Prince of Darkness (Big Daddy Kane album)

Prince of Darkness is the fourth studio album by American rapper Big Daddy Kane. It was released on October 29, 1991, by Cold Chillin' Records. The album showcased a darker, more aggressive lyrical style from Kane compared to his previous efforts, reflected in both the subject matter and the overall production.

The album features production from a variety of sources, including Large Professor, Easy Mo Bee, and Grand Daddy I.U. While not as commercially successful as some of his earlier work, Prince of Darkness is generally considered a significant album in Kane's discography.

The album's lyrical content often explores themes of street life, violence, and social commentary. Tracks like "Street Mentality" and "Get Down" exemplify this grittier approach. Despite the change in tone, Kane's intricate rhyming ability and sophisticated vocabulary remained central to his style.

The album spawned several singles, including "Groove Me," which achieved some radio airplay. Prince of Darkness is viewed by some as a transitional album, marking a shift in Kane's artistic direction as he navigated the evolving landscape of hip hop in the early 1990s. The album received mixed to positive reviews upon its release, with critics often highlighting Kane's lyrical prowess while noting the album's departures from his established sound.