Rating:
Genre:
Rap
Release Date: 04/29/2008
Will Smith wisely decided not to change his style too much on
Big Willie Style, the first record he released since becoming a major movie star with appearances in
Independence Day and
Men in Black. Instead of trying to toughen his image,
Smith continued with the friendly, humorous
pop-rap that has been his trademark since
He's the DJ, I'm the Rapper. Of course, he gives the music a glossy modern sheen (ironically based on early-'80s
funk) in order to prove that he's still hip -- and it works. Sure, there's filler scattered all the way the through the album, but the best moments -- the
disco-thumping
"Gettin' Jiggy Wit It," the
Larry Blackmon duet
"Candy," the
ballad "I Loved You," and the riotous
"Men in Black" -- rank among his best singles.
~Stephen Thomas Erlewine, All Music Guide