Will Smith
left recording for a movie career in the early '90s, becoming a bona fide star with 1996's
Independence Day
. He followed that film with the
sci-fi
comedy
Men in Black
, and for its
soundtrack
he decided to return to recording to help give the film a bit of a boost. It didn't need it -- it became one of the most successful films of 1997 -- but
Smith
's title track, as well as
"Just Cruisin',"
are evidence that his breezy charm is as evident in his rhymes as it is in his acting. The remainder of the record is just as good, featuring a wide array of funky, party-ready
hip-hop
from the likes of
Snoop Dogg
,
A Tribe Called Quest
Trey Lorenz
702
Buckshot LeFonque
, and
Nas
. There are a few clunkers scattered across the album, but it is one of the best
pop
/
urban
soundtracks
of 1997. ~ Leo Stanley