LL Cool J’s The FORCE is a strong and unexpected return to form, easily his best album in almost 25 years, since G.O.A.T. (2000). Where much of his output in recent decades leaned toward pop and was often lackluster, this album shows LL with renewed energy and lyrical sharpness. His long-awaited collaboration with Q-Tip brings together LL’s veteran swagger with Tip’s dynamic production. Although at times the beats don’t mesh perfectly with LL’s rhymes, the album delivers a consistently engaging experience, peaking with highlights like the posse cut “The Vow” and the ferocious “Murdergram Deux,” where LL and Eminem engage in an exhilarating bar-for-bar exchange.
The album’s strength lies in its confident, unapologetic approach. LL doesn’t try to chase current trends, but he also avoids being too nostalgic, making The FORCE sound timeless. Tracks like “Runnit Back” are full of the kind of affirmations that speak to all generations, and the inclusion of newer voices on “The Vow” feels refreshing, a rare feat for a project driven by an artist from Hip Hop’s golden era. LL’s signature braggadocio, displayed on tracks like “Post Modern” and “Black Code Suite,” is balanced with introspective moments like “30 Decembers,” where he reflects on aging and the passing of time in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The album is not without its flaws, as some tracks feel underdeveloped or a bit overstuffed. Still, LL’s charisma and lyrical prowess make up for the few stumbles, and his features—particularly Nas and Eminem—only elevate the project further. Q-Tip’s beats bring a rich variety, from boom-bap to funk, with the chemistry between producer and rapper rarely faltering.
It’s important to recognize LL Cool J’s pedigree and the foundational role he played in shaping Hip Hop. As one of Def Jam’s flagship artists, he helped define the genre in its earliest stages. His debut, Radio (1985), produced by Rick Rubin, was a raw, stripped-down record that showcased his brash delivery and larger-than-life persona. He followed this with Bigger and Deffer (1987), home to classics like “I’m Bad” and the iconic “I Need Love,” one of the earliest rap ballads. Mama Said Knock You Out (1990) further solidified LL as a powerhouse, with tracks like the title cut proving he could evolve with the times without losing his edge.
On The FORCE, LL taps into that same hunger that made him a household name. At 56, he’s still proving that he can hang with the best, delivering intricate flows and clever bars that remind listeners why he’s one of the genre’s longest-standing legends. This project proves LL’s staying power, and though it might not reinvent the wheel, it’s a solid offering that reaffirms his place in the pantheon of Hip Hop greats.
7.5/10
Photo Credit: Cory Grimes