Being one of rap’s first superstars does not make you impervious to the ravages of time and slipping taste. For the latter part of LL Cool J’s career, his stock has plummeted through a string of ropey records that failed to match the heights of early gems such as Mama Said Knock You Out or Mr. Smith. But, more than a decade on from his last offering he returns on ‘The FORCE’ — that stands for Frequencies of Real Creative Energy — sounding hungrier than ever.
Here the Queens rapper returns to Def Jam for the first time since 2008’s ‘Exit 13’ while also conjuring some of the intensity that defined his early days. Frequently, the passion and power behind these bars make him sound younger and leaner.
Spirit of Cyrus kicks the record off with thumping bass and a catchy hook, managing to sound like classic LL Cool J without coming across as dated.
His diction, flow and storytelling are thrust into the spotlight right away, and that continues on similarly effective cuts such as Saturday Night Special and Black Code Suite.
Repping his native New York, LL brings in a few of the city’s old heads — Busta Rhymes, Fat Joe and Nas — for features, while producer Q-Tip is on top form, throwing quirky and experimental pitches into the mix to make ‘The FORCE’ feel fresh and vital. Snoop Dogg, Saweetie and Rick Ross add more star wattage to the guestlist, but it’s Murdergram Deux’s duel with Eminem that emerges as a clear highlight.
Coming in at a shade under 45 minutes, the LP’s 14 tracks breeze by effortlessly. That the album is able to flit from the flirty R&B jam Proclivities to wistful reminiscing on 30 Decembers, via bragging bangers like Runnit Back and Huey In The Chair, is testament to LL Cool J’s range. What’s more impressive, though, is that he’s able to do this so deep into his career. Don’t call it a comeback, he’s been here for years.
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