LL Cool J is set to release his first album in 11 years, “The FORCE,” on September 6. Over the past two years, he has been deeply immersed in writing, rapping, and producing new music. Reflecting on the journey, he explained to the Associated Press, “I just felt like the tracks that this producer was giving me were better than the songs that I was writing.”
LL Cool J shared a poignant experience where the late Phife Dawg appeared to him in a dream, offering encouragement about his new music but with a hint of skepticism. “He told me, ‘Yo, man, that new music you’re working on is great, man.’ But he had a look on his face like a Cheshire cat, like he was lying to me.”
Initially, LL Cool J collaborated with Dr. Dre, producing 30-40 tracks. However, he felt his own contributions weren’t strong enough. As he revealed on Way Up With Angela Yee, “What Dre was bringing to the table was super dope — but I felt like the writing, what I was bringing to these songs didn’t feel strong enough to me.”
This realization led him to switch gears and work with Q-Tip, who produced all 14 tracks on the final album. LL Cool J focused on refining his skills and ensuring his new work was genuinely inspired. “I went back to the drawing board and learned how to rap again … making sure I was really inspired by the things I was saying. That’s why there isn’t a lot of fluff on this album.”
Comparing his approach to that of top athletes, he said, “The LeBrons, the Stephs, the Jordans, and the Kobes, they all go back to the drawing board, they always try to make themselves better.” He emphasized he wasn’t aiming to follow trends or replicate his past work.
“The FORCE” boasts an impressive lineup, including Snoop Dogg, Saweetie, Busta Rhymes, Nas, Eminem, Rick Ross, Fat Joe, Mad Squablz, and J-S.A.N.D. LL Cool J expressed his intent to connect authentically with his audience. “I wanted to meet people where I’m at now. I wasn’t trying to be preachy. I did want to express with people where I’m at artistically at this point in my life and give them that. And then they can take that and do whatever they want with it.”