LL COOL J, also known as James Todd Smith, has announced his return to music after over a decade away. His upcoming album, ‘THE FORCE,’ was executively produced by fellow hip-hop artist Q-Tip and is set to release later this year. The lead single from the album, ‘Saturday Night Special,’ was released on Friday, June 14, and features Rick Ross and Fat Joe.
In an interview with NME, LL COOL J revealed that he wanted to “do the blackest shit in the world” and invited Q-Tip to produce an album that was both meaningful and impactful. The hip-hop legend wanted to create something entirely new for fans that wasn’t trying to replicate his past work. He explained that the album was not just about past, current, or future success but about real human ideas that people can connect with.
When asked about why he chose to return to music after so long, LL COOL J explained that he wanted to show the world what was possible when taking a long hiatus. While he had become an esteemed actor in his time away, he didn’t want to limit himself and wanted to show that he could excel in both music and acting.
LL COOL J added that he felt this particular album was more for everybody and for the culture. He explained that there are two different types of records he tends to make, and this, in particular, was the type he made through himself for the culture. Ultimately, he wanted to create something that he could be proud of and that fans would embrace.
‘THE FORCE’ will be released this fall by Def Jam and in conjunction with the label’s 40th anniversary. Though he recognizes that hip-hop has become more mainstream and is no longer about artists who struggle, LL COOL J believes the genre needs an album like ‘THE FORCE’ to maintain balance and remind people of the artistic and cultural relevance of songwriting
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