Hip-Hop Classic #5: LL Cool J - Mama Said Knock You Out (Chosen by Clement Marfo)

'Mama Said Knock You Out' is the hit single and title track from LL Cool J's fourth studio album, which was released in 1990 on Def Jam/Columbia Records. Before this single/album was released, many people felt that LL was falling off, but his Grandmother still believed in his talent and told him to go 'knock out' all the critics - that's exactly what he did. The song is produced by the legendary Marley Marl, with assistance from Shadman Kaiser and Cool J himself, sampling both Gangster Boogie by Chicago Gangsters and James Brown's classic, Funky Drummer. The album reached No. 16 in the U.S. charts, eventually going 2X Platinum and selling over two million copies - the single reached number 17 on the Billboard Hot 100 and was certified Gold. One of the greatest ever Hip-Hop statements.

Clement Marfo: "LL knocked out his critics with multiple uppercuts on this one - 5 mins of lyrical onslaught! A classic is considered to be of the highest rank or excellence; not only did LL earn his stripes with this, he belted out what I must remind the world was one of the most defining moments in Hip-Hop history! Five mics from me..."

Favourite lyric: "Don't call it a comeback! I been here for years, rockin' my peers, puttin' suckas in fear! Making the tears rain down like a monsoon, listen to the bass go BOOM....Explosionnnnn!"