When you get a cat like LL Cool J aka James Todd Smith who has had a road of ups and downs as far as making hit records in this game, and still remains after 18 years, you better stand up and show some respect. In 1984 LL signed with the nations longest running Hip-Hop label Def Jam. He was the first artist on the label. He signed a contract for 10 albums and godammit he did it.
10 his latest release is here. In 84 he also released the single “I Need A Beat,” and won the award for Street Beat of the Year in the same year. The rest as they say is history. On his latest joint LL takes it back to the essence. He looks like he swallowed a bucket of steroids and even under went a little face tuck. Just an observation. Anyway, as we all know LL’s essence is loving the ladies and the first single shows why the Ladies Love Cool J. “Luv U Better” is in crazy ridiculous rotation across the country. It’s on the airwaves as well as the video channels. The second single will probably be “Paradise’ featuring Amerie. Another joint for the ladies.
The album reeks of old school samples and interpolations. This shows that LL is not only one of the greatest of all times but a fan of Hip-Hop as well. On “Niggy Nuts” LL boasts like only LL can, spitting
“The boss is home/ Regulatin’ on chrome/ Tell Russell it’s line 1 LL’s on the phone.” The CD is filled with production by, who else, the Neptune’s, Tone and Poke (Trackmasters), Rich Nice, DJ S&S and Ron ‘Amen-Ra” Lawrence. “Lollipop” is also another banger that’s gonna draw the honey’s in. “After School” featuring P Diddy and a hook from The Sugarhill Gang is Crazy.
Do your homework young’ns. LL is one of those timeless cats who have withstood the many eras of Hip-Hop. Homage has to be paid. In no way is this an album filed with old thoughts of an old school washed up rapper. On the contrary it is a testament of an artist who knows what he does best. “Big Mama” Closes this session out and features Dru Hill. Yes family is important. Keep spittin’ flames L and keep lickin’ ya lips homie cause if ya method of success ain’t broke then don’t fix it. Hollis Queens and Farmers Boulevard forever homie. You know how we do.
