In the recent LL thread of Joshy's there was a lot of backlash about LL Cool J being washed up and being a sell out. I can't exactly deny either claim but here's my little examination of the how,when and why, disc by disc. Perhaps you'll see why I was excited at the show maybe not.

1. "Radio"- on the previous thread someone called this a "true hip hop record" or something to that effect. Although it does contain some lovely B boy deconstructed tracks (in large part due to Rick Ruben), the actual content of the lyrics merely uses the b boy asthetic to deliver a bunch of pseudo badass braggadocio. However what can you expect from a 19 year old with a freshly minted record deal? A classic in its own way, but subsequent albums would show being "Bad" or hardcore in any fashion was not Mr. Smith's strong suit.
2."Bigger and Deffer"- Here is the beginning of the bragging falling flat on its face. It's a decent album, but the amazing energy and beats of "radio" are not present. One of the most remembered tracks off this disc "I Need Love", begins the smoothed out, Mr Lover style that would both carry and/or suffocate him in later years. However its miles better than the boasts.
3."Walking With A Panther"- A decent album, but a pop leaning party record was NOT the way to go in the era of N.W.A. aggression and Public Enemy politics. If it was released a few years later it may very well have been a hit. "I'm That Type Of Guy" and "Big Ol' Butt" have a charmingly rude sense of humor, and the album overall was no more vapid than many modern hip hop party records.
4."Mama Said Knock You Out"- LL finally finds a niche and makes the definative record of his career. Somewhere between Jeep beats("Boomin System") and come ons("Mr. Goodbar") LL and Marley Marl make a classic. Title track deseved every accolade it garnered, although the bitter "Cheesy Rat Blues" shows the opposite side of the coin, the self doubt and aggression that fueled this comeback. Overall the most focused effort of his career.
5."14 Shots To The Dome"- Little can be said for this CD. His boasts may have been a bit wobbly and unconvincing at times, but gangsta posturing falls ENTIRELY flat. Now a mainstay of 99 cent bins everywhere.
6. "Mr Smith"- Comeback Number Two. Mostly a return to his Ladies Love style, "Hey Lover" and "Doin It" leading as singles. These songs are slicker, leaning torwards R+B, although "I Shot Ya" lets a bit of the early LL out to play. A good album, catchy and radio friendly...not nearly "Mama Said..." by a long stretch.
7. "All World"- A greatest hits collection riding the success of "Mr. Smith"
8.Phemonenon- A decent party album, released in conjunction w/ a tell all book. Nothing memorable but a pleasant listen. Obviously the thin line between pop and hip hop he been riding has completely become coasting on autopilot. The beginning of the end of LL as a strictly hip hop centered artist forshadowed for years before is blatant here.
9."G.O.A.T."- More coasting, "Imagine That" is the standout here and even that track barely percolates against the previous LL sex jams. Blah.
10. "10" A total hip- POP album...generic and bland. A shadow of his former self, LL coasts along on the backs of guest stars.

Well there you have it, a discography of an artist whose songs hold some great memories (for me at least), but who seems to have run out of gas. Perhaps a battle with another young buck will energize him to another comeback (check the battle w/ Canibus a while back, some of that was pure old school LL) or perhaps he will continue down the slippery slope of "10" and his next album will be him licking his lips and acting sexy, all stlye and no substance. Whatever happens to the boy from Farmer's BLVD, It's been a great musical ride overall and I look forward to what comes next whatever that may be. That said it was amazing to see the idol of my younger years, who I used to backpack to school everyday live, twilight of his career or not. I grew up to a lot of his music and it was a lot of nostalgic fun. Thanks LL, for the memories, if that's all that's left so be it.
[This message was edited Thu Jun 12 7:08:19 PDT 2003 by AprilMichelle]

well done Ella

i am the 1st 2 admit im no hiphop xpert...
but LL's tunes make me smile,happy,sad,whatever...

im more a fan of his slojams like candy,doin it,you're in my heart,etc...
but the beats r mad

i was really xcited when i bought "10"...
so happy 2 have a new LL record in my hands...
& it was a BIG letdown.
Luv U Better,Fa-Ha, & ...well...they r the only 2 songs i can really salvage.

i wish he just got raw with it... like that Cannibus diss "return of jack the ripper"... that shit is killer!

fave albums would b Walking with a panther & Mr Smith.

i hope he does some shows downunder in the future.
would b a cool gig,just 2 lose myself in those songs live


u lucky one ella

Nice to see that there are other LL fans out there. I was 14 when radio came out. I bought each new LL album as it came out. I do remember the criticism for "Walking With a Panther." I listen to that cd regularly. "1 800 LL Cool J"

"14 Shots" has a few bright moments. "Pink Cookies" is worth a listen. "Back Seat of my Jeep" and "Crossroads" are also decent songs. The rest I would agree is bland.

LL has survived all the attacks by other rappers. He will survive this last effort as well.