Hip-hop legend
LL Cool J
reaffirms his legacy on his 14th studio album, and his first in over ten years,
The FORCE
. For many rappers this far into their trajectory, when albums start coming once every decade or so, the returns are diminished and expectations are low.
LL
defies this unfortunate trend with an album of sure-footed flows, unexpectedly varying thematic material, and warm, mellow instrumentals that complement the relaxed rhyme styles. There are no trap or drill beats here, but there's also a refreshing turn away from by-the-numbers boom-bap nostalgia. "Praise Him," which features a cameo from
Nas
, is an electric blur of pushy four-on-the-floor percussion and neo-soul atmospheres, setting up an unlikely but captivating background for quick rhymes about coming up in hard times in New York back in the day. Dazzling synth parts balance out
's ruthless, speedy flows on richly musical tunes like "Passion," and funky bass makes the celebratory "Basquiat Energy" move. Multiple superstar guests swing by to make
all the more impactful.
Snoop Dogg
offers up an intense hook on the militant opener, "Spirit of Cyrus";
Saweetie
contributes a verse to "Proclivities," a standout track that somehow flips a
Gary Numan
sample into something sensual and playful (similarly, "Huey in the Chair" is built around a
Can
sample); and elsewhere throughout
,
is joined by
Eminem
Busta Rhymes
Rick Ross
Fat Joe
, and others. It's a powerful and often unpredictable set that reminds us that even though it's been a while since his last album,
's track record has far more hits than misses. ~ TiVo Staff