LL Cool J - Mama Said Knock You Out

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. Read More