Just a few months after Q-Tip publicly questioned the validity of an “adult-contemporary hip-hop” genre on social media, LL Cool J has released a new album produced entirely by Q-Tip. At 56 years old, LL is launching his 14th project since debuting as a teenager in 1984. With both Rakim and Masta Ace putting out new music this year, and Common collaborating with producer Pete Rock for a nostalgic album, LL’s latest effort contributes to this ongoing trend. “Call it traditional hip-hop,” Q-Tip commented on Twitter.
The album, titled FORCE, does not embrace modern styles like drill or trap, nor does it feature classic boom-bap sounds. However, LL remains lyrically sharp after 39 years in the game, as Q-Tip updates his sound for a contemporary audience eager for new LL Cool J tracks. The album showcases confident swagger (“Murdergram Deux” featuring Eminem), romantic themes (“Proclivities”), and classic rap storytelling (“Spirit of Cyrus”).
Teaming the fit and experienced rapper known for his sultry hits like “Doin’ It” with Q-Tip, the mastermind behind A Tribe Called Quest’s hits like “Electric Relaxation,” seems almost too perfect. While it’s 2024 and LL is now a grandfather, he effortlessly crafts flirtatious lyrics over a synth reminiscent of Gary Numan on “Proclivities,” playfully engaging with Saweetie and maintaining his long-time persona. The FORCE is not a mature 4:44-style album; LL remains the same iconic figure he has always been, which ultimately benefits the album.
Nonetheless, LL does reflect on his roots. His first single was instrumental in establishing Def Jam as a major hip-hop label in 1984, and he references the label’s co-founders, Rick Rubin (“Basquiat Energy”) and Russell Simmons (“Runnit Back”). On “30 Decembers,” he expresses nostalgia for a past world, noting, “this world ain’t like I remember.” Nas joins him on the spiritually themed track “Praise Him,” where he references the golden era of hip-hop styles, such as sheepskin coats and Cazal eyewear.
The name FORCE stands for “frequencies of real creative energy,” and LL arguably showcases his creativity best on “Black Code Suite.” In this track, he embodies a multitude of African-American cultural references, asserting, “I’m the sound of Miles Davis, it’s impossible to bury me/The slow pimp walk, it’s impossible to hurry me,” while celebrating flavors like hot sauce and sunflower seeds, concluding with the affirmation “I’m Black.” With references to figures like Huey P. Newton, Jean-Michel Basquiat, and Cyrus from The Warriors, LL appears to achieve his goal of creating his most profound work yet within the realm of pop-oriented hip-hop for older audiences.