Willennium
click the image to get it in cd-cover size
| Release Date: |
November 16, 1999 |
| Label: |
Sony |
| Rating: |
3.5 |
Description: 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
Tracklist of Willennium
Reviews:
"Uhhh"... embarassing
Will Smith was at his best in the late-80's and early 90's when he and his partner made breezy songs reminiscing about summertime and how their parents "just don't understand." Sure, it was always quite hokey and goofy, but it was still sweet, which I think added to Will's likability. After Will left the set of his television show, he went on to star in big-budget action films. He even made a decent comeback album in 1997. "Gettin' Jiggy" and "Miami" were two excellent singles. Of course, in 1997, everyone (myself included) thought Will could do no wrong. Then this stinker was dropped on the world. I think it's safe to say that Will Smith's career has burnt out. He certainly can't redeem himself from this mess of an album. First off, if you're going to title your album with a play on your name and the millennium, it'd better be the most amazing thing I've ever heard. And surprise, it ain't. Overcompensation comes to mind. You know "Willenium" is a stinker the second you see the song titles. Will actually included the title song from his first bomb of a movie: Wild Wild West. The best way I can describe the song is that it's a ripoff of his "Men in Black," song, which is also was a ripoff of another song from another artist. Speaking of ripoffs, lets move on to "Will2K". Now, I know sampling has always been used in rap, but in this day and age, rappers nearly commit thievery (thank the Gods this is all Will Smith has committed). Will practically did a remake of the Clash's "Rock the Casbah", and yet he still tried to take the credit by calling it "Will2K". But the worst thing about this album is that Will's lack of skills as a rapper and lyricist are painfully clear. When someone titles one of their songs "Uhhh", you know there's something going on that's more serious than writer's block.
Great Follow Up To Big Willie Style.....Over 2 million sold!
The album is tight with catchy beats and hooks, Will has further solidified himself as an MC without being raw and vulgar. The best lyrics on this album are on the song "uuuhh". The worst song on this CD is Afro Angel.
Will is da new MILLENNIUM
This CD is da best I ever heard. Will Smith with DJ Jazzy Jeff once again in Pump It Up is great combo. So Fresh is da best song on da album. Wild Wild West great hook and great rhymin'. Remember he's comin'.
