Willennium

Will Smith

Product Details

• Audio CD (November 16, 1999)
• Original Release Date: November 16, 1999
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Sony
• ASIN: B000031XCS
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  Audio Cassette  |  Vinyl  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (168 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #102,664 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

Will Smith is the future of hip-hop--in the sense that Willennium, his follow-up to 1997's multiplatinum Big Willie Style, is sure to dominate pop-rap airwaves and sales in the months after its release. Proud of his kid appeal but also self-mocking (he carries the title concept further with the single "Will2K," a party jam built on a sample of the Clash's "Rock the Casbah"), Smith celebrates the early-rap values of good-natured boasting and fun-fun-fun. This megastar's desire to remain part of the community is reflected in his savvy choice of guests, who number everyone from K-Ci to rappers new school (Lil' Kim, Eve) and old (Slick Rick, Biz Markie); once and future partner DJ Jazzy Jeff even gets his own four minutes of funk on the scratch-happy "Pump Me Up." Smith also attempts cinematic--natch--storytelling on "Afro Angel" and "The Rain," which are admirably solemn if far from the best things here. Smith may not be the hippest hip-hopper around, but as Chuck D once said of another, very different figure, "Don't tell me that you understand until you hear the man." --Rickey Wright

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars He's improved in every way., November 16, 1999

By A Customer

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.

14 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Start the New Willenniumm With Will Smith!, December 20, 1999

By	"k611" (Redondo Beach, CA) - See all my reviews

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.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Will did it again!, November 28, 1999

By	ALEX BOTEL (SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA) - See all my reviews

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!