Reprinted from the November 1995 edition of The 411:
"I'm bigger and better, forget about deffer," was the response Kool Moe Dee offered in one of the most famous battle in hip-hop history. What counts in this lyrical confrontation is which MC had the staying power.
L.L. Cool J has continuously made comeback after comeback over the years, and what keeps the people coming back is the foundation of lyrical skills he built with his first and second albums.
On Bigger and Deffer, L.L. sets it off with "I'm Bad," the cut that Moe Dee thought went too far. Mr. James Todd Smith proceeded to mutilate wack MCs by "crushin' 'em like a jelly bean."
"Kanday" spins the tale of a lady that the ladies lover doesn't mind wearing a cape for and "The Bristol Hotel" tells of VD and the age-old art of prostitution.
Cool J visits all sorts of historical, fictional and cartoon characters on "My Rhyme Ain't Done." That's the overall feel of the album as a whole: L.L.'s rhymes never seem to end ... lyrics for days.
L.L.'s DJ got a chance to shine on "Go Cut Creator Go," although his turntable techniques are evident throughout Bigger and Deffer. Production-wise, the album still satisfies. Basic, hardcore beats with heavy doses of turntable action give the album a flavor that isn't heard on enough of today's releases.
Mr. Smith doesn't forget the ladies, either. His ballad, "I Need Love," had so much appeal, it even got some commercial radio play. The video also featured one of the longest limos I can ever remember seeing.
Listening to this classic album has got me anxious for the new release, Mr. Smith. But in the meantime... pass the cookies.
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