General Kane

American group, led by [a=Mitch McDowell]. Known as [a=General Caine] before 1986.

With a slightly new name to reflect the changes in the band's lineup and sound, they debuted for the new Motown Records label with the album “In Full Chill”. “Crack Killed Applejack” was an reflection of drug addiction on the inner city streets and reached number 12 in the black music charts despite being barred from airplay. Subsequent releases mellowed General Kane’s approach without losing their commitment to the basic rap sound of the late 1980s. The group’s album “Wide Open” did include a romantic ballad, “Close Your Eyes”, which featured vocals from Cheryl McDowell and Danny Macon. Mitch McDowell was murdered in January 1992. General Kane’s catalogue remained in print through the efforts of their former producer, Grover Wimberly III, who runs his own label, Groove Time Records.