A Hip Hop icon, LL Cool J stands in rare territory as one of the most legendary rappers alongside the likes of Run-DMC, Beastie Boys, and Public Enemy. Just a few of the groundbreaking artists who assisted in bringing Hip Hop music into the mainstream’s vision, LL Cool J quickly made an impact on the scene while only a teenager with his debut album 1985 album Radio. Featuring classics like “I Can’t Live Without My Radio” and “Rock the Bells,” it was 1986’s Bigger and Deffer which found the young artist even more success with hits like “I Need Love.” Leading into the latter part of the decade, 1989’s Walking with a Panther with cuts like “Jingling Baby” highlighted his talents even more, but 1990’s Mama Said Knock You Out is what solidified him. Leading forward into the future, LL kept the hits coming with killer albums like 1995’s Mr. Smith, 1997’s Phenomenon, and beyond.
A name no one would soon forget, LL was smart to diversify his works in entertainment early on with roles in big Hollywood films like 1991’s The Hard Way, leading into his leading 1995 sitcom In the House, but also 1998’s Halloween H20: 20 Years Later, and more. Beyond this, he has also dipped his hands into the apparel industry, and written books, but still, always came back to music. Even having his own station on SiriusXM since 2018 called Rock the Bells Radio since 2018, now in 2024 Mr. Smith returns with a brand new studio album called The FORCE.
Coming after an eleven-year hiatus, The FORCE (an acronym for Frequencies of Real Creative) Energy) arrived on September 6th through Def Jam Records and Virgin Music Group. His fourteenth overall studio album, and first since 2013’s Authentic, it comes at you with fourteen songs, lasting for just forty-three minutes, and with a ton of classic Hip Hop flair. Additionally, the cast of collaborators is quite impressive; including the likes of Snoop Dogg, Busta Rhymes, NAS, Rick Ross, and Eminem, amongst a few others, such as Fat Joe, Sona Jobareth, along with Saweetie.
As mentioned, all fourteen songs are filled with a truly classic Hip Hop mood. What this means is that you get solid rhythmic music to match rapped vocals that create a catchy, thriving vibe. Furthermore, the guest artists bring their unique styles to the table, therefore creating a vast variety from start to finish. Dynamic in many regards, “Black Code Suite” even brings in oriental vibes with the inclusion of Multi-instrumentalist Sona Jobarteh.
Moreover, in between the songs there often is a hard cut; because of the drastic change in styles from one song to the next. A factor that keeps you excited, it also results in The FORCE never growing tired. Refreshing, each song has character, and as a result, you could find yourself discovering new favorites with each passing listen. Having said this, definitely take your time exploring the music of The FORCE, because a lot is going on here, and you are surely going to find something new each spin.
With so much time passing between albums for LL Cool J, you would have to think fans may either be let down or pleasantly surprised with what he cooked up. To be straightforward, it is certainly well worth the way. With a brilliant list of guest appearances, fresh rhymes, and raps, all wrapped in catchy rhythms, The FORCE is a delightful, welcomed Hip Hop gem. That is why Cryptic Rock gives this album 4 out of 5 stars.
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