Editor’s Note: The Albumism staff has selected what we believe to be the 100 Greatest Soundtracks of All Time, representing a varied cross-section of films and musical genres. Click “Next Soundtrack” below to explore each soundtrack in the list or for easier navigation, view the full introduction & soundtrack index here.
The Nutty Professor
Def Jam/Polygram (1996)
Selected by Daryl McIntosh
The 1996 reboot of Jerry Lewis’ Nutty Professor was shaping up to be even bigger than the original, with Eddie Murphy playing the new larger than life character. With keen foresight that the film would be one of the colossal blockbusters of the summer, Def Jam Records provided a soundtrack of equally robust hit records. The soundtrack’s lead single “Ain’t No Ni**a” helped launch the career of Foxy Brown and began the long relationship between Jay-Z and Def Jam. “Touch Me, Tease Me” by Case featuring Mary J. Blige and Foxy Brown was another successful hit that would help launch the careers of newer artists on the talented label roster.
The soundtrack is a well-balanced showcase of Def Jam artists with R&B gems “I Like” by Montell Jordan featuring Slick Rick and “We Want Yo Hands Up” by Warren G featuring Malik.
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