LL Cool J reintroduces his rap legend with his 14th studio album, The FORCE. Frequencies of Real Creative Energy is the meaning behind the acronym that sums up his brisk fire-spitting fest. The raptor and actor) serves up an album that has a nice balance of mainstream legends, his ever-present love for the ladies, new young voices, and cross-cultural pride. Snoop Dogg, Nas, Fat Joe, Busta Rhymes, Eminem, and Rick Ross all have appearances on LL’s first album in 11 years. Saweetie is featured on the sexy “Proclivities,” which hearkens back to the origin of his stage name. He looks forward to the future with next generation rappers Mad Squablz, J-S.A.N.D. and Don Pablito for “The Vow.” “Black Code Suite” is a charming surprise that honors African-American mores with a feature from Gambian kora player Sona Jobarteh. Q-Tip produced The FORCE and unofficially shares his vocals on the integrity paean “Saturday Night Special,” “Post Modern,” “Runnit Back,” and “Black Code Suite.” LL Cool J makes it known that he has the same love for hip-hop that he had when he started his career as a teenager in the ’80s. The FORCE is his best album in two decades and a necessary pick for 2024.
