LL Cool J’s “Mama Said Knock You Out” Reaches 20th Round

With LL Cool J's Mama Said Knock You Out release turning 20 years-old today, SOHH spoke with music blogger Kevin Nottingham about releasing a remixed version of the 1990 epic album in celebration of its legacy.

For Nottingham, the album was not only classic but a big part of his life during the 1990’s.

“Plain and simple the album is a classic,” Notting explained to SOHH in a statement. “It was basically my high school soundtrack. 20 years flew by quick and I just wanted to pay tribute! I had a remix contest for producers to flip the original samples, then I handpicked the emcees to finish the tracks up.” (SOHH)

The project, available for free download, features various samples and guest features.

New York, N.Y. — On August 27, 1990, L.L. Cool J released his classic fourth full-length, Mama Said Knock You Out. To celebrate the seminal set’s 20th anniversary, Kevin Nottingham has assembled an all-star cast of artists and producers for a new remix album, built from the same samples Marley Marl flipped to create the original’s iconic beats. Featuring King Mez‘ revamp of “Milky Cereal” and The Black Sunn & 810‘s take on “Mr. Good Bar,” plus contributions from Senor Kaos, Streets Buchanon, John Public and many more, the project is available for free download. (DJ Booth)

LL’s album was the follow-up to 1980’s Walking With a Panther and ultimately helped him stabilize his fan base.

By 1990, his audience had declined somewhat, since his ballads and party raps were the opposite of the chaotic, edgy political hip-hop of Public Enemy or the gangsta rap of N.W.A, but he shot back to the top of the charts with Mama Said Knock You Out, which established him as one of hip-hop’s genuine superstars. (All Music)

The project featured a total of 14 cuts with features from Big Money, Bomb, Grip and HIC.

“The Boomin’ System” “Around The Way Girl” “Eat ’em Up, L Chill” “Mr. Good Bar” “Murdergram” “Cheesy Rat Blues” “Farmers Blvd. (Our Anthem)” feat. Big Money, Bomb, Grip, HIC “Mama Said Knock You Out” “Milky Cereal” “Jingling Baby (Remixed but Still Jingling)” “To da Break of Dawn” “6 Minutes of Pleasure” “Illegal Search'” “The Power of God” (Mama Said Knock You Out)

Listen to a track from Kevin Nottingham’s tribute below: