Will Smith - Born to Reign

Even though his last CD, Willennium, failed to sell as well as 1997's Big Willie Style, Smith's G-rated ladies (and family) man persona is infectious, even when he's coasting a bit on his well-earned rep. Such is the case on this exuberant but somewhat pedestrian CD. Smith gives it his all on cuts like the hip-shaking "Block Party" and the jittery "Gotta Go Home," but the slickly produced tales of good times and wicked women are way too familiar. Luckily, Smith stretches a bit with the heavy dose of R&B delivered by his vocal protégé Tra-Knox and on the rock-injected single (and promo tool for the film Men in Black II) "Black Suits Comin' (Nod Ya Head)." The stinging guitars give Smith an excuse to strut, and the ensuing bravado gives him an edge he often lacks. --Amy Linden Amazon.com

alright

top three
1. act like you know
2. how da beat goes
3. born to reign March 13, 2006

Will's worst album still a solid effort

This might be considered Will's worst album to a lot of people but there's still standout tracks like "How Da Beat Goes", "Give Me Tonite", and "Block Party" which were steps ahead of most hip-hop tracks I heard in the year of 2002, still worth the purchase, and if you enjoy this one, you'll definately enjoy the other JJFP/Big Will albums as well, especially the classic albums "He's The DJ, I'm The Rapper", "Code Red", "Willenium" and the recent "Lost and Found", he's definately "Born To Reign" as hip-hop royalty February 15, 2006

Will's REign

I remember this album when I was 15. This album was the hit of the summer. This album is the spectacular and soulful sound of Will boldly achieving his own musical destiny. The new album features more live instruments and less sampling that his previous work. This album has been certified Gold. Remember,this was 2002. May 21, 2005

One half good, one half mediocre

This is not one of Will Smith's best albums, solo or with Jazzy Jeff. While I like Black Suits Comin, 1000 Kisses and How Da Beat Goes (which samples Newcleus' Jam On It from 1984), the rest of the album and its beats sounds so uneven, mediocre, or disjointed. Several songs don't have the punch or addictiveness of the Big Willie Style or Willennium albums. Somehow, I think that this album was lost in the shuffle against heavy competition from the Nelly and Eminem albums in 2002. And not well promoted either. I noticed it got a lot of mixed reviews on major magazines. Somehow, I blame it more on the music and material given to Will, not him. March 31, 2005

One Of Will's Greatest

Will Smith has really done it all on this album. With a bunch of singles, this seems to be one of the greatest. The beats all seem to flow together and Will blends some of his older style with alot of the new. Some beats are quick and catchy and others like momma knows turn it down. The lyrical content is really great and Will's songs actually have a higher meaning than alot of the other Rap out on the market. This cd is a must have. March 10, 2005

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