LL Album Review

By David Lopez
Artist: LL Cool J
Album: Todd Smith
Rating: 3.5

With his 12th album, Todd Smith, LL makes it evident why his passion for hip-hop has endured; Cool James loves it as much as the ladies adore him.

The LP opens up with the boisterous "LL and Santana," as he passes the torch to his younger Def Jam label mate, as Juelz proves that he's going to lead the new generation the same way LL led his. Though lead single "Control Myself," featuring Jennifer Lopez, will draw its share of nay-sayers, its this formula of erotic party tracks that has given Mr. Smith so many platinum plaques, and the reason he's been doing it, and doing it well, for two decades and counting. Other tracks made in that seductive vein include; “# 1 Fan,” the Teairra Mari assisted “ Preserve The Sexy,” and “Favorite Flavor,” featuring Mary J. Blige.

LL smoothens and romances out the LP with the laid back “Best Dress,” with Jaime Foxx, “Freeze,” featuring Lyfe Jennings, and the 112 laced “ Down The Aisle.”The remorseful, “ I’ve Changed” hits the mark as well due to the spirited chorus by Ryan Toby.

The clunkish “Ooh Wee,” featuring Ginuwine puts you to sleep as LL 's voice and Ginuwine's singing is way too tiresome to enjoy, and the Mary Mary collaboration, “We’re Going To Make It,” feels forced after hearing LL discuss secular themes for the majority of the album.

Despite these mishaps, hip hop fans see a more refined LL on Todd Smith, and like fine wine; one can make a strong case that he’s gotten better with time.