September 10, 2004

REESE


Album Review: LL Cool J

THE DEFINITION
By DARRYL STERDAN



THE DEFINITION
LL Cool J
(Def Jam/Universal)

It's The DEFinition of a comeback. And it's about damn time.

After spending most of the last decade churning out forgettable albums like G.O.A.T., rap legend LL Cool J has finally regrouped and resurfaced with his strongest disc since 1990's Mama Said Knock You Out.

Sure, much of the credit has to go to producer Timbaland, who helms more than half these 11 tracks and freshens LL's laid-back bravado with his slinky Middle Eastern grooves and skittery off-kilter vibes. Ultimately, though, this is LL's ball, and the reinvigorated rhymer runs with it like the pro he is, wisely concentrating on uptempo tracks and all but jettisoning the lover-man soul stirrers that have diluted his flow on past discs.

Even he knows he's back on track. "I'm the greatest of all time, you heard that before," boasts LL. "But now when I say it, it means so much more."

No argument here.
Track Listing
1. Headsprung featuring Timbaland
2. Rub My Back (2nd or 3rd single)
3. I'm Gonna Get Her featuring R. Kelly
4. Move Somethin'
5. Hush featuring 7 Aurelius
6. Every Sip
7. Shake It Baby
8. Can't Explain It
9. Feel The Beat
10. Apple Cobbler
11. 1 In The Morning
 


Browse Reviews by Artist



HOT MUSIC HEADLINES
M.I.A. fiance slams split report
Perry, Brand reach divorce deal
SOCAN buys Songwriters Hall
Beach Boys to perform at Grammys
Cohen, Del Rey debut on charts
Busey files for bankruptcy
Aguilera to reconcile with dad?
Trench singer has music in DNA
Metallica launching music festival
Missy Elliott to make comeback
More Headlines
Howie D invites fans on Israel trip
Beyonce trademarking 'Blue Ivy'
Juno Award noms unveiled
Bieber guard in airport fight
Rep: No Del Rey tour to postpone
Lady Gaga reveals tour plans
Report: Brown to perform at Grammys
Garth Brooks turning 50
Love threatens to sue over court docs
Fray works it out for new album


Who's coming and when
Want to know when your favourite band is coming to town? Check out Clive, JAM Music's extensive Canadian concert listings.
TV Listings
Wondering what's on tonight? Check out our TV listings for the complete schedule in your area.
Movie Listings
Find out what's playing at a theatre near you.

1. Leonard Cohen: Old Ideas

2. Adele: 21

3. Lana Del Rey: Born To Die

4. Various: 2012 Grammy Noms

5. Gotye: Making Mirrors

Courtesy Nielsen SoundScan Cda








What did you think of Madonna’s halftime show?
She’s still got it
I wasn’t impressed


Results