Born to Reign
Will Smith · 2002
52 min · 14 tracks · hip-hop
A vibrant blend of hip-hop and R&B infused with playful storytelling and uplifting beats.
Why this album works
'Born to Reign' showcased Smith's ability to merge music and family themes, particularly highlighted by tracks featuring his children. The album included 'Black Suits Comin’ (Nod Ya Head)', which contributed to the soundtrack of the film 'Men in Black II', further solidifying Smith's crossover appeal in both music and film.
- Best for
- playful storytelling with uplifting beats steady mid-tempo for easy listening for casual gatherings
- Context
- In 2002, Will Smith was transitioning from a successful acting career back to music, releasing 'Born to Reign' as his fourth studio album. This came after the commercial success of his previous album, 'Willennium' in 1999, marking a return to his roots in hip-hop while still maintaining mainstream appeal.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Drake· Linkin Park· Beyoncé· Miley Cyrus· LL Cool J· Jennifer Lopez· Mariah Carey· Lana Del Rey
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Born to Reign 1:53
- 2 Act Like You Know 4:02
- 3 I Can’t Stop Standout 4:58
- 4 Jaden’s Interlude 0:55
- 5 1,000 Kisses Standout 4:17
- 6 Willow Is a Player 3:48
- 7 Black Suits Comin’ (Nod Ya Head) Standout 4:19
- 8 How da Beat Goes 4:14
- 9 Block Party 4:13
- 10 Give Me Tonite 3:41
- 11 I Gotta Go Home 4:32
- 12 Maybe 4:07
- 13 Nod Ya Head (The Remix) 3:43
- 14 Momma Knows 3:56
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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