LL Cool J’s Best and Most Important Albums

In honor of one of the pioneers in hip-hop and being three days away from ’The FORCE,’ we’re looking at LL Cool J’s discography and how well it holds up.

With a career spanning multiple decades, LL Cool J has established himself as one of the most successful and enduring figures in rap. His journey began in the 1980s when he emerged as a fresh-faced b-boy with a string of streetwise and romantic early rap hits. Over time, LL Cool J expanded his talents, transitioning from rap superstar to multifaceted Renaissance man. He has established himself as an actor, author, philanthropist, and music industry insider, in addition to his work as an artist.

LL Cool J’s numerous accolades include multiple Grammy Awards, an NAACP Image Award, and a Kennedy Center Honoree. He has also appeared in dozens of films, maintained a television role on the crime drama series NCIS: Los Angeles, and hosted the competitive reality show Lip Sync Battle. In 2021, he was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, recognized for his contributions to shaping the rap genre. Despite his many pursuits, LL Cool J has continued to release new music as he readies his 14th studio album, The FORCE, which is releasing this Friday.

To celebrate his legacy, we’re taking a closer look at his extensive discography and exploring the many highlights of his remarkable career.

Essential

Radio (1985)

As the first rap act to produce cohesive, fully realized albums, Run-DMC paved the way for LL Cool J, who was just 17 years old when he recorded Radio. This classic album is a boisterous celebration of hip-hop’s core elements, with its stripped-down production style and hard-hitting beats. Rick Rubin’s production reflects his minimalist approach. The instrumentation is mainly limited to a cranked-up beatbox, punctuated by DJ scratching, with occasional brief samples emphasizing the downbeat. This bare-bones approach produces raw, street-level aggression that perfectly complements LL’s confident teenage energy. The album’s impact was significant, helping to establish Def Jam as a major label and cementing LL Cool J’s status as a rising star in the hip-hop world.

Bigger and Deffer (1987)

With Bigger and Deffer, LL Cool J refined his formula for mainstream success, combining playboy charm with a tough-guy image. Released in 1987, this sophomore album built upon the playful and powerful sound of his debut, Radio. However, Bigger and Deffer introduced a new element: melody. LL created a more polished, radio-friendly sound by incorporating catchy hooks and anthemic choruses. One notable example of this new approach is the song “I Need Love,” a heartfelt ballad that showcases LL’s vulnerable side. This track is a departure from his usual bravado, revealing his personality’s more sensitive and emotional aspect. Despite its release decades ago, Bigger and Deffer remains one of LL’s standout albums.

Mama Said Knock You Out (1990)

With the release of Mama Said Knock You Out in 1990, LL Cool J proved that he was still a force to be reckoned with in the hip-hop world. The album’s title track, which famously begins with the line “Don’t call it a comeback,” showcases LL’s indignation at being written off as a has-been. However, this sentiment was understandable, given his impressive track record as a solo artist and his role as a flagship artist for Def Jam Records. Mama Said Knock You Out marked a creative resurgence for LL, thanks in part to the production skills of Marley Marl. The album’s sound is characterized by cohesion and continuity, which had been absent from LL’s work since his early days with Rick Rubin. This revitalized sound helped to reestablish LL as a talented and relatable artist.

Rewarding

G.O.A.T. featuring James T. Smith: The Greatest of All Time (2000)

Talk about a misunderstood album. G.O.A.T. finds the Queens-born rapper in impressive form. With his trademark confidence and effortless flow, he delivers a series of inventive boasts and engaging tracks that showcase his skill. The album’s relaxed, laid-back vibe reminisces a hot summer night, with LL Cool J spitting in rare form beyond the mainstream singles like “Imagine That” and effortlessly passing the mic to guests like Method Man, Redman, and Jayo Felony. However, a subtle undercurrent of defensiveness runs throughout the album. At 32, LL Cool J is still relatively young, yet he seems driven to prove himself to a new generation of listeners. This sense of determination adds a layer of complexity to the album, making it more than just a straightforward hip-hop release.

The DEFinition (2004)

In 2004, LL Cool J responded to doubts about his ability to remain relevant with The DEFinition, an album reaffirming his status as a hitmaker with enduring appeal. With Timbaland providing the bulk of the production, LL showcased his signature blend of suave lyrics and masculine bravado, effortlessly shifting between moods and styles. His mic presence and versatility are undeniable, allowing him to command the attention of fans easily. While The DEFinition may not be traditionally regarded as one of LL’s classic albums, it is undoubtedly one of his most vigorous efforts of the 2000s.

Supplementary

Walking With a Panther (1989)

The release of Walking With a Panther in 1989 marked a turning point in LL Cool J’s career, as he attempted to reinvent his sound while building on the commercial success of Bigger and Deffer. At the time, hip-hop was grappling with concerns about crossover success and the potential dilution of the art form. LL pioneered the rap ballad and found himself at the center of this debate. In the context of LL’s discography, Walking With a Panther represents a significant step forward, as he experimented with new sounds and styles. While not all of the album’s experiments were successful, the record remains a notable entry in LL’s oeuvre, and the album’s merits can be appreciated without the burden of nostalgia.

Mr. Smith (1995)

On Mr. Smith, LL Cool J showcases his ability to craft seductive, romantic songs. While he has matured since his early days, he still maintains a sense of subtlety, preferring to suggest rather than explicitly state his intentions. His lyrics are characterized by clever double entendres, metaphors, and analogies, which add to the album’s allure. The success of the slow-burning duet “Hey Lover,” featuring Boyz II Men, propelled LL Cool J back to the top of the charts. There are a few harder-edged tracks on Mr. Smith, but the album is at its best when LL focuses on his smooth, R&B-infused sound. The result is an album that, while not perfect, proves that he can still produce high-quality music that resonates with his core base.

10 (2002)

10 is a fun and frustrating record, with moments where LL Cool J is at the top of his game. The feud with Canibus seemed to have reinvigorated LL Cool J’s competitive spirit, and this energy is evident in his performances on 10. However, he’s at his best when a sense of hunger and competition drives him. Unfortunately, this motivation is not consistently present throughout the album.

Inessential

14 Shots to the Dome (1993)

In early 1993, the New York hip-hop scene was transforming. Death Row Records had momentarily taken center stage, while artists like A Tribe Called Quest, Pete Rock & CL Smooth, and Grand Puba had enjoyed success in the previous year. However, the emergence of Nas, The Notorious B.I.G., Wu-Tang Clan, and Mobb Deep was still on the horizon. Amid this shifting landscape, LL Cool J remained unfazed, focusing on his artistic vision. 14 Shots to the Dome was LL’s fifth album, marking the artist’s moment of creative freedom. Rather than trying to fit the prevailing trends, LL followed his path, crafting an album true to his artistic sensibilities (maybe). While it may not be the most celebrated album in LL’s discography, it represents an important stepping stone in his evolution as an artist.

Phenomenon (1997)

Phenomenon finds the rapper adopting a more relaxed approach. After two successful comeback albums, LL can ease off the gas, relying on his established credentials. The result is an album that resembles Mr. Smith, with a mix of laid-back soul jams and rolling party beats. While this record lacks the impact of its predecessor, it still features a few exceptional singles and some less impressive tracks and filler material. Despite this, the album sounds polished and engaging when played, even if it doesn’t linger in the listener’s mind. Phenomenon demonstrates LL’s professionalism and skill, showcasing why he remains a relevant figure in the music industry twelve years after his debut, even if it doesn’t meet the standards of his classics.

Todd Smith (2006)

While his 2006 album, Todd Smith, may not have the same impact as his earlier works, such as Radio or Mama Said Knock You Out, it showcases the rapper’s wit and style. LL Cool J makes no attempts to reclaim his street cred, and Todd Smith is a straightforward commercial pop-rap album. The production is handled by industry-heavy hitters like Jermaine Dupri, Pharrell, Timbaland, and Scott Storch. The album also features several guest stars, including Jennifer Lopez, Mary J. Blige, Ne-Yo, and Jamie Foxx. The result is a forgettable, radio-friendly hip-hop album from a veteran artist.

Exit 13 (2008)

LL Cool J’s twelfth effort marks the end of an era as the MC departs from Def Jam (he rejoined with the label years ago), the pioneering label he helped establish. With its prog-rock-inspired design, the album’s cover art hints at the eclectic sound within. However, the music itself is a mixed bag, with some tracks showcasing LL’s signature style, while others feel like attempts to fit into the mainstream rap mold of 2008. The album’s tone is often reactive, with LL prioritizing proving his relevance over crafting meaningful lyrics, as it felt like a missed opportunity. Instead, the album feels like a hasty exit, with LL prioritizing commercial appeal over artistic merit.

Authentic (2013)

While LL’s lyrics may not be as sharp as they once were, Authentic brings a sense of enthusiasm and energy to the album’s pop-infused tracks. The nostalgic throwbacks, in particular, showcase LL’s ability to craft infectious and memorable hooks. The album features a diverse range of guests, including Chuck D, Travis Barker, Tom Morello, and Z-Trip, which adds to its eclectic feel for all the wrong reasons. Although the album may not be a return to form for LL, it is an effort that lacks everything that made James Todd Smith great in the first place.