25 Greatest Hip-Hop Albums Of All Time
13. LL Cool J - Mama Said Knock You Out
LL Cool J's previous album was a flop. Too pop-y, refined, slow, Walking with a Panther (1989) caused the rapper to hit a bit of lull. But, unlike many other artists in the same position, LL Cool J refused to succumb to the bump in his road.
In 1990, he released Mama Said Knock You Out, the title track of which remains the anthem of the comeback. The record is bursting with aggression, hard-hitting lyrics, wordplay and charisma. LL shows off his lyrical ability in "The Boomin' System" and "To da Break of Dawn", and has some fun on the energetic "Cheesy Rat Blues."
Mama Said Knock You Out isn't just a great comeback album, but a great rap album full stop. It's slick, thumping, full of character and personality. There's no surprise LL Cool J is held in such high esteem by the hip-hop community when he can make records like this.