Mama Said Knock You Out

About this song

The song was inspired by LL Cool J's grandmother, who told him to knock out critics who were disappointed with his previous album. It samples several records, including James Brown's "Funky Drummer" and his own track "Rock the Bells." It peaked at number 17 in the US, was certified gold within months of release, and later won a Grammy.

What it's about

The song's core idea is the grandmother's advice to answer doubters by knocking them out. Its title phrase comes from that encouragement.

Fun facts

• Samples “Raw (Remix) by Big Daddy Kane” and “The Humpty Dance by Digital Underground”.
• Sampled in 50 other songs, like “A View 2 a Kill by NATAS”.
• Covered 7 times, including “Mama Said Knock You Out by Street Sweeper Social Club”.
• Written by Bobcat, Bootsy Collins, George Clinton, James McCants, Junie Morrison and LeRoy McCants.
• Produced by Bobcat, LL COOL J and Marley Marl.