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LL Cool J Album: “Mama Said Knock You Out [Japan Bonus DVD]”
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Mama Said Knock You Out [Japan Bonus DVD] |
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Release Date:2004-05-24
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Type:Unknown
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Genre:Hip-Hop/Rap, East Coast Rap, Mainstream Rap
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Label:Universal
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Explicit Lyrics:Yes
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UPC:4988005362872
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Review - :
Increasingly dismissed by hip-hop fans as an old-school relic and a slick pop sellout, {$LL Cool J} rang in the '90s with {^Mama Said Knock You Out}, a hard-edged artistic renaissance that became his biggest-selling album ever. Part of the credit is due to producer {$Marley Marl}, whose thumping, bass-heavy sound helps {$LL} reclaim the aggression of his early days. {^Mama Said Knock You Out} isn't quite as hard as {^Radio}, instead striking a balance between attitude and accessibility. But its greater variety and more layered arrangements make it {$LL}'s most listenable album, as well as keeping it in line with more contemporary sensibilities. {$Marl}'s productions on the slower tracks are smooth and soulful, but still funky; as a result, the ladies'-man side of {$LL}'s persona is the most convincing it's ever been, and his ballads don't feel sappy for arguably the first time on record. Even apart from the sympathetic musical settings, {$LL} is at his most lyrically acrobatic, and the testosterone-fueled anthems are delivered with a force not often heard since his debut. The album's hits are a microcosm of its range -- {&"The Boomin' System"} is a nod to bass-loving b-boys with car stereos; {&"Around the Way Girl"} is a lush, winning ballad; and the title cut is one of the most blistering statements of purpose in hip-hop. It leaves no doubt that {^Mama Said Knock You Out} was intended to be a tour de force, to regain {$LL Cool J}'s credibility while proving that he was still one of rap's most singular talents. It succeeded mightily, making him an across-the-board superstar and cementing his status as a rap icon beyond any doubt. [A Japanese version added a bonus DVD.] ~ Steve Huey, All Music Guide
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![LL Cool J Album: “Mama Said Knock You Out [Japan Bonus DVD]”](http://www.rapmusiczone.com/covers_yaL/ll-cool-j/2004_170_170_Mama%2520Said%2520Knock%2520You%2520Out%2520%255BJapan%2520Bonus%2520DVD%255D.jpg "LL Cool J Album: “Mama Said Knock You Out [Japan Bonus DVD]”")