No, LL hasn't gained any newfound humility. Far from it -- G.O.A.T. stands for Greatest Of All Time, and James T. Smith makes it Cristal clear that's how he sees himself on his eighth studio album. Given that he's managed to remain one of rap's top artists for a decade, maybe he has a point. Trouble is, it appears he's decided being a celebrity is all the material he needs. Like many a star before him, Smith has crossed the line from self-absorption to narcissistic delusion, spending most of G.O.A.T. prattling emptily about his limos and gold and jets and women and yadda yadda yadda over a dry, underproduced beatbox-and-keyboard backdrop that aims for high-tech minimalism but just sounds weak. Only a few tracks, like the sizzling funkers Take it Off and Farmers, manage to mine a decent groove. Even fewer -- like Homicide, which notes "Columbine happens in the ghetto every day" -- actually say anything. Compared to Rock the Bells, Mama Said Knock You Out and Goin' Back to Cali, this just gets our goat.

Track Listing 1.Intro
  02.Imagine That
  03.Back Where I Belong
  04.LL Cool J
  05.Take It Off
  06.Skit
  07.Fuhgidabowdit
  08.Farmers
  09.This Is Us
  10.Can't Think
  11.Hello
  12.You And Me
  13.Homicide
  14.U Can't F**k With Me
  15.Queens Is
  16.The G.O.A.T.
  17.Ill Bomb (Bonus Track)
  18.M.I.S.S. (Bonus Track)