Mama Said Knock You Out (song)
Encyclopedia
"Mama Said Knock You Out" is a hit single by LL Cool J
from his album of the same name
. The song famously begins with the line "Don't call it a comeback/I've been here for years." Before "Mama Said Knock You Out" was released, many people felt that LL Cool J's career was waning; his grandmother, who still believed in his talent, told him to "knock out" all his critics. The song was produced by Marley Marl
with help from Shadman Kaiser along with LL. The single reached number 17 on the Billboard Hot 100
and was certified gold by the RIAA. LL Cool J won Best Rap Solo Performance at the Grammy Awards of 1992
.
The song uses samples from James Brown
's "Funky Drummer
," the Chicago Gangsters' "Gangster Boogie," Sly & The Family Stone
's "Trip to Your Heart" and "Sing a Simple Song
", and Rock the Bells
by LL Cool J. The music video
features LL Cool J in a boxing ring, rapping into a microphone similar to the one an announcer would use in a boxing match. Frequently we see shots of him working out and scenes of boxers being punched out. At the end of the video, his grandmother says "Todd! Todd! Get upstairs and take out that garbage".
A remix of the song was used as soundtrack for the 2010 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show.
The song will be covered by baby penguins in the 2011 film Happy Feet Two.
The song was included in The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's 500 Songs that Shaped Rock and Roll.
LL Cool J
James Todd Smith , better known as LL Cool J , is an American rapper, entrepreneur, and actor...
from his album of the same name
Mama Said Knock You Out (album)
Mama Said Knock You Out is the fourth studio album by hip-hop artist LL Cool J. The album was released in 1990, after the critically disappointing Walking with a Panther in 1989.- History :...
. The song famously begins with the line "Don't call it a comeback/I've been here for years." Before "Mama Said Knock You Out" was released, many people felt that LL Cool J's career was waning; his grandmother, who still believed in his talent, told him to "knock out" all his critics. The song was produced by Marley Marl
Marley Marl
Marlon Williams , better known as Marley Marl, is an American DJ and record producer, who is considered one of the most important and influential hip-hop producers in the history of hip hop.-Biography:...
with help from Shadman Kaiser along with LL. The single reached number 17 on the Billboard Hot 100
Billboard Hot 100
The Billboard Hot 100 is the United States music industry standard singles popularity chart issued weekly by Billboard magazine. Chart rankings are based on radio play and sales; the tracking-week for sales begins on Monday and ends on Sunday, while the radio play tracking-week runs from Wednesday...
and was certified gold by the RIAA. LL Cool J won Best Rap Solo Performance at the Grammy Awards of 1992
Grammy Awards of 1992
The 34th Grammy Awards were held on February 26, 1992. They recognized accomplishments by musicians from the previous year . Natalie Cole was the big winner winning three awards including Album of the Year.-Award winners:*Record of the Year...
.
The song uses samples from James Brown
James Brown
James Joseph Brown was an American singer, songwriter, musician, and recording artist. He is the originator of Funk and is recognized as a major figure in the 20th century popular music for both his vocals and dancing. He has been referred to as "The Godfather of Soul," "Mr...
's "Funky Drummer
Funky drummer
"Funky Drummer" is a funk song recorded by James Brown and his band. The recording's drum break, performed by drummer Clyde Stubblefield, is one of the most frequently sampled rhythmic breaks in hip hop and popular music; indeed, it lays a strong claim to being the most sampled recording ever,...
," the Chicago Gangsters' "Gangster Boogie," Sly & The Family Stone
Sly & the Family Stone
Sly and the Family Stone were an American rock, funk, and soul band from San Francisco, California. Active from 1966 to 1983, the band was pivotal in the development of soul, funk, and psychedelic music...
's "Trip to Your Heart" and "Sing a Simple Song
Sing a Simple Song
"Sing a Simple Song" is a 1968 song by the soul/rock/funk band Sly & the Family Stone, the b-side to their #1 hit "Everyday People". The song's lyrics, sung in turn by Sly Stone, Freddie Stone, Rose Stone, and Larry Graham, with spoken word sections by Cynthia Robinson, offer a simple solution for...
", and Rock the Bells
Rock the Bells (song)
Rock the Bells is the third single from LL Cool J's debut album, Radio. It was released in 1985 for Def Jam Recordings, was written by LL Cool J and produced by Rick Rubin. It was the follow-up to I Can Give You More. Rock the Bells peaked at #17 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs. Despite the song's...
by LL Cool J. The music video
Music video
A music video or song video is a short film integrating a song and imagery, produced for promotional or artistic purposes. Modern music videos are primarily made and used as a marketing device intended to promote the sale of music recordings...
features LL Cool J in a boxing ring, rapping into a microphone similar to the one an announcer would use in a boxing match. Frequently we see shots of him working out and scenes of boxers being punched out. At the end of the video, his grandmother says "Todd! Todd! Get upstairs and take out that garbage".
A remix of the song was used as soundtrack for the 2010 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show.
The song will be covered by baby penguins in the 2011 film Happy Feet Two.
The song was included in The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's 500 Songs that Shaped Rock and Roll.