First let me say that ANY album with a full length photo of Will on the front gets my vote for aesthetics from the outset! Second, why do all these rap lovers insist that Will has lost his edge because he refuses to cuss and talk dirty and plan cop killings and gang wars? This album is fabulous ~ and PLEASE don't say I am not a "real" rap fan because I am. It's just so hard to find any "real" rap anymore that is clean enough for me to care about it! This disc covers that criteria and still delivers great rhymes, sexy monogamy rap (and that IS what's really sexy about this guy - whoever heard of a rap star that loves home and hearth and wife and kids?). Finally, this CD also delivers fun fun fun on cuts like, Nod Ya Head! Life is good for Will and what's wrong with that...he makes me happy just looking at him (I meeeean...JUST LOOK AT HIM...) and when I play his music, all the better. He's a neat guy, a family man, great looking, talented actor and even more talented rapper. Don't let the gangstas get to you Will...you keep it real and we'll keep buying it! Yeah, us "real" rap lovers love this CD!!
I am a Will Smith fan so I expected a lot from this album. I was a bit disappointed when I first heard it but after a while some tracks started to grow on me. He's flow is a bit slow on this particular album but the lyrics are just okay. My favorite track on the album is the Nod Ya Head remix. The original is wack! Other favorite songs are "Block Party","How Da Beat Goes On" and "1000 Kisses". Tra-Knox on every song is a bit annoying but they can sing.
Seeing how Columbia Records screwed Will over with this album, I can safely call Born To Reign his most underrated solo album 2 date. It's sad 2 see such a great album being pushed by the lead single...a movie track.
Anyways, on 2 the album itself. Born To Reign is an album that shines in the Summertime, and grows on u throughout the year. Most of the trax are very laid back and breezy. The album also introduces the R&B trio Tra-Knox.
1. Born To Reign - The intro 2 the album. On this aggressive track, Will discusses life, destiny, and our messed up society in general. 'States have been altered by liquor by weed, and then hate gets exhalted as art falls 2 greed'
2. Act Like You Know - If there would ever be a proper single 4 this album, this would be one of the trax I'd choose. Hot production, 'radio-friendly', and the Fresh Prince takes it back with his signature story-telling rap.
3. I Can't Stop - Will brings in a bit of spanish~flava 2 this party joint. Aggressive, good 4 the clubs.
4. Jaden's Interlude - Funny interlude with Jaden. (Will's son) Leads into '1,000 Kisses'.
5. 1,000 Kisses - Smooth + breezy fast paced love track with Will + Jada teaming up. The video 4 this track made it out, but didn't get pushed at all. Personally, I only saw it on t.v. 2 or 3 times. Kinda sad when u see Nelly and G-Unit getting 10 times the airplay.
6. Willow Is A Player - Will actually sing-raps on this track...haha. Kinda like Kanye West's 'Spaceship'. Anyways, he's talking about his daughter Willow. NOT his wife Jada. (U'd be surprised how many people get that confused)
7. Black Suits Comin' (Nod Ya Head) - I shouldn't have 2 explain this, u've probably heard it on the radio, seen the video of it, heard it on the credits of Men In Black II, etc.
8. How da Beat Goes - Another cool track. Samples Sir Mix-a-Lot's 'Jam On It'...so u can imagine what it sounds like.
9. Block Party - YES!! My favorite track off the album. It has that cool DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince 'Summertime' vibe 2 it. I really really think this could have easily been a single 4 the Summer.
10. Give Me Tonite - Dope production, cool chorus sung by Tra-Knox.
11. I Gotta Go Home - Will brings it with a very laid back flow. The track has a Jamaican vibe + beat 2 it. (In fact, he's 'in' Jamaica in the song.)
12. Maybe - Will dedicates this track 2 his wife, Jada. Romantic love song. Slow paced beat, laid back flow.
13. Nod Ya Head (The Remix) - The remix features Christina Vidal and offers us a different approach 2 'Black Suits Comin'.
14. Momma Knows - Will dedicates the track 2 his mom and thanks her. He regrets not listening 2 her enuf at a young age and learns his lesson, now that he's grown up living with responsibilities, etc that his mom told him he would have 2 face.
Overall, Will decided 2 approach Born To Reign differently, and pulled it off very nicely. He experimented with this album, tried something new by bringing in Tra-Knox on every track, and I feel like he did an incredible job with it...despite the terrible promotion. (But we all know that's not his fault.)It's an album that grows on u and gets better with every listen. If I gave this album any less than 5 stars, I'd be lying 2 myself.
I think Will Smith has finally broken out of the walls of pop's boundaries and wrote songs that are unique amongst themselves nad he trully wrote so the listener can understand hsi emotions. EHe was able to blend his rap to a 60 piece orchastra that didn't sound out of place. His "soft" style is bound to slap him in the face by gangsta rappers, but Will doesn't mind in this cd. He seemed to have dropped his macho ego for most of the songs and has made the cd for people of all ages (3-125).
WOW this is the best work from Will Smith since Gettin Jiggy With It!
Born To Reign is a collection of songs and moments from the life and soul of Will Smith. He introduces his new crew, Tra-Knox, who add a flavor to complement Will's incredible range and style. Together they nail many great rythyms and Will is at the top of his game as he performs meaningful and powerful songs.
Jada, Will's wife, has her moment on the album and Will's entire family is involved it seems as Jaden's Interlude is a moment with their son, Jaden, in the studio while rehearsing and recording. It shows the very strong way that this man and woman are raising their children to be responsible and well-disciplined people. I respect that.
Will is great. This is a keeper for anyone who wants wholesome yet very entertaining songs. PARENTS: this is the RAP album people from every age group will love. But it is more than a RAP album. It is Will Smith, plain straight talking powerhouse Will. The loveable Independence Day / Men In Black / Fresh Prince Will.
The man has grown from Parent's Just Don't Understand to the Parent he himself has become and now understands both sides of the coin. Listen to Momma Knows and you will see all that he has become. What a dynamic moment as we all grow with the man who, in my mind, is the King for a whole new millenium.
Take a listen and definately get this one because it is fun and intelligent. This is it! Will did it again! More power to ya, WILL!
