In a new interview with the New York Times, LL Cool J says that “songwriting” is missing in today’s hip-hop.
The 56-year-old icon revealed his simple answer to Times reporter Melena Ryzik‘s question, “What is missing from today’s hip-hop?” LL would elaborate on the answer including that today’s hip hop needs more substance.
He continued: “There’s nothing wrong with rapping about money and success, and there’s nothing wrong with rapping about pure sex — I love them both. [But] there has to be more to it than that, to me, in order for a project to be compelling.”
LL Cool J says “he relearned how to rap” in his upcoming album, The Force, his fourteenth studio album. In July, he told AP: “Going back to the drawing board and learning 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.”
The Force is executive produced by legendary producer and A Tribe Called Quest frontman Q-Tip. It’s LL’s first album in 11 years. The album will feature Eminem, Fat Joe, Nas, Busta Rhymes, Rick Ross, and more.
LL Cool J’s hip-hop career spans 40 years. Releasing his debut album, Radio, in 1985, the first album released by Def Jam Records. He has won two Grammy Awards with his first in 1991 for “Best Rap Performance” with “Momma Said Knock You Out.” In addition to the accolades, he has had legendary beefs, including one with Can-i-Bus.
While talking to Joe Budden about the battle with Canibus, LL admitted his rival did nothing wrong. He told Budden: “He (Canibus) met me at a time in my life when I led with my ego – straight up – primarily. So, when you come up to a guy who is still territorial, say to him, ‘Oh, I’m going to get a tattoo just like yours.’ I wasn’t as mature as I am now.”
The Force will be released this Friday, September 6 on all streaming platforms.