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BaKardi Slang
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Wikipedia article
"'BaKardi Slang'" is a hip-hop song by Kardinal Offishall. Produced by Solitair, it was the first single from his second album 'Quest for Fire: Firestarter, Vol. 1'. The single was released in Canada in 2000, before being re-released in the U.S. the following year.[http://www.discogs.com/release/1034210 Kardinal Offishall - Bakardi Slang / UR Ghetto 2002] Discogs. Accessed on December 18, 2008. It became his first single to appear on a 'Billboard' chart, as well as his first Top 40 hit as a solo artist in Canada.
Background
"BaKardi Slang" was the last song recorded for the 'Quest for Fire' album. According to Kardinal, the song "almost never happened."[http://www.redbullmusicacademy.com/video-archive/transcript/kardinal_offishall__its_official/transcript Kardinal Offishall - Session Transcript] Red Bull Music Academy. Accessed on December 18, 2008. He was about to drive to a casino with Solitair, and as he backed out of his driveway, Solitair put his beat tape in the system. After Kardinal heard the first beat on the tape (the song's eventual beat), he drove back home and recorded the song.
The anthemic song's lyrics depict the vibe in Toronto. Kardinal breaks down the city's slang in each verse, similar to Big L's song "Ebonics".[https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00005J9U6 Quest for Fire: Firestarter, Vol. 1: Kardinal Offishall: Music] Amazon. Accessed on December 18, 2008. In the chorus, he refers to himself as "Kardi", which is his nickname. The song popularized Toronto's nickname "T-dot", and became an instant hit in the city.[http://jam.canoe.ca/Music/Artists/O/Offishall_Kardinal/2001/04/26/748405.html BaKardi on the rock] JAM! Music. Accessed on September 23, 2009.[http://www.maplemusic.com/artists/kao/bio.asp Kardinal Offishall Biography] MapleMusic. Accessed on December 18, 2008.
After the single became popular in Jamaica, dancehall artist Bounty Killer recorded a remix of the song with Kardinal, known as "BaKardi Slang Refix". The song appeared on Bounty Killer's 2002 album 'Ghetto Dictionary: The Mystery'.
Music video
The music video, directed by Kevin De Freitas, begins with Kardinal rapping in the streets of Toronto, before going into a club. Later on, he drives a Hummer through various Toronto neighbourhoods, including Regent Park, Oakwood-Vaughan, and Jane and Finch.
Track listing
12" single
'A-side'# "BaKardi Slang" (Radio Edit)
# "BaKardi Slang" (LP Version)
# "BaKardi Slang" (Instrumental)
'B-side'
# "Ol' Time Killin'" (Radio Edit)
# "Ol' Time Killin'" (LP Version)
Chart positions
References
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