Will Smith – Big Willie Style
Big Willie Style is available from the Mr. Hansen Records collection as a CD album edition on Columbia, catalogue number COL 488662 2. This release captures Will Smith at the height of his late-1990s pop-rap breakthrough, bringing together feel-good hip-hop, radio-friendly production and some of the biggest crossover hits of the decade.
Originally released in 1997, Big Willie Style became the album that fully established Will Smith as a major solo recording artist. After his earlier success with DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince, this album introduced a bigger, glossier and more cinematic sound — perfectly suited to the MTV era, blockbuster soundtracks and mainstream radio.
The album includes several of Will Smith’s best-known tracks, including Men In Black, Gettin’ Jiggy Wit It, Miami, Just Cruisin’ and Just The Two Of Us. These songs helped define his clean, upbeat and highly accessible approach to hip-hop: catchy hooks, smooth production, playful delivery and a strong sense of entertainment.
Musically, Big Willie Style blends hip-hop with pop, R&B and funk influences. The production is polished and energetic, with a late-90s sound that still carries a strong nostalgic appeal. The album also features guest appearances including Lisa “Left Eye” Lopes, Camp Lo, and Larry Blackmon & Cameo, adding extra character and variety to the record.
For collectors and listeners, Big Willie Style is an essential 1990s pop-rap CD — a major crossover album from an era when hip-hop was moving deeper into mainstream pop culture. It is especially recommended for fans of 90s hip-hop, party rap, movie soundtrack hits and feel-good pop/R&B productions.
Release details
Artist: Will Smith
Title: Big Willie Style
Label: Columbia
Catalogue number: COL 488662 2
Format: CD, Album
Country/region: Europe
Released: 1997
Genre: Hip Hop / Pop
Style: Pop Rap / R&B / Funk-influenced Hip Hop
Track highlights
Men In Black
Gettin’ Jiggy Wit It
Miami
Just Cruisin’
Just The Two Of Us
Big Willie Style
Every item at Mr. Hansen Records is conservatively graded according to the Goldmine Standard and securely packed with collector-grade care.
Every record has a story.