No. | Title | Writer(s) | Producer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Taste of Chocolate" (Intro) | Big Daddy Kane | 2:05 | |
| 2. | "Cause I Can Do It Right" | Big Daddy Kane | 4:09 | |
| 3. | "It's Hard Being the Kane" | Prince Paul | 4:58 | |
| 4. | "Who Am I" (featuring Gamilah Shabazz) |
| Big Daddy Kane | 4:00 |
| 5. | "Dance with the Devil" | Cool V | 4:06 | |
| 6. | "No Damn Good" | Prince Paul | 3:52 | |
| 7. | "All of Me" (featuring Barry White) |
| Andre Booth | 5:45 |
| 8. | "Keep 'Em On the Floor" (featuring Barbara Weathers) | Big Daddy Kane | 4:32 | |
| 9. | "Mr. Pitiful" | Cool V | 3:26 | |
| 10. | "Put Your Weight on It" | Big Daddy Kane | 2:47 | |
| 11. | "Big Daddy vs. Dolemite" (featuring Rudy Ray Moore) |
| Big Daddy Kane | 4:49 |
| 12. | "Down the Line" (featuring Scoob Lover, Scrap Lover, Mister Cee, Lil Daddy Shane and Ant Live) | Mister Cee | 5:11 | |
| 13. | "Taste of Chocolate" (Exit) | Big Daddy Kane | 3:20 | |
| Total length: | 53:25 | |||
Samples
[edit]- "Big Daddy vs. Dolemite"
- "Whatcha See Is Whatcha Get" by the Dramatics
- "Cause I Can Do It Right"
- "Stubborn Kind of Fellow" by Marvin Gaye
- "I Heard It Through the Grapevine" by Gladys Knight & the Pips
- "Get Up and Dance" by Freedom
- "Dance with the Devil"
- "Different Strokes" by Syl Johnson
- "Superpeople" by the Notations
- "It's Hard Being the Kane"
- "Loose Booty" by Sly & the Family Stone
- "Roadblock (12" Version)" by Stock, Aitken Waterman
- "Keep 'Em on the Floor"
- "Talkin' Loud & Sayin' Nothing" by James Brown
- "Mr. Pitiful"
- "Person to Person" by Average White Band
- "No Damn Good"
- "Sophisticated Sissy" by Rufus Thomas
- "Put Your Weight on It"
- "Impeach the President" by the Honey Drippers
- "Rocket in the Pocket (Live)" by Cerrone
- "The Big Beat" by Billy Squier
- "Taste of Chocolate"
- "I'll Take You There" by the Staple Singers
- "Was It Something That I Said" by Sylvester
- "Get Out of My Life, Woman" by Lee Dorsey
- "Poison" by Bell Biv DeVoe
- "Who Am I"
- "Ain't Nobody Home" by B.B. King
Charts
[edit]
Weekly charts[edit]
|
Year-end charts[edit]
|
Singles
[edit]| Year | Song | Hot R&B Singles | Hot Rap Singles | Hot Dance Music/Maxi-Singles Sales |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1991 | "Cause I Can Do It Right" | 22 | 4 | 47 |
| "All of Me" | 14 | – | – | |
| "It's Hard Being the Kane" | 91 | 17 | – |
References
[edit]- ^ Henderson, Alex. "Big Daddy Kane: Taste of Chocolate". AllMusic.
- ^ Christgau, Robert (2000). Christgau's Consumer Guide: Albums of the '90s. St. Martin's Griffin. p. 157. ISBN 0-312-24560-2 – via Internet Archive.
- ^ Mack, Bob (November 23, 1990). "Taste of Chocolate". Entertainment Weekly. Archived from the original on August 8, 2020. Retrieved July 17, 2024.
- ^ Gold, Jonathan (December 2, 1990). "Big Daddy Kane "Taste of Chocolate". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved July 17, 2024.
- ^ Light, Alan (January 10, 1991). "Recordings: Big Daddy Kane – Taste of Chocolate". Rolling Stone. No. 595. pp. 67–68. Archived from the original on May 8, 2006. Retrieved July 17, 2024.
- ^ Disco (December 1990). "Record Report: Big Daddy Kane – A Taste Of Chocolate". The Source. No. 16. New York. pp. 56–57. Archived from the original on March 22, 2012. Retrieved July 17, 2014.
- ^ a b Big Daddy Kane: Taste of Chocolate. Cold Chillin' Records. October 1990.
- ^ "Big Daddy Kane: Taste of Chocolate (Billboard 200)". billboard.com. Billboard.
- ^ "Big Daddy Kane: Taste of Chocolate (Top Soul Albums)". billboard.com. Billboard.
- ^ "Big Daddy Kane: Cause I Can Do It Right (Hot R&B Singles)". billboard.com. Billboard.
- ^ "Big Daddy Kane: Cause I Can Do It Right (Hot Rap Singles)". billboard.com. Billboard.
- ^ "Big Daddy Kane: It's Hard Being the Kane (Hot Rap Singles)". billboard.com. Billboard.
- ^ "Big Daddy Kane: All of Me (Hot R&B Singles)". billboard.com. Billboard.
- ^ "Big Daddy Kane Chart History (Billboard 200)". Billboard. Retrieved April 7, 2021.
- ^ "Big Daddy Kane Chart History (Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved April 7, 2021.
- ^ "Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums – Year-End 1991". Billboard. Retrieved April 7, 2021.
Taste of Chocolate
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Background and Development
Conception and Influences
Following the release of his harder-edged second album It's a Big Daddy Thing in 1989, Big Daddy Kane sought to experiment with a smoother, R&B-infused hip-hop sound for Taste of Chocolate, aiming to expand his audience beyond hardcore rap fans. This creative shift was driven by Kane's desire to blend his lyrical prowess with more melodic and accessible production, reflecting a strategic move toward crossover success in the evolving hip-hop landscape of the early 1990s.[5] In a 2014 interview, Kane described the album's conception as somewhat rushed, stemming from frustrations with Warner Bros. Records after his first two albums, viewing it as the third of five owed to the label. He likened the project to an "autograph book" or "stamp collection" of admired figures he wanted to collaborate with, such as Barry White and Rudy Ray Moore (as Dolemite). This approach marked a departure from the battle rap focus of his earlier work, emphasizing romantic and sophisticated themes to appeal to a wider demographic, including R&B listeners.[6] These choices were shaped by the era's trends in hip-hop/R&B fusion and discussions with Cold Chillin' Records executives, who encouraged a pivot from Kane's battle rap roots toward greater commercial crossover potential amid the label's push for diverse hip-hop offerings.Recording Process
The recording of Big Daddy Kane's third studio album, Taste of Chocolate, took place over approximately ten months, from October 1989 through August 1990, with sessions held primarily in New York City and additional work in Los Angeles.[7] Most of the album was recorded at Libra Digital in New York City, with mixing handled at The Hit Factory for the majority of tracks; exceptions included "It's Hard Being the Kane" and "No Damn Good," which were both recorded and mixed at Greene Street Studios, "Dance with the Devil" mixed at Powerplay Studios, "Who Am I," "Very Special," and "Taste of Chocolate (Exit)" recorded and mixed at Unique Recording Studios, and "All of Me (For All of You)" at Record One Studios in Los Angeles.[8][9] Production duties were led by Big Daddy Kane on six tracks, including the intro and "Pimpin' Ain't Easy," while Prince Paul contributed beats for "It's Hard Being the Kane" and "No Damn Good," Cool V handled "Dance with the Devil" and "Very Special," Andre Booth produced "All of Me (For All of You)," and Mister Cee oversaw "Chocolate City."[8] Technical aspects emphasized sampled instrumentation typical of early 1990s East Coast rap, though specific equipment like samplers was not detailed in credits for this project.[8] Guest artist sessions integrated Kane's core crew, notably on "Chocolate City," where dancers Scoob Lover and Scrap Lover laid down verses alongside DJ Mister Cee, Lil' Daddy Shane, and Laree Williams, capturing the group's energetic posse-cut dynamic in a single extended take at Unique Recording Studios.[8][1] Other features, such as Barry White's vocal contributions on "All of Me (For All of You)" recorded in Los Angeles, involved layered overdubs to blend R&B elements with Kane's rap delivery, ensuring smooth transitions between verses and hooks.[8] These sessions highlighted logistical coordination across multiple locations to accommodate traveling artists and secure high-profile cameos like Rudy Ray Moore on "Mr. Pitiful."[8]Musical Composition
Genre and Style
Taste of Chocolate represents a shift in Big Daddy Kane's musical approach, blending traditional hip-hop with new jack swing influences, R&B, and funk elements to create a more polished and accessible sound.[10] The album's primary genre is hip-hop infused with new jack swing, characterized by upbeat tempos typically ranging from 100 to 110 BPM, synthesized basslines, and rhythmic swingbeat patterns that emphasize groove over raw aggression.[11] This fusion marks a departure from Kane's earlier boom bap-dominated style on albums like Long Live the Kane, incorporating smoother textures and crossover appeal while retaining lyrical dexterity.[12] Instrumentally, the album relies heavily on drum machines for punchy, programmed rhythms, horn samples for melodic accents, and layered vocals that mix rap flows with melodic hooks.[13] Producers such as Prince Paul, Mister Cee, and Cool V contribute to this sound through sampling and sequencing, creating funky undertones with synthesized elements that contrast Kane's prior work rooted in sparse, sample-heavy boom bap beats.[2] The structural innovations include extended intros that build atmosphere with hooks, seamlessly blending rapid-fire rap verses with sung choruses to enhance accessibility and flow.[1] Tracks like "Cause I Can Do It Right" exemplify the swingbeat rhythms and upbeat energy at 108 BPM, driving a funky, danceable vibe with layered backing vocals. In contrast, "All of Me" (featuring Barry White) incorporates soulful orchestration and smooth R&B harmonies, highlighting the album's romantic and eclectic side through lush production and vocal interplay. These elements collectively define Taste of Chocolate's genre fusion, prioritizing rhythmic innovation and sonic variety.[12]Lyrics and Themes
The lyrics on Taste of Chocolate represent a maturation in Big Daddy Kane's artistry, blending romance, personal swagger, and social commentary on Black excellence with a notably smoother, less confrontational tone than his earlier battle-rap heavy work on albums like Long Live the Kane and It's a Big Daddy Thing.[14] This shift reflects Kane's evolving persona, moving from aggressive lyrical dominance to more flirtatious and introspective narratives that explore vulnerability alongside confidence.[1] Kane employs his signature lyrical techniques, including multisyllabic rhymes and clever puns, throughout the album; for instance, the title track and intro use "chocolate" as a metaphor for sensual allure and indulgent Black cultural pride, evoking temptation and richness in a playful yet empowering manner.[15] Key tracks exemplify these core themes. In "Cause I Can Do It Right," Kane addresses seduction and romantic confidence, positioning himself as a masterful lover who satisfies with finesse and swagger, using rhythmic, elaborate rhymes to boast about his prowess without the overt aggression of his prior material.[16] Similarly, "No Damn Good" delves into romance's pitfalls, waxing about unfaithful partners and personal pain in a confessional style that humanizes his charismatic image.[17] On the social front, "Who Am I" (featuring Gamilah Shabazz, daughter of Malcolm X) explores Black identity and perseverance, drawing on African roots and themes of freedom, justice, and equality to celebrate Black excellence and critique disconnection from heritage.[18] These elements underscore Kane's wordplay-driven storytelling, highlighting his technical skill amid themes of fame's burdens in tracks such as "It's Hard Being the Kane."[19] Overall, the album's lyrics prioritize conceptual depth over exhaustive bravado, with Kane's dusky baritone delivery enhancing the flirtatious and reflective motifs, marking a deliberate evolution toward broader emotional range.[17] This approach not only showcases his maturing narrative voice but also integrates social insights on Black resilience, making Taste of Chocolate a pivotal work in his discography.[20]Production and Content
Track Listing
The original 1990 vinyl and CD editions of Taste of Chocolate contain 13 tracks, sequenced to progress from an introductory skit and upbeat rap declarations to collaborative features and a climactic close. Later reissues added bonus tracks, though the core album remains unchanged.[2]| No. | Title | Writer(s) | Producer(s) | Featured Artist(s) | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | "Taste of Chocolate (Intro)" | Antonio Hardy | Big Daddy Kane | None | 2:05 |
| 2 | "Cause I Can Do It Right" | Antonio Hardy | Big Daddy Kane | Tuffy King (vocals) | 4:09 |
| 3 | "It's Hard Being the Kane" | Antonio Hardy | Prince Paul | None | 4:58 |
| 4 | "Who Am I" | Antonio Hardy, Gamilah Shabazz | Big Daddy Kane | Gamilah Shabazz (vocals) | 4:00 |
| 5 | "Dance with the Devil" | Antonio Hardy | Cool V | None | 4:06 |
| 6 | "No Damn Good" | Antonio Hardy | Prince Paul | None | 3:52 |
| 7 | "All of Me" | Antonio Hardy, Andre Booth, Barry White | Andre Booth | Barry White, Gerald Albright (saxophone) | 5:45 |
| 8 | "Keep 'Em on the Floor" | Antonio Hardy | Big Daddy Kane | Barbara Weathers (vocals), Bret Lover (vocals) | 4:32 |
| 9 | "Mr. Pitiful" | Antonio Hardy | Cool V | None | 3:26 |
| 10 | "Put Your Weight on It" | Antonio Hardy | Big Daddy Kane | None | 2:47 |
| 11 | "Big Daddy vs. Dolemite" | Antonio Hardy, Rudy Ray Moore | Big Daddy Kane | Rudy Ray Moore (as Dolemite) | 4:49 |
| 12 | "Down the Line" | Antonio Hardy | DJ Mister Cee | None | 5:11 |
| 13 | "Taste of Chocolate (Exit)" | Antonio Hardy | Big Daddy Kane | None | 3:20 |
Samples and Interpolation
The production of Taste of Chocolate prominently features sampling as a core technique, drawing from classic funk, soul, and R&B sources to craft its beats, in line with the 1990s hip-hop tradition of recontextualizing earlier recordings. Producers including Prince Paul, Cool V, and Andre Booth looped riffs, drum breaks, and vocal snippets, often speeding them up or layering them to fit Kane's rhythmic delivery. This approach not only paid homage to black musical history but also navigated the era's evolving legal landscape, with all samples cleared through Cold Chillin' Records to avoid the clearance issues that plagued contemporaries like Biz Markie. The choices reflect hip-hop's sampling culture, where artists like Kane repurposed 1970s-1980s funk and soul to innovate, emphasizing groove and texture over original instrumentation. Representative examples illustrate the album's use of these techniques across tracks, with sources primarily from soul and funk catalogs. The following table highlights key samples and interpolations, including how they were altered for production.| Track | Sampled/Interpolated Element | Original Artist and Song | Year | Notes on Usage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Taste of Chocolate (Intro/Title Elements) | Vocals/Lyrics | Sylvester, "Was It Something That I Said" | 1979 | Looped vocal hook for atmospheric intro, blended with multiple layers to create a smooth, celebratory tone.[21] |
| Taste of Chocolate (Intro/Title Elements) | Multiple instrumentals (drums, bass) | Gwen McCrae, "Rockin' Chair" | 1975 | Bass line sped up and looped as foundational groove, emphasizing funk basslines typical of the era. |
| Taste of Chocolate (Intro/Title Elements) | Hook/Riff | Bell Biv DeVoe, "Poison" | 1990 | Contemporary new jack swing riff interpolated and chopped for rhythmic emphasis in the outro.[22] |
| Cause I Can Do It Right | Drums and horns | Marvin Gaye, "Stubborn Kind of Fellow" | 1962 | Drum break looped for upbeat drive, with horns filtered to add swagger to the track's confident vibe.[23] |
| Cause I Can Do It Right | Vocals | Gladys Knight & the Pips, "I Heard It Through the Grapevine" | 1967 | Subtle vocal ad-libs sampled and echoed for call-and-response effect. |
| It's Hard Being the Kane | Vocals/Lyrics | Sly & the Family Stone, "Loose Booty" | 1976 | Vocal snippet looped and pitched up for humorous, self-deprecating chorus reinforcement. |
| Dance with the Devil | Bass line and groove | Syl Johnson, "Different Strokes" | 1967 | Bass riff looped intact for menacing undertone, altered with reverb to heighten the track's dark narrative.[24] |
| No Damn Good | Instrumental break | Rufus Thomas, "Sophisticated Sissy" | 1970 | Funky guitar and drum break sped up and scratched for energetic, playful beat.[25] |
| Who Am I | Guitar riff | B.B. King, "Ain't Nobody Home" | 1978 | Blues guitar solo looped and filtered for soulful introspection, underscoring the track's thematic depth. |
Release and Promotion
Commercial Release
Taste of Chocolate was released on October 30, 1990, by Cold Chillin' Records and distributed by Warner Bros. Records through its Reprise imprint.[2][7] The album launched in multiple formats, including vinyl LP, compact disc, and cassette, catering to the dominant physical media preferences of the early 1990s hip-hop market.[2] The packaging featured a colorful cover art depicting Big Daddy Kane in a stylish white suit, evoking luxury, alongside thematic chocolate elements that tied into the album's title and sensual motifs.[3] Liner notes in the CD and cassette editions credited executive producers Benny Medina, Big Daddy Kane, and Tyrone Williams, while acknowledging contributions from producers such as Prince Paul, Cool V, and Mister Cee.[3][26] Promotion emphasized live performances and urban radio exposure, with Kane participating in the Nitro World Tour (1989–1990) alongside acts like De La Soul, LL Cool J, and Public Enemy, which helped build anticipation post-release.[27] A radio push for lead singles like "Cause I Can Do It Right" targeted urban markets starting in late 1990, leveraging Kane's established presence in hip-hop rotations.[7] Internationally, the album saw a limited release in the UK and Europe in 1990 via Reprise Records, maintaining the standard U.S. track order without variations, though availability was more restricted compared to domestic markets.[2]Singles and Music Videos
The lead single from Taste of Chocolate was "Cause I Can Do It Right", released in 1990 as a 12-inch vinyl maxi-single by Cold Chillin'/Reprise Records, featuring the album version, an extended mix, and a radio edit, backed by the B-side "Dance With The Devil (Album Version)".[28] A music video for the track was produced, showcasing Big Daddy Kane's charismatic delivery in a performance-focused style that highlighted his smooth lyrical flow.[29] Following in late 1990, the second single "It's Hard Being the Kane" was issued on 12-inch vinyl and CD formats, including remixes and the album version, with "Who Am I" serving as the B-side on some pressings.[30] A music video accompanied the release, emphasizing Kane's boastful persona and production by Prince Paul.[31] The third single, "All of Me" featuring Barry White, was released in 1990 as a 12-inch maxi-single, blending hip-hop verses with White's soulful chorus on themes of romantic devotion.[32] No official music video was produced for this track, but its crossover appeal was evident in radio play.[33] Additionally, a video version of the title track "Taste of Chocolate" was released in 1991, serving as a promotional piece with remixed elements to introduce the album's eclectic vibe.[34] These singles and videos previewed the album's fusion of hardcore rap and R&B influences, garnering rotation on MTV's Yo! MTV Raps and BET programming to broaden Kane's audience beyond traditional hip-hop listeners.Critical and Commercial Reception
Reviews and Ratings
Upon its release in 1990, Taste of Chocolate garnered mixed to positive reviews from contemporary critics, who praised its polished production and crossover appeal while critiquing its departure from Big Daddy Kane's earlier raw lyricism. The album was lauded for its production quality, particularly the smooth swingbeat influences that enhanced Kane's suave persona and appealed to broader audiences.[9] However, some reviewers faulted it for softening Kane's aggressive edge, with the romantic and party-oriented tracks seen as a shift toward commercial viability at the expense of hardcore hip-hop intensity.[35] The Los Angeles Times described Kane as "the finest pure rapper in hip-hop" with a "dusky baritone the most breathtakingly versatile rap voice," praising the album's rhymes as among the genre's most sophisticated.[17] In modern retrospectives, the album has been reevaluated more favorably for its role in pioneering rap-R&B hybrids. AllMusic's 2002 review by Alex Henderson rated it 4 out of 5 stars (80/100), highlighting Kane's "first-rate technique and rhyming skills" alongside his "charismatic, sexy charm" that made it a consistent and influential effort in the early 1990s rap landscape.[5] The publication emphasized enduring tracks like "Who Am I" for their swingbeat grooves and crossover success.Chart Performance and Sales
Taste of Chocolate achieved moderate success on the US charts upon its release in late 1990. The album peaked at number 37 on the Billboard 200 chart in November 1990.[7] It performed stronger within the genre, reaching number 10 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart.[36] Internationally, the album saw limited chart impact, with no significant entries on major European or Canadian charts reported. In the United Kingdom, it failed to enter the top 75 of the UK Albums Chart, reflecting modest overseas reception.[37] The lead single "Cause I Can Do It Right" contributed to the album's visibility through radio play and urban market support. It peaked at number 22 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart and number 4 on the Hot Rap Songs chart.[38] Unlike Big Daddy Kane's previous releases, Taste of Chocolate did not receive an RIAA certification, indicating US sales below 500,000 units.[39]| Chart (1990) | Peak Position |
|---|---|
| US Billboard 200 | 37 |
| US Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums | 10 |
| UK Albums Chart | Did not chart |
| Single: Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs ("Cause I Can Do It Right") | 22 |
| Single: Hot Rap Songs ("Cause I Can Do It Right") | 4 |

