Just months after Q-Tip questioned the validity of an “adult-contemporary hip-hop” category on social media, he has produced a new album for his Queens neighbor, LL Cool J. The 56-year-old rapper and actor’s latest release marks his 14th studio album since his debut in 1984. This year, alongside projects from Rakim and Masta Ace, and a collaboration between Common and producer Pete Rock, LL’s latest work aligns with a resurgence in traditional hip-hop. Q-Tip aptly described it as “traditional hip-hop” in a tweet.
The album, titled “FORCE,” does not incorporate contemporary drill or trap sounds, nor does it feature the traditional boom-bap beats. However, LL remains lyrically competitive after nearly four decades in the industry. With Q-Tip modernizing LL’s approach, listeners who are eager for fresh LL Cool J tracks get exactly what they seek: confident boasts in collaborations like “Murdergram Deux” with Eminem, romantic undertones in “Proclivities,” and classic rap storytelling in “Spirit of Cyrus.”
Collaborating with the iconic MC known for seductive hits like “Doin’ It” and the acclaimed producer behind A Tribe Called Quest’s hits seems almost expected. Despite being a long-married grandfather in 2024, LL Cool J still captivates with playful lyrics over a synth reminiscent of Gary Numan in “Proclivities,” showing off his charm while engaging in light-hearted banter with Saweetie. The album doesn’t attempt to portray a mature image like Jay-Z’s “4:44”; rather, it embraces LL’s enduring superhero persona from Farmers Boulevard, ultimately enhancing the album’s appeal.
Nostalgia plays a role in the project, as LL reflects on his roots. He recalls his first single that helped launch Def Jam in 1984, mentioning co-founders Rick Rubin and Russell Simmons in tracks like “Basquiat Energy” and “Runnit Back.” On “30 Decembers,” he reflects on the changes in the world since the 90s, noting, “this world ain’t like I remember.” Nas’s contribution on “Praise Him” further evokes the golden age of hip-hop, reminiscing about iconic fashion staples.
The title “FORCE” stands for “frequencies of real creative energy,” and LL Cool J showcases his creativity in the track “Black Code Suite.” He expresses a range of African-American cultural references, declaring, “I’m the sound of Miles Davis, it’s impossible to bury me,” capturing the essence of the community’s rich heritage. With references to figures like Huey P. Newton and Jean-Michel Basquiat, LL successfully crafts an album that embodies his cultural identity while appealing to pop-leaning hip-hop audiences.