LL Cool J, the hip-hop pioneer who released his last album in 2008, is back and ready to heat the scene up again with his new album, "Authentic."
The mistake many artists of LL Cool J's caliber make is coming back and trying to conform to what is popular now, while compromising their art. LL Cool J stays true to himself with this album bringing fans the authentic sound they are used to hearing.
The tracks featured on "Authentic" confirm what the album's title suggests; authentic hip-hop and R&B is being brought back to the music scene through the tracks. His single "Take it," which features Joe, is similar to the rapper's popular track "Paradise" from a former album. While LL Cool J brings fans down memory lane through his track, "Whaddup," which has a classic hip-hop vibe similar to the old school hit, "Momma Said Knock You Out," the album fuses genuine R&B sound and classical hip-hop flavor, with a touch of a rock vibe.
True LL Cool J fans will enjoy the album. However, there might be mixed reactions from younger listeners.
"Authentic" will be released on April 30.
Shaniel Champagnie can be reached at shaniel.champagnie@ student.shu.edu.
