| Mr. Smith | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | ||||
| Studio album by | ||||
| Released | November 21, 1995 | |||
| Recorded | 1994–1995 | |||
| Genre | ||||
| Length | 58:25 | |||
| Label | ||||
| Producer |
| |||
| LL Cool J chronology | ||||
| ||||
| Singles from Mr. Smith | ||||
Mr. Smith is the sixth studio album by American hip hop recording artist LL Cool J, released on November 21, 1995, by Def Jam. The album has been certified Double Platinum in the US by the RIAA. [1]
Mr. Smith was produced by Rashad Smith, Chyskillz, Chad Elliott, Trackmasters and Easy Mo Bee. Artists such as The Emotions, Terri & Monica, Boyz II Men, Fat Joe, Keith Murray, Prodigy of Mobb Deep and Foxy Brown also made guest appearances on the album. [2]
| Review scores | |
|---|---|
| Source | Rating |
| AllMusic |   [3] |
| Entertainment Weekly | B [4] |
| Q | [5] |
| Robert Christgau |  [6] |
| Rolling Stone | [7] |
| Smash Hits | 4/5 [8] |
| The Source | [9] |
Mr. Smith garnered positive reviews from music critics who found it a return to form after the West Coast-influenced 14 Shots to the Dome flopped. AllMusic's Stephen Thomas Erlewine praised the album for working more towards LL's romantic side that while toned down remains sexually invigorating, concluding that "Mr. Smith isn't a perfect record – there are too many slack moments for it to qualify as one of his best – but it proves that LL Cool J remained vital a decade after his debut." [3] Robert Christgau cited "Doin' It" as a "choice cut", [6] indicating a good song on "an album that isn't worth your time or money." [10] Mike Flaherty of Entertainment Weekly praised the album for balancing the various personas LL adopts throughout the tracks, concluding that "while his cutting-edge days are well behind him, this is far from the self-parodying effort we had every reason to expect." [4] Cheo H. Coker of Rolling Stone also praised the album for delivering both hardcore rap songs and love ballads that contain great production and lyrical dexterity. But Coker noted that tracks like "No Airplay" and "Get da Drop on 'Em" showcase LL better as a tough lyric spitter, concluding with, "Maybe one day LL will realize that it's his electrifying flow, not his Casanova aspirations, that have made him a rap superstar for 10 years running." [7]
| No. | Title | Writer(s) | Producer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "The Intro (skit)" | Trackmasters | 1:33 | |
| 2. | "Make It Hot" |
| Trackmasters | 4:31 |
| 3. | "Hip Hop" |
| Trackmasters | 5:00 |
| 4. | "Hey Lover" (featuring Boyz II Men) |
| Trackmasters | 4:44 |
| 5. | "Doin It" (featuring LeShaun) |
| Rashad Smith | 4:53 |
| 6. | "Life As..." (previously featured on the Street Fighter soundtrack) |
| Easy Mo Bee | 2:44 |
| 7. | "I Shot Ya" (featuring Keith Murray) |
| Trackmasters | 3:51 |
| 8. | "Mr. Smith" |
|
| 3:59 |
| 9. | "No Airplay" |
| Chad "Dr. Seuss" Elliott | 5:43 |
| 10. | "Loungin" (featuring Terri & Monica) |
| Rashad Smith | 4:12 |
| 11. | "Hollis to Hollywood" |
| Trackmasters | 3:58 |
| 12. | "God Bless" |
| Rashad Smith | 3:47 |
| 13. | "Get da Drop on 'Em" |
| Trackmasters | 3:57 |
| 14. | "Prelude (skit)" | Olivier | Trackmasters | 0:30 |
| 15. | "I Shot Ya (Remix)" (featuring Keith Murray, Prodigy, Fat Joe and Foxy Brown) |
| Trackmasters | 5:03 |
| No. | Title | Length |
|---|---|---|
| 16. | "Papa Luv It" (previously featured on The Show soundtrack) | 4:57 |
Notes
Sample Credits [2]
Weekly charts
| Year-end charts
|
| Region | Certification | Certified units/sales |
|---|---|---|
| Canada (Music Canada) [21] | Gold | 50,000^ |
| United Kingdom (BPI) [22] | Silver | 60,000* |
| United States (RIAA) [23] | 2× Platinum | 2,000,000^ |
* Sales figures based on certification alone. | ||
Bigger and Deffer is the second studio album by American rapper LL Cool J, released on May 29, 1987, by Def Jam Recordings and Columbia Records. With over two million copies sold in the United States, it remains one of LL Cool J's best-selling releases. Bigger and Deffer dominated the summer of 1987, spending 11 weeks atop the Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart, and peaking at number three on the Billboard 200. It became the fourth hip hop album to receive platinum certification by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).
The Score is the second studio album by the hip hop trio Fugees, released worldwide on February 13, 1996, on Columbia Records. The album features a wide range of samples and instrumentation, with many aspects of alternative hip hop that would come to dominate the hip-hop music scene in the mid- to late-1990s. Primarily, The Score's production was handled by the Fugees themselves, Jerry Duplessis and Warren Riker, with additional production from Salaam Remi, John Forté, Diamond D, and Shawn King. The album's guest verses are from Outsidaz members Rah Digga, Young Zee, and Pacewon, as well as John Forté, and Diamond D. Most versions of the album feature four bonus tracks, including three remixes of "Fu-Gee-La", and a short acoustic Wyclef Jean solo track entitled "Mista Mista".
Mama Said Knock You Out is the fourth studio album by American rapper LL Cool J. It was produced mostly by Marley Marl and recorded at his "House of Hits" home studio in Chestnut Ridge and at Chung King House of Metal in New York City. After the disappointing reception of LL Cool's 1989 album Walking with a Panther, Mama Said Knock You Out was released by Def Jam Recordings on September 14, 1990 to commercial and critical success.
10 is the ninth studio album by American rapper LL Cool J. It was released by Def Jam Recordings on October 15, 2002 in the United States. LL Cool J and 10 hit a milestone in Def Jam history, being the first artist ever on Def Jam to have ten albums under the same record label. The album peaked at number two on the US Billboard 200, while also reaching number 26 on the UK Albums Chart.
G.O.A.T. featuring James T. Smith: The Greatest of All Time is the eighth studio album by American rapper LL Cool J. Released September 12, 2000 on the Def Jam label, the album topped the US Billboard 200, the rapper's first to reach number one.
14 Shots to the Dome is the fifth studio album by American hip hop recording artist LL Cool J. It was released on March 30, 1993, via Def Jam Recordings. The recording sessions took place at Marley's House of Hits, at Cove City Sound Studios, and at Unique Recording Studios, in New York, and at QDIII Soundlab in Los Angeles, at Bobcat's House in Palmdale, and at Encore Studio, in Burbank. The album was produced by Marley Marl, DJ Bobcat, Quincy Jones III, Andrew Zenable, and Chris Forte. It features guest appearances from Lords of the Underground and Lieutenant Stitchie.
All World: The Greatest Hits is the first greatest hits album by American rapper LL Cool J. The compilation was released on November 5, 1996 via Def Jam Recordings, and cover the artist's career from his 1985 debut album Radio to his 1995 sixth studio album Mr. Smith. Production was handled by Rick Rubin, Marley Marl, L.A. Posse, Rashad Smith, Quincy Jones III, Tone, and LL Cool J himself, with Brian Latture and Steve Ett serving as assistant producers on three out of sixteen tracks. It features guest appearances from Boyz II Men and Total.
Phenomenon is the seventh studio album by rapper LL Cool J, released on October 14, 1997. After the success of his previous release Mr. Smith, the same basic principles are followed here, with several R&B-influenced tracks, and a couple of more hardcore rap tracks. The album was certified Platinum, unlike Mr. Smith, which was certified 2× Platinum. The album is executively produced by Sean "Puffy" Combs and therefore features production from his in-house roster of producers the Hitmen.
Todd Smith is the eleventh studio album by American rapper LL Cool J. It was released on April 11, 2006 by Def Jam Recordings. It includes collaborations with Jennifer Lopez, Pharrell, Juelz Santana, Teairra Mari, Jamie Foxx, Ginuwine, Mary J. Blige, 112, Mary Mary, Ryan Toby and Freeway. Producers on the project include Pharrell, Scott Storch, Bink!, Shea Taylor, Drumma Boy, Keezo Kane and Trackmasters.
Beware of Dog is the debut studio album by American rapper Lil' Bow Wow. It was released on September 26, 2000, through So So Def Recordings and Columbia Records. Recording sessions took place from 1999 to 2000, with Lil' Bow Wow's mentor Jermaine Dupri primarily producing the album, and Xscape, Jagged Edge, Da Brat and Snoop Dogg, among others, appearing as guests.
Too Hard to Swallow is the debut studio album by American hip hop duo UGK. It was released on November 10, 1992, by Jive Records.
KRS One is the second solo studio album by American rapper KRS-One. It was released on October 10, 1995, via Jive Records. Production was handled by DJ Premier, Diamond D, Big French Productions, Norty Cotto, Showbiz and KRS-One himself. It features guest appearances from Busta Rhymes, Channel Live, Das EFX, Dexter Thibou, Fat Joe and Mad Lion.
Joe Budden is the debut studio album by American rapper Joe Budden. It was released on June 10, 2003, by On Top, distributed by Def Jam. Recording sessions took place from 2002 to 2003, with production by Dub B aka White Boy, along with the other high-profile producers such as Just Blaze and Lofey. The album features guest appearances from Lil' Mo, Busta Rhymes and 112. Upon the record's release, it was met with favorable reviews from music critics. Joe Budden debuted at number 8 on the US Billboard 200, selling 95,000 units in its first week, later the record sold 420,000+ copies in the United States. It also entered at number 55 on the UK Albums Chart.
"Doin It" is a song by American rapper LL Cool J, released by Def Jam Recordings on February 20, 1995, as the second single from his sixth album, Mr. Smith. Based on a sample of Grace Jones' "My Jamaican Guy", it contains a guest appearance from LeShaun, while production was handled by Rashad "Ringo" Smith and LL Cool J. Its B-side was the album's previous single, "Hey Lover".
The Professional is the debut studio album by American record producer DJ Clue?. It was released on December 15, 1998, via Def Jam Recordings, Jay-Z's Roc-A-Fella Records, and DJ Clue's Desert Storm Records.
"Loungin" is a song by American rapper LL Cool J, released on June 25, 1996 as the third and final single from his sixth studio album Mr. Smith. Issued by Def Jam Recordings, the LP version was produced by Rashad "Ringo" Smith and featured backing vocals by R&B duo Terri & Monica. The Radio Remix Edit, titled "Loungin ", was featured on the soundtrack to Paramount and Nickelodeon's 1997 comedy film Good Burger, remixed by Trackmasters and featuring backing vocals by R&B group Total.
The Tunnel is a collaborative album by American DJs Funkmaster Flex and Big Kap. It was released on December 7, 1999, via Def Jam Recordings.
Authentic is the thirteenth studio album by American hip hop recording artist LL Cool J. It was released on April 30, 2013, by S-BRO Music Group, 429 Records. The album was his first album since 2008's Exit 13 and his first to not be released on Def Jam. It features guest appearances from Fitz and The Tantrums, Eddie Van Halen, Snoop Dogg, Fatman Scoop, Seal, Charlie Wilson, Melody Thornton, Earth, Wind & Fire, Bootsy Collins, Travis Barker, Chuck D, Tom Morello, Z-Trip, Mickey Shiloh, Monica and Brad Paisley.
Wu-Tang Forever is the second studio album by the American hip hop group Wu-Tang Clan, released June 3, 1997, by Loud and RCA Records in the United States. Pressed as a double album, it was released after a long run of successful solo projects from various members of the group, and serves as the follow-up to their debut album Enter the Wu-Tang . Forever features several guest appearances from Wu-Tang affiliates Cappadonna, Streetlife, 4th Disciple, True Master, and Tekitha. The original run of compact discs featured an enhanced CD which allowed users to walk around the "Wu Mansion" and access additional content.
Ready to Die is the debut studio album by American rapper The Notorious B.I.G., released on September 13, 1994, by Bad Boy Records and Arista Records. The album features productions by Bad Boy founder Sean "Puffy" Combs, Easy Mo Bee, Chucky Thompson, DJ Premier, and Lord Finesse, among others. It was recorded from 1993 to 1994 at The Hit Factory and D&D Studios in New York City. The partly autobiographical album tells the story of the rapper's experiences as a young criminal, and was the only studio album released during his lifetime, as he was murdered sixteen days before the release of his second album Life After Death in 1997. The album features a sole guest appearance from Wu-Tang Clan member Method Man.
