BIG DADDY KANE – Smooth Operator (1989)

“Smooth Operator” is the lead single released from Big Daddy Kane’s second album, It’s a Big Daddy Thing. In American urban slang, a “smooth operator” is someone who achieves social success or manipulates others through a calm, charming, and persuasive manner: “I never know if he’s genuine or just playing me—he’s a slick talker and smooth operator who gets what he wants.” British R&B singer Sade also has a song titled “Smooth operator”.

Antonio Hardy (born September 10, 1968), better known by his stage name Big Daddy Kane, is an American rapper, producer and actor who began his career in 1986 as a member of the Juice Crew. He is widely regarded as one of the most influential and skilled MCs in hip hop. Rolling Stone ranked his song “Ain’t No Half-Steppin'” number 25 on its list of The 50 Greatest Hip-Hop Songs of All Time, calling him “a master wordsmith of rap’s late-golden age and a huge influence on a generation of MCs”.

I’m gonna give it to you I’m gonna give it to you, give it to you, give it to you, give it to you

Well, excuse me, take a few minutes to mellow out Big Daddy Kane is on the mic and I’ma tell about A minimum length, of rhymes of strength And power, so listen to the man of the hour Flow and go to a slow tempo and you know Sing ho, swing low, then yo, the show Will go on, as I perform Transformin’ on stage like a Decepticon But I’m not animated like a cartoon I’m for real, shootin’ lyrics like a harpoon Across the crowd, to listeners and spectators So let’s groove with the smooth operator

‘Cause I’m so smooth ‘Cause I’m so smooth I’m gonna give it to you, give it to you, give it to you, give it to you

The B-I-G, D-A-double-D-Y-K-A-N-E I’m good and plenty, servin’ many and any Competition, wishin’ for an expedition I’m straight up dissin’ and dismissin’, listen Rappers act so wild, and love to profile Frontin’ hard but ain’t got no style I give nightmares to those who compete Freddy Kreuger, walkin’ on Kane Street Confuse and lose, abuse and bruise the crews Who choose to use my name wrong, they pay dues Destruction from the exterminator But in a calm manner, ’cause I’m a smooth operator

‘Cause I’m so smooth ‘Cause I’m so smooth I’m gonna give it to you, give it to you, give it to you, give it to you

Now girls, step up to this One simple kiss, and it’s over, miss Sold to nice dreamers, high as the price seem Girlfriend, you been scooped like ice cream So just swing or fling a gathering, try to cling ‘Cause It’s a Big Daddy Thing And I’m lovin’ ’em right, word is bond So just play Marvin Gaye and let’s get it on I make it real good like Dr. Feelgood To make sure that my point is understood That when it comes to this, there’s none greater Sincerely yours, the smooth operator

‘Cause I’m so smooth ‘Cause I’m so smooth I’m gonna give it to you, give it to you, give it to you, give it to you

Now ain’t that the pot callin’ the kettle black Sayin’ I’m a new jack, you need to be smacked The smooth way I say ’em and the way I display ’em To make them sound different in a way that’s gifted And hey, I’m makin’ sure every lyric is done fine And I make one line bright as the sunshine Attackin’ like Robitussin on a cough If you know like I know, step off Competition, I’ma get rid of You can’t get a bit of, so just consider A break or rest, vacation, hibernation And make way for my smooth operation I’m a smooth operator

‘Cause I’m so smooth I’m gonna give it to you ‘Cause I’m so smooth I’m gonna give it to you I’m gonna give it to you I’m gonna give it to you I’m gonna give it to you I’m gonna give it to you, give it to you, give it to you, give it to you I’m gonna give it to you, give it to you, give it to you, give it to you I’m gonna give it to you, give it to you, give it to you, give it to you

Ah yeah, and you don’t stop Genuine for ’89 And I still ain’t half-steppin’, peace