Hip hop legends Wyclef Jean and Big Daddy Kane showed off their skills in a numerical freestyle session that went viral on social media.
The Fugees rapper and the Juice Crew founder met at the Hip Hop 50 celebration, an event that honors the 50th anniversary of hip hop culture, hosted by URL TV on Friday (December 15).
In a video clip that was shared by URL TV, Wyclef Jean is seen spitting 16 bars to Big Daddy Kane, using numbers as his rhyme scheme. He starts with "one" and ends with "sixteen", while incorporating references to hip hop history, mathematics, and current events.
Big Daddy Kane responds with his own 16 bars, using the same numerical pattern, but adding more complexity and wordplay. He also pays homage to some of his peers, such as Rakim, KRS-One, and LL Cool J.
The two MCs clearly enjoyed the challenge, as they smiled and nodded along to each other's verses. The clip has received over 1 million views and thousands of comments from fans and fellow artists, who praised the duo for their lyrical prowess and creativity.
Wyclef Jean and Big Daddy Kane are both considered as influential figures in hip hop, with decades of experience and accolades. Wyclef Jean rose to fame as a member of the Fugees, along with Lauryn Hill and Pras Michel, in the 1990s. He has also had a successful solo career, producing and collaborating with artists such as Shakira, Mary J. Blige, and Santana.
Big Daddy Kane is widely regarded as one of the greatest MCs of all time, known for his smooth delivery, complex rhymes, and charismatic persona. He was a founding member of the Juice Crew, a collective that included Marley Marl, Biz Markie, MC Shan, and Roxanne Shanté. He has also influenced many rappers, such as Jay-Z, Eminem, and Nas.
The numerical freestyle session was not the only highlight of the Hip Hop 50 celebration, which featured performances, interviews, and tributes from various hip hop icons and newcomers. The event was streamed live on URL TV's website and YouTube channel, and will be available on demand soon.
