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G.O.A.T.
LL COOL J
(Island Def Jam / Universal)
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)