Following André 3000’s November 2023 interview with GQ, his tank runneth over. To this day, he continues to receive pushback regarding his “rapping over 40” comment. So, during his appearance on The Shop he addressed that and latest critic of his stance, LL Cool J.
“To me, I feel like if it’s in you,” he said. “Cause I got homies my age and older than me that still rap. So if it’s in you, you should rap until you die. You should perform until you die. But what I’m saying is, what it takes for me to do it, I’m always looking for the next. I’m not trying to uphold a thing that I’ve done before.”
Despite his perceived indifference to making an official return to rap, he hasn’t completely turned away from the possibility. “Of course, I have things to say now,” he said. “But if I can’t say them in a fresh, innovative way, if I feel like I’m just hanging onto the same flow that I used to do, it’s not enough for me. So I can’t talk for another rapper about what they doing. I just say, “Man, go for it. If it’s in you.’”
Watch The Shop episode starring André 3000, Sexyy Red, Jerry Lorenzo, Jiaoying Summers, and Nigel Sylvester above.
James Todd Smith, better known as LL Cool J, is one of the most influential figures in hip-hop history. His distinctive voice and clever phrasing caught attention with his first record, “I Need a Beat,” in 1984. A year later, he dropped Radio, which remains an essential release within hip-hop. He’s been active for nearly 40 years now and has created timeless songs and albums that have helped shape rap into what it is today.
Whether you listen to his early work or prefer later hits like “Mama Said Knock You Out,” LL Cool J’s catalog is full of classic material that’s influenced generations of rappers. He’s been able to move with the times without losing himself, truly earning him a place among hip-hop’s all-time greats. Here are five tracks from his career that represent LL Cool J at his best and showcase why he matters so much to this art form we love.
1. “I Can’t Live Without My Radio” (1985)
In 1985, on his first album Radio, “I Can’t Live Without My Radio” was the song that made LL Cool J famous. It represents the early hip-hop culture’s abundant vitality and rebelliousness with its strong beats and tough delivery by LL. This song showed how he could attract people’s attention. Further, it became an anthem of street life for hip-hop culture to celebrate. The achievement of this track helped Def Jam Recordings become a powerful company within the industry. It also confirmed the pioneer status of LL Cool J among other artists of such kind. Until now, “I Can’t Live Without My Radio” remains one necessary tune that reflects what was going on in the eighties related to rap music.
2. “Rock The Bells” (1985)
One more song that stands out from Radio is “Rock the Bells,” which shows off LL Cool J’s agility with rhyming and his ability to command a stage. This 1985 release became an iconic moment in his career as it displayed his capacity to weave intricate wordplay. The relentless energy of this track set it apart from other songs released at the same time. Moreover, the innovative production on “Rock the Bells” by Rick Rubin made it unique. He used low-tech methods designed for maximum impact around LL’s voice. Not only did the single do well but it also helped further establish Def Jam Records’ reputation within hip-hop circles. Even now, many years after its initial airing, “Rock the Bells” remains one of those timeless classics that every fan should have in their collection – a true representation of early days hip hop rawness!
3. “Mama Said Knock You Out” (1990)
The title track from his 1990 album Mama Said Knock You Out is arguably LL Cool J’s most iconic song. Produced by Marley Marl, this track marked a triumphant return for LL Cool J, who faced criticism that his career was declining. The song’s powerful and defiant lyrics delivered a message to naysayers and cemented his legacy in hip-hop history. “Mama Said Knock You Out” also received widespread acclaim and won the Grammy Award for Best Rap Solo Performance in 1991. Its success reaffirmed LL Cool J’s relevance in hip-hop and demonstrated his ability to adapt. The track remains a symbol of strength, celebrated for its impact and longevity in the genre.
4. “Doin’ It” (1996) Ft. LeShaun
Released in 1996 on the Mr. Smith album, “Doin’ It” showcased LL Cool J’s smooth, romantic side. Featuring a sultry beat and flirtatious bars, the track became an instant hit and proved LL’s versatility as an artist. With its catchy chorus and seductive vibe, “Doin’ It” stood out in ’90s hip-hop and R&B. Further, the song, featuring LeShaun, became a success, reaching the Top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100. “Doin’ It” displayed LL Cool J’s ability to create crossover hits that appealed to both hip-hop purists and mainstream audiences. Its enduring popularity highlights LL’s knack for crafting memorable, genre-blending tracks that remain beloved by fans.
5. “Headsprung” (2004)
From the 2004 album The DEFinition, “Headsprung” marked LL Cool J’s successful adaptation to the evolving sound of hip-hop in the new millennium. Produced by Timbaland, the track features a futuristic beat and LL’s signature confident flow. “Headsprung” became a club anthem, showcasing LL Cool J’s ability to stay relevant and innovative in a rapidly changing music scene. The song’s energetic production helped it achieve global success, charting on the Billboard Hot 100 and receiving significant radio play. “Headsprung” proved that even after two decades in the industry, LL Cool J could still deliver hits that resonated with both old fans and new listeners. This track emphasizes his enduring influence and adaptability in the ever-evolving world of hip-hop.
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee and two-time Grammy® Award-winning Hip-Hop icon, LL COOL J, has announced his 14th studio album, The FORCE (Frequencies of Real Creative Energy). Set for release on September 6th via Def Jam Recordings / Virgin Music Group, the highly anticipated 14-track album features an impressive lineup of guest artists, including Nas, Eminem, Rick Ross, Fat Joe, Busta Rhymes, Saweetie, Snoop Dogg, Don Pablito, J-S.A.N.D., Mad Squablz, and Sona Jobarteh.
The FORCE, LL’s first new album in over a decade, is a powerful testament to his enduring influence in the music industry. Produced entirely by Q-Tip of A Tribe Called Quest, the album showcases LL’s renewed vigor and lyrical prowess. The Queens emcee describes the creation process as “learning how to rap again,” resulting in a record that is both contemporary and deeply rooted in Hip-Hop tradition.
“It’s like a director going back to film school after he’s had blockbusters,” LL says, or “Denzel going back to acting class.”
This album explores various themes, from racial injustice and law enforcement abuses to the effects of the pandemic, isolation, and LL’s legacy in the Hip-Hop canon. With sharp writing and dynamic vocals, “The The FORCE blends serious topical content and energetic, fun tracks, demonstrating LL COOL J’s continued relevance and creativity.
“We’re talking 14 tracks of straight fire, all crafted by myself and the one and only Q-Tip,” LL said. “When you listen to this album, you’re not just hearing music, you’re experiencing a whole new vibe, a whole new level of artistic passion.”
The FORCE is set to inspire and challenge the genre, offering a new direction for Hip-Hop while celebrating its rich history. Fans can look forward to a modern, thought-provoking album that reaffirms LL COOL J’s place as a Hip-Hop legend.
Previously, LL COOL J triumphantly returned to music with his new single “Saturday Night Special” featuring Rick Ross and Fat Joe. Released via Def Jam Recordings and Virgin Music Group, the track marks LL’s comeback after a decade-long hiatus.
The new single, produced by Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee Q-Tip, kicks off with an innovative sonic approach. LL COOL J, Rick Ross, and Fat Joe navigate the track with lyrical finesse, depicting life’s harsh realities, intricate dynamics, and the code of ethics governing it. Named after the revolver class “Saturday Night Special,” the song explores key players in the hustle, such as the “greedy killer” who reacts violently to disrespect and the “daredevil type” who seeks attention. Emphasizing self-preservation and strategic interaction, the song’s core message revolves around trust and reciprocity in the hustle.
The minimalist, black-and-white music video, directed by JakeTheShooter with creative direction from HiHat, brings the hustler anthem to life. Shot in Miami, Florida, the video features LL, Fat Joe, and Rick Ross performing together.
“‘Saturday Night Special’ is just the beginning,” LL said. “There’s a lot more where this came from, and I’m hype for y’all to hear this new record. We’re doing this for the fans and for Hip-Hop culture.”
You can see the tracklist below.
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 Da 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)
LL Cool J has making the rounds in promotion of his new album. One of the most consistent talking points for the rapper, outside of his own music, is the Drake vs. Kendrick Lamar battle. LL has beefed with his fair share of rappers in the past. His POV is useful, and oftentimes insightful. He once again talked about the Drake vs. Lamar battle during a recent interview with Charlamagne tha God. This time, though, he gave advice to Drake, in particular.
LL and Charlamagne talked about rap beef more broadly before the former narrowed the focus to Drake and Kendrick Lamar. “Drake,” he said. “That ‘Not Like Us‘ sh*t, that sh*t’s torture for a motherf*cker. Ah sh*t, little kids singing to it. You know that sh*t’s bananas.” LL Cool J had a good laugh over the success of the Kendrick Lamar song, but he also expressed sympathy for Drake. “You’ll be fine, bro,” he assured the 6 God. “Don’t even trip. “You just don’t take it personal… You can’t be overly sensitive.” LL Cool J admitted that he’s been in a similar situation, where he was forced to stomach a song that was made at his expense. “I get it,” he told Charlamagne. “I been there, I know it. It can be upsetting… But you gotta control that.”
LL Cool J crowned Kendrick Lamar the winner of the battle during a recent Hot 97 interview. He went as far as to suggest that Drake stepping to Compton’s own was a bad idea. That being said, LL was high on Drake’s performance within the battle. “Both of them are super talented, they both did great,” he told the host. “It ain’t like Drake completely and utterly played himself…” LL also gave both rappers their flowers, and noted what the battle will do for both of their legacies. “Both of their names will be etched in history because of it,” he asserted.
LL Cool J is on the other side of his career, however. He told Charlamagne that he’s trying to be positive towards his peers. “I don’t even wanna go there,” he explained. “I wanna keep things positive energy. No problem, no fake tough guy bullsh*t.” LL backed up his claims by clearing up the long-standing rumor that he had beef with JAY-Z. He admitted that the two men exchanged bars back in 1996, but claimed that he lyrically spent after coming off an album cycle. LL also denied throwing subs at JAY on his song “Loungin.’”
JAY-Z is an elder statesman of rap. He’s arguably the most respected emcee of all time. That said, LL Cool J is one of the few people who can lay claim to having more longevity. He was a megastar a decade before Hov released his first album. The two men have encountered each other several times over the years, but there always seems to be underlying tension. There’s stories about rap battles in New York, and subliminal disses dating back to 1996. LL Cool J decided to clarify how he feels about Hov, though, during a recent interview.
LL Cool J has been on the press grind in preparation for his new album, and he sat with Charlamagne tha God to discuss his legacy. Naturally, JAY-Z came up. The rapper recounted an incident where he was at a club and was approached by a group of up-and-comers. The group, led by Sauce Money, started spitting bars at LL, who was already an established superstar. LL’s status is worth noting, because according to him, he didn’t have many rhymes saved up for a battle. “When I ain’t had a deal,” he explained. “I had a suitcase of rhymes. Now I’m albums in…” JAY-Z took over for Sauce Money, at which point LL Cool J admits he’d emptied his lyrical tank. “Jay came up rapping. I was out of rhymes, b,” he admitted.
LL Cool J Denies Throwing Subs At JAY-Z On “Loungin’”
The rapper asserted that the timing was unfortunate, but that by no means did JAY get him. “Did I run out of rhymes? Was I finished rapping? Abso-f*cking-lutely,” he recalled. “Was it their peanut gallery? Absolutely. But do you really wanna get into some of that shit with LL? You really want that?” LL Cool J also cleared up the rumor that his classic single “Loungin’ (Who Do Ya Luv)” had subliminal disses for Hov. His argument against the theory is that JAY-Z was just starting his career, and had barely proven himself as a viable artist. “What could I possibly want from him in 1996,” he logically noted. “What do I want with him?”
While nobody would accuse LL and JAY-Z of being best friends, the two artists have expressed admiration for each other in the past. In 2020, the latter told Hip-Hop Wired that LL Cool J was one of the first rappers to prove that longevity was attainable. “We’ve seen people like LL have longevity,” he noted. “And we respect the heritage of what he’s done.” The fact that both artists are still around, and still relevant, is a testament to their talents.
LL Cool J‘s long-awaited Q-Tip-produced 14th studio album has officially been given a title and a release date. The FORCE (Frequencies of Real Creative Energy) will be LL’s first new album in 11 years, and arrives September 6th via Def Jam Recordings/Virgin Music Group. Clocking in at 14 tracks, it will boast guest appearances from a who’s-who of both classic and contemporary rap stars, including Busta Rhymes, Eminem, Fat Joe, Nas, Saweetie, and Snoop Dogg.
“[I was] going back to the drawing board and learning how to rap again,” he told the Associated Press of the new album’s creation process. “The LeBrons, the Stephs, the Jordans and the Kobes, they all go back to the drawing board, they always try to make themselves better. I wasn’t trying to do trendy, and I wasn’t trying to recapture anything I did before.”
That included scrapping previous versions of the work, such as one he said he recorded with 50 Cent during his interview with The Breakfast Club last year. “When it was done, I listened to it,” he recalled. “I’m like, ‘It sounds good. I like the music, it sounds cool, but it ain’t me.’ So, I ain’t put it out.”
The FORCE (Frequencies of Real Creative Energy) is due 9/6 via Def Jam Recordings/Virgin Music Group. You can check out its first single, “Passion,” above, and see the tracklist below. Pre-order it here.
The FORCE Tracklist
01. “Spirit Of Cyrus” Feat. Snoop Dogg
02. “The FORCE”
03. “Saturday Night Special” Feat. Rick Ross & Fat Joe
04. “Black Code Suite” Feat. Sona Jobarteh
05. “Passion”
06. “Proclivities” Feat. Saweetie
07. “Post Modern”
08. “30 Decembers”
09. “Runnit Back”
10. “Huey In Da Chair” Feat. Busta Rhymes
11. “Basquiat Energy”
12. “Praise Him” Feat. Nas
13. “Murdergram Deux” Feat. Eminem
14. “The Vow” Feat. Mad Squablz, J-S.A.N.D. & Don Pablito
LL COOL J is delivering more details on his upcoming 14th studio album, as well as a new single from it called “Passion” this weekend. The legendary New York rapper has been working toward a comeback and now we have the official return date. According to Pitchfork, The FORCE, which stands for “Frequencies of Real Creative Energy”, is coming September 6 and will feature some impressive guests. Eminem, Snoop Dogg, Busta Rhymes, and Nas lead the way, but Saweetie, Fat Joe, Rick Ross, and more round things out nicely. Also affiliated with this project is A Tribe Called Quests Q-Tip, who is handling all of the production.
LL COOL J feels he made the right choice recruiting him, and he is promising fans nothing but heat and incredible creativity. “We’re talking 14 tracks of straight fire, all crafted by myself and the one and only Q-Tip. When you listen to this album, you’re not just hearing music, you’re experiencing a whole new vibe, a whole new level of artistic passion”, COOL J affirms. So far, we are certainly hearing what is saying, as the lead-off track, “Saturday Night Special”, was a luxurious and grand way to kick off this rollout. “Passion” is equally spectacular, as Q-Tip brings a head-nodding boom-bap vibe perfect for the summer. COOL J’s performance is equally passionate, as he continues to sound revitalized.
Time’s up, get ya signs and pickets Wanna see me in the desert but ya man’s liquid Sun shining, old diamonds, new blue face Staring at my pocket lining ’cause I put the time in Freak of nature with the bars, broken English got me foreign cars Rolls Roycе for some R&R
LL Cool J has been on a press run lately. He dropped the single “Saturday Night Special” and made some controversial comments regarding Andre 3000’s flute playing. The most hotly-discussed topic a rapper could mention in 2024, though, is the Drake vs. Kendrick Lamar battle. LL has plenty to say on the topic during a recent interview with Hot 97’s TT Torrez. Not mind-blowing takes in terms of stance, but still a fascinating POV from someone who’s had beef in the past.
LL Cool J told Torrez that Kendrick Lamar was the definitive winner in the battle. It’s pretty uncontested among hip-hop fans, but the rapper did make a point of giving Drake his props. “Kendrick won the battle. I mean, come on,” he noted. “That’s obvious. That’s a no-brainer. And listen, I like Drake. I love his music, he’s a cool dude. We don’t know each other but I like his music. I’m happy for him and everything.” Cool J then made the comment that caught most fans’ attention. He suggested that the 6 God ultimately made a bad choice when he decided to butt heads with Dot. “Kendrick… that might have been a bad choice,” he added. “I like him but Kendrick did his thing.”
LL Cool J, who has been recognized by many as a precursor to Drake’s R&B-leaning sound, broadened the topic. He placed both Drake and Lamar in the greater context of rap history, and claimed that both men have secured their place. “It was great for Hip Hop culture, don’t get it twisted,” LL noted. “Both of their names will be etched in history because of it.” The rapper also reminded fans how good the Drake disses were, even if they were overshadowed. “Even us just talking about it now is etching it into history,” he concluded. “Both of them are super talented, they both did great. It ain’t like Drake completely and utterly played himself.”
LL Cool J voicing passion for hip-hop as a culture could not have come at a better time. The rapper-turned-actor is currently working on a new album. His first album, actually since, 2013. The album will be produced by another genre legend, Q-Tip, and will release sometime in the fall. Interestingly, a feature on his lead single, Rick Ross, is one of the many rappers who declared war on Drake earlier this year. To be fair to LL, it’s hard to avoid rappers who haven’t beefed with Drake at this point.
LL Cool J and Eminem are both making major comebacks to hip-hop very soon, as both have impending albums on the way. For the former MC hailing from New York, his return has been 11 years in the making. THE FORCE, which is slated for a fall release according to HipHopNMore, is already shaping up to be a massive moment for the genre and longtime fans of the hitmaker. LL put out the lead single this past Friday (June 14), “Saturday Night Special”, which features Rick Ross and Fat Joe. Then, there is Eminem. The Detroit icon started his album rollout for The Death of Slim Shady already by releasing the controversial track “Houdini”.
With two mainstays looking to reaffirm their positions in hip-hop lore already being big news, there could not be anything that could top that right? Well, think again, as rumors are swirling around X circles that LL Cool J and Eminem have a collaboration potentially in the works for the first time ever. The track is called “Murdergram” and there is a strong belief that it could land on THE FORCE. However, there is some good news and some bad news.
Let us start with the negative’s first. The song is already losing hype amongst the fans, as the song was leaked to X in full yesterday, potentially ruining the chance that it officially drops. Furthermore, the people that did check out the leak felt that Emimen put in a forgettable performance. Now for the positives. Social media users who decided to not play the unreleased version can feel even better about it, as at the time of writing, the leak was hit with a copyright strike. This could mean that Cool J or Eminem’s team came across and did not want to spoil the anticipation any further. Overall, it is an odd situation, but the leak community is still a huge problem, especially this year.
What are your thoughts on this LL Cool J and Eminem leak “Murdergram”? Do you have an issue with the leak culture, why or why not? Are you going to listen to it or wait until Cool J’s album drops later this year? If you did listen to it, who do you think performed better on the track? We would like to hear what you have to say, so leave your thoughts in the comments. Additionally, always keep it locked in with HNHH for all of the latest news surrounding LL Cool J and Eminem. Finally, stay with us for everything else going on in the music world.
Drake vs. Kendrick Lamar has transcended the battle. The back-and-forth between the two superstars has powered the entirety of hip-hop media in 2024. Every media personality has given their two cents on who won, and every legendary rapper has gone on a podcast to offer perspective. LL Cool J is one of the few who didn’t have much to say about Drake vs. Lamar while they were battling. Now that the dust has settled, though, LL has nothing but praise for both sides.
LL Cool J recently sat down with Bootleg Kev to talk shop about the battle of the decade. The rapper clarified that he was coming at from a fan perspective, and was thoroughly entertained by what Drake and Dot put on display. “I thought it was great for hip-hop,” he noted. “Thought it was the right thing. I thought they both did well, they held their own.” LL Cool J did make a ruling on which rapper he thought won, though, and it was not a surprise. “I thought Kendrick won,” he noted. “But I thought that Drake, by no means did he embarrass himself… He definitely showed up.”
— The Art Of Dialogue (@ArtOfDialogue_) June 17, 2024
LL Cool J is a battle-tested veteran, himself. He’s gone at Canibus and Wyclef Jean among countless others. He was happy to see that competition is still a big part of hip-hop’s appeal. “The key to that stuff is as long it doesn’t distract you from your ultimate goal,” he stated. “It’s a wonderful thing to participate in. I love it, man.” LL took things a step further than comparing Drake and Kendrick Lamar to some of the great rivalries in sports. “This is no different from LeBron and Steph. Jordan, when he was coming in, and Magic was going out. It ain’t no different.”
One rapper who LL has been less thrilled with, lately, is Andre 3000. He recently gave his opinion on Three Stack’s flute album, and told The Shop‘s Lena Waithe that he was disappointed. “I need him to spit,” the rapper noted. “Flutes? Man, come on, bro. His bars is all the way up. I’m very clear. Not the flute, B. Not the flute.” LL Cool J put his money where his mouth was, too. He just dropped the single “Saturday Night Special” with guest appearances from fellow legends Rick Ross and Fat Joe.
Bootleg Kev/Youtube)