Customer Reviews

Willennium

5 star:		(71)
4 star:		(44)
3 star:		(14)
2 star:		(15)
1 star:		(25)

 

 

I'm not gonna beat around the bush - Willennium is a major improvement in every way over Big Willie Style. Beats, lyrics, and overall delivery - dang, I had no idea Will had this in him! Of course, there are tracks that cement Will's place on the jiggy throne. "Will 2K" is an example for starters (with K-Ci on the backing vocals) - this is the party anthem they'll be playing on December 31, 1999. Also, "Freakin' It" is bound to get that bum shakin'. Wanna dance a little more? Peep "Da Butta" (with Lil' Kim) and La Fiesta for more proof. Something else we all know Will for is his sense of humour. He has not lost it here at all. I mean, who else could refer to McGruff (not the rapper - that dog) while saying "taking a bite out of crime?" (La Fiesta) Or how about this laugh-fest from "Uuhhh": "Plan down pat like Sajak / Wheel of Fortune away / Price ain't right - I don't play! / Find yourself in Jeopardy? / The first clue - what is Will Smith / Hot to death - not you!" Or this joker from the same song: "Eclecticism is a virtue / It may not be a word but it's definitely a virtue." Okay, one more from Kel Spencer (guesting on Uuhhh): "Cats rockin' the same flows every day 'cause they lame / True players gotta change their uniforms after the game." Now for the stuff you are not expecting. You know the expression - "If you don't know your past, you don't know the future." Will, knowing this, put on some killer old-school jams as a reminder that he was around in the 80s - and they're convincing. One of my favourite tracks is "So Fresh" - it's an old-school jam with Jazzy Jeff on the tables, and Biz Markie and Slick Rick rocking the mic with Big Willie. That beat is going to make you pull a John The Baptist (i.e. lose your head), and the BizMark and Rick add some nice touches. And then there's Pump Me Up with Will and Jeff. This reminded me of "The Magnificent Jazzy Jeff" - with Will's call and Jeff's response. And in case you forgot what Jeff could do with two tables - well, I'll leave that for you to find out. Here's something else I know you do not expect - Will's lyrics. To some, this is an oxymoron - but there are many examples of Will's lyrical improvement. Also, Will's not beating around the bush - he's bold this time around. You may be doubting, so here's some examples: "Volcanoes erupting, rage in the sea / Ain't the second coming of Christ, it's the first coming of me" (I'm Comin') How about this one: "I read in Rap Pages they referred to me as soft / Yeah, more like Microsoft / Will Gates of the rap game" (Freakin' It) (This metaphor is kind of scary considering Microsoft's recent troubles). And if you really want something to relate to, check "The Rain." Of course I'm not going to tell you everything! However, be prepared for constant scratches, clean lyrics (and some deep ones), and a big improvement over Big Willie Style. Welcome to the Willennium - resistance is futile. Oh yeah, the Puffy comparisons? Except for three tracks, the buck stops here! This is a victory for clean hip-hop and hip-hop PERIOD.

Will Smith seems to get better at rap, and he is one of the only class act movie stars still around. If you don't like Will Smith, drop dead! I especialy like one line of Freakin' It

Hey all you rappers, do me a favor and write one verse without a curse.

None of these songs have abusive language, so parents will love that. Another part I like is that at the beggining of Wild Wild West, Will asks his son for advice on what to put next on the C-D. All in all, Will is back and no body, no matter how good is going to top him.

This is one of the best CD's I ever got! Along with Dr. Dre 2001. I like all the songs but "Will2K" has to be my favorite. "Pontas", "Freakin' it", and "Rain" are also slammin' songs. Bring this CD to a party and you will be dancin' all night long. This is a perfect mellenium party CD. Go out and buy it right now!

How can you take Will "seriously" (oxymoron)... I mean, what do you expect from a megacelebrity married to Jada Pinkett? Remember, he didn't come outta nowhere, he's an ol' school rapper-turned-actor. (remember "Parents Just Don't Understand & "Summertime?). So you can fathom that he's gonna keep spitting out albums with swift rhymes, humorous content, & childish hooks/kiddy background vocals (to the people who percieve it as corny). So just accept it as a happy album that appeals to a general audience (hard pop- per se). This a party in a can to those who appreciate good music- the beats are tight, the flows are tight... even Jazz's scratching is tight. Great way to kick off the millenium with the (corny-titled, yet thumpin') anthem "Will2K." Hardcore hip-hop fans might drop this on the floor and stomp on it, but if they do happen to pick it up, at least they'll like the first & last tracks ("I'm Comin" & track "The Rain") before throwing it in garbage. Highlights include "I'm Comin'" (with a beat out the gate), "Will2K" (with K-Ci and a danceable rhythm), "Freakin' It," (a playful, retro number), "La Fiesta" (swift vocals and a latin beat), "So Fresh" (an ol' skool retreat), "Potnas" (a retro ode to stable friendship), & "The Rain" (an athem to being positive along with a intriguing beat). All of them are good, except some of them were cheesy like "Da Butta" & "No More" (that piano line is cool) because the hooks were hilarious. Kel Spencer was quite good on "Uhhh." All 'n all, a solid album that surpasses "Big Willie Style." Yes, the album's theme is corny (i.e. Willenium), but the fun factor overrules. Great job the artist formerly known as Fresh Prince.

It appears from the other reviewers that they are too young to remember Will Smith before he was an actor. Back then in the dark ages (what '88?) he was just the Fresh Prince. And he was a welcome refreshment compared to Eazy-E, NWA and all the other stale rap focused on sex and dope. Eleven years later, Will Smith is still a breath of fresh air in a field crowded with foul mouth fools and idiotic rappers. His music is silly, and light. "Willennium" is a light hearted fun party album. A great road trip selection. "Freakin' It" makes your toes tap no matter what your mood. "Who am I" is a bit off compared to the other tracks, but still a worthy song. And while WWW the movie was a poor tribute to a great show, the song does do it justice. "The Rain" is an obligatory WS slow song, but still quite enjoyable. Overall, while everyone else tries to remake themselves or shoot for the shock value, Smith "keeps it real"

I love Will Smith's cd's, and this one has it all: I'm not a big fan of rap, but Will Smith-and everyone else I know agrees with me-doesn't rap about girls and curses only, and this cd proves WHY he's such a good singer! He's funny, has a nice voice, and has a real good beat!

Rap & hip hop usually has a lot to say for itself; and usually in words with only 4 letters. Willenium once again proves that this type of music doesn't have to have any sinister undertones or in-your-face cursing. Like Will' last album this is pure fun and dance. Those little digs he has at the player haters just make it even better. A hip hop album the whole family can listen to. Will does have things to say like other artists, he just doesn't swear. Why can't anyone else do it?

Will done done it again! He does the music that makes you wanna go down to the floor! This is the party album to kick off the new millenium and beyond! I love Will! It's so good to hear rap how it used to be-- fun! This is one me and my 9-year old jam to in the car, in the house, wherever!

YES!Will Smith has scored again!With his hip-hop grooves,you can't go wrong!'Willenium' also features Lil'Kim ,(Da Bomb!)and Kc ,(YES!)to add some spice to the cd.His best song is by far 'Will2K'(featuring Kc).You've got to be crazy not to buy 'Willenium'!

This has some good lyrics and a nice blend of songs. Definetely a must for a fan of Will Smith.