Mama Said Knock You Out

Mama Said Knock You Out

LL COOL J

“Mama Said Knock You Out” was inspired by LL’s grandmother, who told him to “knock out” critics who were disappointed in his previous album.

The song uses samples from James Brown’s “Funky Drummer,” the Chicago Gangsters' “Gangster Boogie,” Sly & The Family Stone’s “Trip to Your Heart” and “Sing a Simple Song”, and his own track “Rock the Bells ”.

It peaked at #17 in the US was certified gold within months of its release.

It later won a Grammy and Rolling Stone ranked it #29 on its list of the 50 best rap songs in history.

Here’s the tune’s producer, Marley Marl, breaking down exactly how he made the beat for DubSpot: