Song Clearance Sheet
3 sources citedMama Said Knock You Out
Hip-Hop1990s102BPM
A♯ minKey
More around 100 BPM → · More in A♯ minor →
Tempo/key via GetSongBPM →
The verdict
Documented Sampling History
Confirmed songwriters of record (LL Cool J, Marley Marl) plus the “Funky Drummer” / Sly & the Family Stone sample credits (already here), no dispute found. The grandmother-inspired title origin is in the Receipts.
Used by independents?
Unconfirmed — the page doesn't yet document enough sampler detail to tell.
Quick Facts
Released1990
AlbumMama Said Knock You Out
GenreHip-Hop
LabelDef Jam / Columbia
ProducerMarley Marl
More infoWikipedia → · Discogs →
Who you need to ask
The songwriters of record — LL Cool J & Marley Marl (+ the Funky Drummer / Sly Stone sample credits)
Storyofsong → · checked Jul 2026
The current administrator — Not confirmed — needs a Songview/Discogs lookup
Wikipedia → · checked Jul 2026
Has it been reused?
Yes — #17 Hot 100, Platinum, won LL’s first Grammy (Best Rap Solo Performance); built on the widely-used “Funky Drummer” break.
Do they allow reuse?
No standalone policy found; confirmed writers of record and no dispute found.
Related Songs
Same album, answer records, and songs worth knowing about
The James Brown break this rides (already in this catalog)
Who Owns It
Licenses explained →The two permissions you need, and who holds them
The song itself (the writing)James Todd Smith (LL Cool J) & Marlon Williams (Marley Marl)
The recording (current administrator)Not confirmed
Receipts
Every public mention of terms, policy, or past deals we've found
The grandmother-inspired title
After 1989’s “Walking with a Panther” drew backlash (including being booed at a Harlem rally), LL’s grandmother told him “Oh baby, just knock them out!” — becoming the album’s title and mantra. She appears in the video’s closing scene with a mundane line about taking out the garbage.
Wikipedia · read it →
How the beat came together
The beat’s initial skeleton came from DJ Bobcat (staying at LL’s apartment during the sessions) before Marley Marl added his own production over the “Funky Drummer” break and Sly Stone horn stabs. No lyrics reproduced.
Shatter the Standards · read it →
A Bob Dylan co-sign
Bob Dylan played the song on his “Theme Time Radio Hour” in 2006, comparing it to the tradition of “The Dozens” before playing it.
Wikipedia · read it →
Can You Use It for Free?
How to check PD →Is it public domain?No
Sample History
—
Times sampled
—
Covers
—
First flip
Who to Contact
LL
LL Cool J & Marley Marl
The confirmed songwriters of record
What they'll chargeNobody's shared numbers yet
Don't Want the Hassle?
Sample something pre-cleared insteadCheck Tracklib →
Find a similar sound that's 100% freeBrowse the catalog →
Was this page helpful?
Page history · 2 updates
Jul 2026Page created — full research (Research Queue Batch 3)
Jul 2026BPM/Key pending the automated GetSongBPM/Deezer pass