LL Cool J’s ‘Mama Said You Knock Out’ Album Gets 25th Anniversary Re-Release [Video]

Debuting in 1984 as one of Def Jam Records’ flagship artists, LL Cool J helped develop the genre of hip-hop.

To help celebrate the 25th anniversary of his classic album "Mama Said Knock You Out," Universal Music Enterprises is releasing a two-CD deluxe edition and a vinyl reissue today as part of the year-long celebration of Def Jam’s 30th anniversary.

Originally released on Aug. 27, 1990, the Marley Marl-produced album (with a front cover inspired by a Vogue Italy magazine shoot) sold more than two million copies. The title track from "Mama Said Knock You Out" reached No. 17 on the Billboard Hot 100 and was certified gold. In addition, he won best rap solo performance at the 1992 Grammy Awards.

The two-CD version includes the original album, an extra 14-track disc of remixes of the release’s five singles, including the title cut, “Around the Way Girl,” “The Boomin’ System,” “6 Minutes of Pleasure” and “To Da Break Of Dawn,” as well as bonus entries “Eat Em Up L Chill” and the main title track from the 1991 film "Strictly Business."

He is now a two-time Grammy Award winner as a singer along with being an author, writer, entrepreneur, philanthropist and actor. He currently stars in the CBS drama series “NCIS: Los Angeles" and is to soon release his album "G.O.A.T. 2."