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Taste of Chocolate
Taste of Chocolate
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Taste of Chocolate
Studio album by
ReleasedOctober 30, 1990
Recorded1990
GenreHip hop
Length53:25
Label
Producer
Big Daddy Kane chronology
It's a Big Daddy Thing
(1989)
Taste of Chocolate
(1990)
Prince of Darkness
(1991)
Singles from Taste of Chocolate
  1. "Cause I Can Do It Right"
    Released: November 10, 1990
  2. "All of Me"
    Released: February 2, 1991
  3. "It's Hard Being the Kane"
    Released: June 29, 1991
Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
AllMusicStarStarStarStar[1]
Christgau's Consumer Guide(choice cut)[2]
Entertainment WeeklyB[3]
Los Angeles TimesStarStarStar[4]
Rolling StoneStarStarStarHalf star[5]
The SourceStarStarStarStar[6]

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

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"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.TitleWriter(s)Producer(s)Length
1."Taste of Chocolate" (Intro) Big Daddy Kane2:05
2."Cause I Can Do It Right" Big Daddy Kane4:09
3."It's Hard Being the Kane" Prince Paul4:58
4."Who Am I" (featuring Gamilah Shabazz)
  • Big Daddy Kane
  • Gamilah Shabazz
Big Daddy Kane4:00
5."Dance with the Devil" Cool V4:06
6."No Damn Good" Prince Paul3:52
7."All of Me" (featuring Barry White)
  • Big Daddy Kane
  • Barry White
  • Andre Booth
Andre Booth5:45
8."Keep 'Em On the Floor" (featuring Barbara Weathers) Big Daddy Kane4:32
9."Mr. Pitiful" Cool V3:26
10."Put Your Weight on It" Big Daddy Kane2:47
11."Big Daddy vs. Dolemite" (featuring Rudy Ray Moore)
  • Big Daddy Kane
  • Rudy Ray Moore
Big Daddy Kane4:49
12."Down the Line" (featuring Scoob Lover, Scrap Lover, Mister Cee, Lil Daddy Shane and Ant Live) Mister Cee5:11
13."Taste of Chocolate" (Exit) Big Daddy Kane3:20
Total length:53:25

Samples

[edit]

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]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Taste of Chocolate is the third studio album by American rapper , released on October 30, 1990, by . Recorded at studios including Greene Street Studios in New York and Record One Studios in , the album marks a shift toward more varied themes in Kane's work, blending hardcore rap with romantic ballads and comedic interludes. The record comprises 13 tracks, with production handled primarily by Prince Paul, Cool V, Mister Cee, and Andre Booth, among others. Standout songs include the introspective "Dance with the Devil," produced by Cool V, and the duet "All of Me" with , produced by Andre Booth. Other notable collaborations feature Gamilah Shabazz, daughter of , on "Who Am I," and comedian , portraying his character , in the humorous exchange "Big Daddy Vs. Dolemite." Singles from the album, such as "Cause I Can Do It Right" and "All of Me," achieved moderate success on the chart, peaking at number 22 and number 14, respectively. Upon release, Taste of Chocolate debuted at number 82 on the before peaking at number 37, while reaching number 10 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart. Critics commended the 's consistency and Kane's lyrical prowess, with AllMusic's Alex Henderson describing it as one of Kane's most consistent efforts, highlighting its hard-hitting tracks like "Mr. Pitiful" and the entertaining guest spots that added depth and variety. The solidified Kane's reputation as a versatile during the of hip hop, though it did not match the commercial heights of his prior releases.

Background and Development

Conception and Influences

Following the release of his harder-edged second album 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 . 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 and (as ). This approach marked a departure from the focus of his earlier work, emphasizing romantic and sophisticated themes to appeal to a wider demographic, including R&B listeners. These choices were shaped by the era's trends in hip-hop/R&B fusion and discussions with executives, who encouraged a pivot from Kane's 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 and additional work in . Most of the album was recorded at Libra Digital in , with mixing handled at 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 . Production duties were led by 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 oversaw "Chocolate City." 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. Guest artist sessions integrated Kane's core crew, notably on "Chocolate City," where dancers Scoob Lover and Scrap Lover laid down verses alongside DJ , Lil' Daddy Shane, and Laree Williams, capturing the group's energetic posse-cut dynamic in a single extended take at Unique Recording Studios. Other features, such as Barry White's vocal contributions on "All of Me (For All of You)" recorded in , involved layered overdubs to blend R&B elements with Kane's rap delivery, ensuring smooth transitions between verses and hooks. These sessions highlighted logistical coordination across multiple locations to accommodate traveling artists and secure high-profile cameos like on "Mr. Pitiful."

Musical Composition

Genre and Style

Taste of Chocolate represents a shift in Big Daddy Kane's musical approach, blending traditional hip-hop with influences, R&B, and funk elements to create a more polished and accessible sound. The album's primary genre is hip-hop infused with , characterized by upbeat tempos typically ranging from 100 to 110 BPM, synthesized basslines, and rhythmic swingbeat patterns that emphasize groove over raw aggression. 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. 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. Producers such as Prince Paul, , 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 beats. The structural innovations include extended intros that build atmosphere with hooks, seamlessly blending rapid-fire rap verses with sung choruses to enhance and flow. 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 ) 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 and sonic variety.

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. This shift reflects Kane's evolving persona, moving from aggressive lyrical dominance to more flirtatious and introspective narratives that explore vulnerability alongside confidence. 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. Key tracks exemplify these core themes. In "Cause I Can Do It Right," Kane addresses 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. Similarly, "No Damn Good" delves into romance's pitfalls, waxing about unfaithful partners and personal pain in a style that humanizes his charismatic image. On the social front, "Who Am I" (featuring Gamilah Shabazz, of ) explores identity and perseverance, drawing on African roots and themes of , , and equality to celebrate excellence and critique disconnection from heritage. 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." Overall, the album's prioritize conceptual depth over exhaustive bravado, with Kane's dusky delivery enhancing the flirtatious and reflective motifs, marking a deliberate evolution toward broader emotional range. This approach not only showcases his maturing narrative voice but also integrates social insights on resilience, making Taste of Chocolate a pivotal work in his discography.

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.
No.TitleWriter(s)Producer(s)Featured Artist(s)Duration
1"Taste of Chocolate (Intro)"Antonio HardyBig Daddy KaneNone2:05
2"Cause I Can Do It Right"Antonio HardyBig Daddy KaneTuffy King (vocals)4:09
3"It's Hard Being the Kane"Antonio HardyPrince PaulNone4:58
4"Who Am I"Antonio Hardy, Gamilah ShabazzBig Daddy KaneGamilah Shabazz (vocals)4:00
5"Dance with the Devil"Antonio HardyCool VNone4:06
6"No Damn Good"Antonio HardyPrince PaulNone3:52
7"All of Me"Antonio Hardy, Andre Booth, Barry WhiteAndre BoothBarry White, Gerald Albright (saxophone)5:45
8"Keep 'Em on the Floor"Antonio HardyBig Daddy KaneBarbara Weathers (vocals), Bret Lover (vocals)4:32
9"Mr. Pitiful"Antonio HardyCool VNone3:26
10"Put Your Weight on It"Antonio HardyBig Daddy KaneNone2:47
11"Big Daddy vs. Dolemite"Antonio Hardy, Rudy Ray MooreBig Daddy KaneRudy Ray Moore (as Dolemite)4:49
12"Down the Line"Antonio HardyDJ Mister CeeNone5:11
13"Taste of Chocolate (Exit)"Antonio HardyBig Daddy KaneNone3:20
All tracks written by Antonio Hardy (aka ) unless otherwise noted; production credits as listed.

Samples and Interpolation

The production of Taste of Chocolate prominently features sampling as a core technique, drawing from classic , , and R&B sources to craft its beats, in line with the 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 to avoid the clearance issues that plagued contemporaries like . The choices reflect hip-hop's sampling culture, where artists like Kane repurposed 1970s-1980s and 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.
TrackSampled/Interpolated ElementOriginal Artist and SongYearNotes on Usage
Taste of Chocolate (Intro/Title Elements)Vocals/Lyrics, "Was It Something That I Said"1979Looped vocal hook for atmospheric intro, blended with multiple layers to create a smooth, celebratory tone.
Taste of Chocolate (Intro/Title Elements)Multiple instrumentals (drums, bass), "Rockin' Chair"1975Bass line sped up and looped as foundational groove, emphasizing funk basslines typical of the era.
Taste of Chocolate (Intro/Title Elements)Hook/Riff, ""1990Contemporary riff interpolated and chopped for rhythmic emphasis in the outro.
Cause I Can Do It RightDrums and horns, "Stubborn Kind of Fellow"1962Drum break looped for upbeat drive, with horns filtered to add swagger to the track's confident vibe.
Cause I Can Do It RightVocals & the Pips, "I Heard It Through the Grapevine"1967Subtle vocal ad-libs sampled and echoed for call-and-response effect.
It's Hard Being the KaneVocals/LyricsSly & the Family Stone, "Loose Booty"1976Vocal snippet looped and pitched up for humorous, self-deprecating chorus reinforcement.
Dance with the DevilBass line and groove, "Different Strokes"1967Bass riff looped intact for menacing undertone, altered with reverb to heighten the track's dark narrative.
No Damn GoodInstrumental break, "Sophisticated Sissy"1970Funky guitar and drum break sped up and scratched for energetic, playful beat.
Who Am IGuitar riff, "Ain't Nobody Home"1978Blues guitar solo looped and filtered for soulful introspection, underscoring the track's thematic depth.
These examples demonstrate how samples were not merely decorative but integral to the album's sound, often transformed through looping, pitching, and DJ scratching to blend seamlessly with Kane's rhymes. The emphasis on funk like Sly & the Family Stone and underscores the genre's roots, while 1980s influences like added a modern edge. Such techniques contributed to the album's polished yet gritty aesthetic, influencing subsequent hip-hop productions in the early 1990s.

Release and Promotion

Commercial Release

Taste of Chocolate was released on October 30, 1990, by and distributed by Warner Bros. Records through its imprint. The album launched in multiple formats, including vinyl LP, , and cassette, catering to the dominant preferences of the early hip-hop market. The packaging featured a colorful depicting in a stylish white suit, evoking luxury, alongside thematic chocolate elements that tied into the album's title and sensual motifs. Liner notes in the CD and cassette editions credited executive producers , , and Tyrone Williams, while acknowledging contributions from producers such as Prince Paul, Cool V, and . 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. 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. Internationally, the album saw a limited release in the UK and in 1990 via , maintaining the standard U.S. track order without variations, though availability was more restricted compared to domestic markets.

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'/, featuring the album version, an extended mix, and a , backed by the B-side "Dance With The Devil (Album Version)". A for the track was produced, showcasing Big Daddy Kane's charismatic delivery in a performance-focused style that highlighted his smooth lyrical flow. 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. A music video accompanied the release, emphasizing Kane's boastful persona and production by Prince Paul. 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. No official music video was produced for this track, but its crossover appeal was evident in radio play. Additionally, a video version of the title track "Taste of Chocolate" was released in , serving as a promotional piece with remixed elements to introduce the album's eclectic vibe. These singles and videos previewed the album's fusion of hardcore rap and R&B influences, garnering rotation on MTV's and programming to broaden Kane's audience beyond traditional hip-hop listeners.

Critical and Commercial Reception

Reviews and Ratings

Upon its in , 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 was lauded for its production quality, particularly the smooth swingbeat influences that enhanced Kane's suave persona and appealed to broader audiences. 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. The described Kane as "the finest pure in hip-hop" with a "dusky the most breathtakingly versatile rap voice," praising the album's rhymes as among the genre's most sophisticated. 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. 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 chart in November 1990. It performed stronger within the genre, reaching number 10 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart. Internationally, the album saw limited chart impact, with no significant entries on major European or Canadian charts reported. In the , it failed to enter the top 75 of the , reflecting modest overseas reception. The "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 chart and number 4 on the chart. Unlike Big Daddy Kane's previous releases, Taste of Chocolate did not receive an , indicating US sales below 500,000 units.
Chart (1990)Peak Position
US Billboard 20037
US 10
Did not chart
Single: ("Cause I Can Do It Right")22
Single: ("Cause I Can Do It Right")4

Legacy and Impact

Cultural Influence

The album's smooth, seductive themes, embodied in the title track "Taste of Chocolate," resonated in urban culture, inspiring later hip-hop and R&B artists through its sampled elements; for instance, the intro was interpolated in Lil' Kim's 1996 single "Big Momma Thang." Kane's charismatic delivery and flirtatious lyrics further amplified this influence, echoing in the stylish personas of subsequent acts navigating hip-hop's pop-leaning phase. Kane has since revived its tracks in festival performances, maintaining the album's vitality in hip-hop's ongoing legacy events.

Reissues and Retrospective Views

The album Taste of Chocolate has seen limited reissues since its original release. A 1995 CD repress was issued in the United States by Cold Chillin' and as a club edition. In 2006, a remastered CD edition was released in by P-Vine Records and Cold Chillin', featuring improved audio quality but no additional bonus tracks. As of 2025, no major vinyl re-press has been produced in the 2020s, though the album remains available digitally on platforms like and . Retrospective views have highlighted the album's place in Big Daddy Kane's as a transitional work blending hip-hop with R&B elements. In a 35th anniversary feature, Albumism described it as an imperfect but enjoyable effort, noting its strengths in production and Kane's lyrical skill while acknowledging it falls short of his earlier albums; the piece praised tracks like "Cause I Can Do It Right" for their and positioned the record as a worthwhile listen for fans revisiting 1990s hip-hop. AllMusic's original 1990 review by Alex Henderson rated it 4 out of 5 stars, describing it as one of Kane's most substantial efforts and praising its consistency, hard-hitting tracks like "Mr. Pitiful," and entertaining guest spots that added depth and variety. Discussions around its streaming presence emphasize a modest revival through old-school hip-hop playlists, contributing to sustained listens amid broader interest in 1990s rap catalogs.

References

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