Will Smith Album: “Lost and Found”

Will Smith presents a mixed bag of tracks in an album which noisily signals his return to music. As you probably know, he's been a bit occupied with the whole acting career thing, so his music hasn't changed much from the days when he weighed 90 pounds, including afro. While hip hop has evolved a long way since the Fresh Prince first hit the mic and moved to Bel Air, Big Willie still sounds like a cheeky youngster, especially on the first hit single "Switch", a bass pounding dance piece with no lyrical merit whatsoever.

Cocky and brash, his songs come across as lightweight pop hop, which will probably be scoffed at by fans of popular hip hop. The lead off song "Here He Comes" borrows the original Spiderman theme, and speaks of his return to music.

"Fresh Prince was hot,

the movies killed him, wait, hold up, stop! You can rebuild him

lock him back in hip hop while Dude's not filming

shock by the film & the TV money, went from scenes with Uncle Phil

to scenes with Sonny, so hard to break free from a guaranteed 20

but its done, so come see the MC, honey! "

His lyrics repeatedly poke fun at popular hip hop artistes and he does a lot of complaining about the quality of music today:

Mr. Niceguy -

"Dissed by Eminem but did it bother him (yup)

But he classy Big Will just get another 20 mil

And walk right pass E."

Lost and Found -

"Why should I try to sound like ya'll sound

That's what's wrong wit the rap game right now

Why should I try to flow the way ya'll flow

Or do a show like ya'll show

Naw that ain't where my head at now

Ya'll in the hip hop lost and found

Man, that's wrong with the rap game right now

It's like a circus wit a bunch of clowns

Wit a bunch of clicks

I'll probably rap circles around"

A stand out track is "Tell Me Why" with Mary J. Blige, which speaks about senseless violence and hate crimes. "I Wish I Made That" samples Snoop's "Drop It While It's Hot", and on the very next track we have Snoop himself guesting on "Pump Ya Brakes". The R&B version of "Switch" with Robin Thicke is worth a listen, but the hidden track is one of the best parts of the album, a Jamaican dancehall version of "Switch" with Elephant Man that is way better than the original.

A strange track that doesn't belong, and in my opinion shouldn't have been made at all is "Loretta", the true story of a mentally ill young woman who was stalking him. This is without a doubt the low point of the album.

In summary, an album with some good stuff, but too much self promotion, too much dissing the present hip hop artistes, and not enough substance. Better than a three, not quite up to a four, so I'll rate this a 3.5.

Amanda Richards, June 17, 2005

It seems that people have forgotten what Will Smith was and still is: a quality MC. Certainly there have been many who have been more popular, and he never was and never will be on the lyrical level of an MC like Rakim or Talib Kweli. However, I have always had immense respect for any MC who refuses to change his style and message simply to fit into the perception of what a rapper should be. Will Smith is still doing hip hop simply because it is his love and passion. In my mind, Will Smith embodies what hip hop was before it was corrupted by corporate music.

I am probably most impressed by how much Will still has to say. We have seen him come from a teen from the streets of Philly to emerge a superstar. Yet it seems that he has not forgotten where has has come from and that there are many still left behind, and that there is more to life than his cars, money, and women. I am particularly impressed by the track "Tell Me Why" (feat. Mary J. Blige). In a style somewhat reminiscent of Jadakiss' "Why," Will talks about telling his son about the 9/11 attacks and their aftermath, and then goes into asking God why "the bomb is always getting the last word," why "them priests have to act so ill," and so on. Honestly, I love the emotion that he flashes on this track and I personally find it to be a better effort than the aforementioned Jadakiss track.

Will also retains his comic sense on this album, jesting at those that have recently attacked him (ahem, Eminem, ahem). He still retains his class in responding to those that question his "street cred." In "I Wish I Would Have Made That" he says "Just ign'rnt, attacking, acting rough, I mean then would I be black enough? Oh wait, maybe Ill jack a truck, full of cigarettes, guns, and stuff." Will also is not afraid to take on born-again Christians in "Ms. Holy Roller." He points out that the spiritual arrogance which motivates these people is the same as that which motivated the "hatred of the Crusades and the attacks of 9/11." Let it be known that Will is a practicing Christian and has been for his entire life, so don't think this is his rant against organized religion.

Certainly the album also has its fair share of his typical lighthearted party tracks. These are also enjoyable, and as always, Will keeps it clean. Snoop Dogg makes an appearance on "Pump Ya Brakes" as well. I honestly thought it was a bizarre pairing at first, but it actually works quite well. Until now, I haven't really commented on the production, which is handled by a variety of different producers including the Freshmen, Polow the Don, Will's Overbrook Productions, and Kwame. The beats generally retain the simplicity of an earlier era, but they are still energetic nonetheless.

In conclusion, I would very highly recommend buying this album. Will Smith is not only a quality MC who recalls a better time in hip hop, but he is also a respectable man and role model, something hip hop is sorely lacking. This album flashes more maturity than any of his previous albums. Will is unafraid to discuss what is on his mind and take on difficult issues, yet he still retains his sense of humor throughout the album as well. I will certainly recognize that there are more talented MCs out there (but you won't hear them on the radio), but Will still flashes what has made him a true hip hop veteran.

I am a lover of all types of music. I bought this album because I am a fan of Will Smith both as an actor and an artist. I am EXTREMELY impressed and shocked! This album contains something for everyone. Whether you want to dance or meditate this album is absolutly a must-buy.

1) "Here He Comes"- Upbeat song about Will and his many talents. 4/5

2)"Party Starter"- Another Upbeat song that will have you tapping your foot before the first verse is over. 4/5

3)"Switch"- Addictive upbeat song. This is the first single to be released and could probably be put on 'repeat'. 5/5

4)"Mr.Niceguy"- This is Will's response to any insults toward him and his upbeat attitude. Clever with lyrics. 5/5

5)"Ms. Holy Roller"- Thank goodness someone finally wrote a song about this topic. I couldn't of said it better myself. May be controversial depending on your beliefs. 5/5

6) "Lost and Found"- One of my favorite songs on the whole album. It has an awesome beat and lyrics that you'll be singing to yourself for hours. This is about Rap music and the fake artists that are currently out there.5/5

7) "Tell Me Why"- This is about September 11th and the questions that Will's son asked. Slower beat. Will makes you really think about the recent event that have happened. Mary J. Blige is featured on this song. 4/5

8)"I Wish I Made That/Swagga"- "I Wish I Made That" is witty with it's chorus and will make even the most serious person crack a grin. "Swagga" isn't my favorite song, but nonetheless has a desent beat. 3/5

9)"Pump Ya Brakes"- What's this? Another upbeat song! Why not? Snoop Dogg sings the chorus and gives this song some edgy sounds. 3/5

10)"If U Can't Dance (slide)"- This song is dedicated to those who can't dance and those who shouldn't. Will encourages this talentless dance floor groupies to "slide". Unfortunalty for me, I couldn't dance before and still can't dance afterwards. *sigh* Just another lazy dance move to encourage the couch potatoes of the world. 3/5

11) "Could Ya Love Me"- This slow love song lacks something. Chorus doesn't cut it with me and I'm just not convinced that this is a love song. Since most of this album is upbeat "Could Ya..." just kinda flops. Sorry Will...We could've done without this song. 2/5

12) "Loretta"- This song covers the topic of Will's stalker who is conveniently named Loretta. This song either will make you get the creeps or you will understand where this girl is coming from. Regardless of it's creepy lyrics, the beat is head-bang worthy. 4/5

13)"Wave Em Off"- Great beat, but skippable. Nothing left to say. 2/5

14)"Scary Story"- If a child walks up to me and asks to hear a scary story, I personally would tell a tale about ghost. Not Will, he tells a story/song that strangly enough sounds like his life story. Hmmmmm..... Odd. Will, your life story is not scary. It's just 3 minutes and 35 seconds long. 1/5

15 and 16) "Switch Remixes"-One remix is cool. Two is overkill. I didn't even think that one song could be played so many different ways. Unless your looking for something different, just go back to song #1.

Overall Score: A

Even with the few flops, this album holds its own in my collection. It is fun, funky, and fresh. The three F's. :) I will have this in my CD player for awhile. I am overall pleased and satisfied with this album.

Will Smith, coming close to his 40's, is finally getting to make some of the music that he wants to make (at least since he became a movie star as well). He drops almost all the gimmicks and catchiness, and vents about things a little closer to his heart. Coming from a full-fledged Hiphoppa here, Will hit some of those notes with me that I usually only hear with underground emcee's. Will's been down with Hiphop all-along, don't let his rep fool ya!

Will still has some light and party tracks, but he puts much focus on somewhat-darker moods that mean something more. Not only is Will coming with a tight new flow, but he switches up his flow on many of the songs, helping to give the album some variety, as the beats do as well. Old-partner Jazzy Jeff produces the intro and scratches on a number of tracks, and most are produced by some guy (or group) called the Freshmen. A lot of the beats are fresh as hell, many enhancing the tracks. Only a couple were lacksadasical.

The album starts off so well and keeps getting better. The first half is incredible, but I didn't like the second half at first. Then I listened again and found some keepers. I can't point out one completely "wack" track here. The single "Switch" is the weakest lyrically, but I know some people are feelin' that song. The strongest songs are in a row: "Ms. Holy Roller," the title track, and "Tell Me Why"(w/ Mary J. Blige). Surround those with the short "Mr. Nice Guy" and "I Wish I Made That/Swagga," and you have the meat of the album.

It seems like Will may be in over his head at first in "Party Starter," where he's yellin' and being loud, but then he starts talkin' about what Hiphop was and staying true and the song becomes memorable. "Wave 'Em Off" is more upbeat but he's talkin' about hate...it's not bad; the chorus ain't too good though. The title track might be my favorite and should appeal to any underground heads out there. This is where his skills are manifested if they were ever in question. "If U Can't Dance(Slide)" has Will spreading his "Hitch"-like advice over a ligther, poppy beat. Otherwise "Loretta" is purely compelling, and "Scary Story" talks about starting in the rap biz and getting screwed out of money. Will constantly takes it places that's he never been, and is thoroughly convincing throughout. Don't get me wrong, this album is much more mature, but something the family could probably listen to. He still refuses to cuss, although it bleeps out one word, and he doesn't mind saying a few "damn's," "hell's," or even "ass" (only twice) in case you're wondering. He talks about his money a little bit, and does use a few of the common rap ebonics, but still comes off as rather intelligent and dedicated to Hiphop and his career(s).

Will shows what a versatile emcee he is (and always has been). You will get a glimpse of the part-party, part-pop, part-storytelling, part-socially conscious, part-spiritual, part-comedy, even part-political MC that he is throughout "Lost and Found." If anything, you can just say that as an MC, he is REAL(true to who he is and what he knows).I didn't like to see that he collaborated with Snoop Dogg here, but Will easily outrapped Snoop on the lighter "Pump Ya Brakes," which is a decent, to solid, joint. Maybe this album ain't a bonafide 5 stars, but for Will Smith to be reachin' levels like this, he gets the benefit of the doubt! I would like to see Will develop his newfound skills in the future and make full albums just flexing and leaving the pop songs behind. Buy this now if you are an underground fan, a fan of Will the rapper/actor, or even if you think that all rap is sh## nowadays! I want to see this album outsell Eminem's last piece-of-garbage!

One of the best rap albums ever made. Once again the Fresh Prince Will Smith saves the world of rap. Rap music is obviously continuing in a downward spiral especially with talentless rappers like 50 cent, Eminem and Nelly topping the charts. Will Smith has been in the rap game for 20 years. His new 9th studio album titled "Lost & Found" is a step in a better direction. Will was on Columbia Records from 1997 to 2002 where the image of a hollywood rapper was created. He was never promoted as a real rap artist. He returns to his roots with "Lost & Found". The intro "Here He Comes" samples the classic Spiderman theme song and pretty much explains how he don't got a sitcom or a movie conflict with his music (since Columbia promoted his movies and music together). "Party Starter" is an explosion of a single and likely hit single thanks in part to the production of Ludacris. "Switch" already went to #1 on iTunes and continues to get more airplay. "Mr. Nice Guy" Will displays his humor and wit when dissing radio DJs and Eminem. Don't believe the hype though around it. "Ms Holy Roller" Will raps about his friend who is a newly born again Christian. He talks about beliefs and the Bible. Deep song. The Fresh Prince talks about the rap game on "Lost & Found" explaining how theres no more talent and it's all the same garbage. He's speaking the truth. "Tell Me Why" is a powerful song about 9/11 and the troubles of the world. Mary J is on the hook with beautiful vocals. "I Wish I Made That/Swagga" is a two song in one track. He mimics "Get That", "Lean Back" and "Drop it like its hot" saying how he wish he made that and talks about how black radio hasnt really played him since "Summertime". Snoog Dogg and Will with Jazzy Jeff kick it on "Pump Ya Brakes" where they have a good time story telling about girls and how to get them like a real man. "If U Cant Dance (Slide) is like Jazzy Jeff & Fresh Prince's old "Dumb Dancin" track from '91 all over again. He helps all those people who cant dance out. Pretty funny. "Could U Love Me" is FP questioning if people can love you if you werent famous. Deep song. "Loretta" is a track about a stalker girl during FP's career and how she was jealous of Jada. "Wave Em Off" is an anthem just tellin off all the haters even though he paved the way for mainstream hip-hop. "Scary Story" is Will telling his kid a scary story about him comin' through the rap game. It's pretty good him explaining his career and how he encountered conflicts. "Switch (R&B Remix) with Robin Thicke is a nice very laid back version of "Switch". Will adds a 3rd verse to it. The hidden track is the "Switch" remix with Elephant Man. That is a club banger.

Possible Singles.

1. Tell Me Why

2. Party Starter

3. Pump Ya Brakes

4. I Wish I Made That/Swagga

All in all, if you are a rap fan, you must buy this album. It's a must-have CD for your collection. You won't be disappointed.