BEST GUIDE TO HIP HOP EVENTS, SHOWS & CONCERTS x SOCIAL NETWORK
THE ORAL HISTORY OF "MAMA SAID KNOCK YOU OUT"
Thirty years ago, LL COOL J was fueled by negative reactions to his third album, Walking with a Panther. The project was deemed “too flashy” and “tone deaf” given the state of Hip-Hop at the time. Poised to come back with a vengeance, he used a radio interview with producer Marley Marl, and an iconic Sly and the Family Stone loop from DJ Bobcat, to begin forming what would become “Mama Said Knock You Out.”
The song remains as culturally relevant today as it was when it was released in 1990 — prominently featured in a Serena Williams Chase commercial, and for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare. Here is the story behind the iconic song.
Views: 17
Best guide to hip hop, soul, reggae concerts & events in San Francisco Bay Area, Los Angeles & New York City + music, videos, radio and more
Subscribe to E-Blast
WIN TICKETS
J Boog
Tuesday, June 16 @ UC Theater, Berkeley
DaBoyDame w/ Keyshia Cole, Plies +more
Friday, June 19 @ Fox Theater, Oakland
Buju Banton & Stephen Marley
Saturday, June 20 @ Fox Theater, Oakland
Kev Choice Ensemble
Friday, June 26 @ Yoshi's, Oakland
Khalid
Friday, June 26 @ Greek Theatre, Berkeley
Thee Sacred Souls
Saturday, Aug 15 @ Greek Theatre, Berkeley
Jungle
Wednesday, Oct 7 @ Greek Theatre, Berkeley
Connect
Featured Content
Featured Videos
Photos
Latest Activity
Sparoh’s “Panama” Delivers a Powerful Message of Confidence and Creative Freedom
Sparoh is an Atlanta-based artist creating music at the crossroads of melodic trap, alternative pop, and punk-fueled rebellion. Equal parts vulnerable and unapologetic, her work explores identity, liberation, and the complexities of Black womanhood.Raised in the DMV on a foundation of jazz, funk, and blues, Sparoh was drawn early to artists who challenged convention and redefined what was possible. Influenced by trailblazers like Joyce Kennedy,…See More
Gus Drops Highly Anticipated Single "Growing Stronger (10 - Year Anniversary Version)"
Gus is making a comeback. He's growing stronger and the world is starting to take notice. He's been recording and doing music for over a decade. He's caught some fire but he's kept going and is making an impact that lasts on the ears and hearts of his listeners. He's reaching for his goal this time around and he aims break the wind and give you music that touches the…See More
KEV CHOICE ENSEMBLE (WIN TICKETS) at Yoshi's, Oakland
June 26, 2026 from 7pm to 11pm
ENTER TO WIN A PAIR OF TICKETS. WINNER WILL BE DRAWN RANDOMLY AND ANNOUNCED 2 DAYS PRIOR TO EVENT. June 26, 2026 Genre-blending pianist/MC/composer celebrates Black Music Month KEV CHOICE ENSEMBLE@ Yoshi's, 510 Embarcadero, Oakland Doors: 7:00 PM / Show: 7:30 PM Doors: 9:15 PM / Show: 9:30 PM…See More
© 2026 Created by Ren the Vinyl Archaeologist.
Powered by
