LL Cool J’s latest project – The Force

LL Cool J’s highly anticipated album The Force marks his return to music after more than a decade. Released on September 6, 2024, the album features 14 tracks and an impressive lineup of guest appearances, including Eminem, Nas, Snoop Dogg, Rick Ross, Fat Joe, Busta Rhymes, and Saweetie. The album was produced entirely by Q-Tip and blends nostalgic hip-hop elements with modern production, maintaining LL Cool J’s classic sound while showcasing his growth as an artist.

At 44 minutes, The Force is packed with memorable moments. LL Cool J’s lyricism is sharp, full of vivid imagery, and brimming with confidence. Songs like “Murdergram Deux” feature high-energy performances alongside Eminem, with both artists showcasing rapid-fire rhymes and technical skill. LL’s breath control and delivery on tracks like “Basquiat Energy” and “Spirit of Cyrus” demonstrate that his prowess as an MC has only improved over the years. His lyrics touch on a variety of themes, including Black empowerment, personal growth, and reflections on his legacy.

Q-Tip’s production is another standout feature of the album. He weaves in elements of jazz, funk, and boom-bap, creating rich soundscapes that complement LL’s commanding presence. Tracks like “Huey in the Chair” featuring Busta Rhymes are particularly notable for their cinematic flair, while the more laid-back “Proclivities” finds LL exploring a smoother, playboy vibe.

However, the album isn’t without its minor flaws. Some collaborations, such as those on “Saturday Night Special” with Rick Ross and Fat Joe, feel slightly out of place, as the guest artists fail to elevate the track’s theme of wisdom from elder statesmen. Despite this, LL’s performance remains strong, and other collaborations—like the one with Busta Rhymes—more than make up for these missteps.

Key tracks on The Force include collaborations like “Murdergram Deux” featuring Eminem, which has been praised for its lyrical intensity, and “Huey In the Chair” with Busta Rhymes, a track that channels high energy and creativity. LL Cool J also explores smoother vibes in tracks like “Proclivities,” which features Saweetie, adding variety to the album’s sonic landscape.

The full tracklist is as follows:

Spirit of Cyrus (featuring Snoop Dogg)
The Force
Saturday Night Special (featuring Rick Ross and Fat Joe)
Black Code Suite (featuring Sona Jobarteh)
Passion
Proclivities (featuring Saweetie)
Post Modern
30 Decembers
Runnit Back
Huey In the Chair (featuring Busta Rhymes)
Basquiat Energy
Praise Him (featuring Nas)
Murdergram Deux (featuring Eminem)The Vow (featuring Mad Squablz, J-S.A.N.D., and Don Pablito)

Overall, The Force solidifies LL Cool J’s legendary status, proving that even 40 years into his career, he is still a formidable force in hip-hop. This album serves as a reminder of his enduring relevance and influence in the genre. This album stands out as a testament to LL Cool J’s ability to evolve while remaining rooted in the essence of hip-hop, making The Force one of his strongest releases in recent years.

LL Cool J’s latest project – The Force