LL Cool J may have progressed from "future of the funk" to hip-hop icon, but he's still dropping enjoyable sets of sensual pop hip-hop. The veteran artist's appropriately titled 10th release is by no means groundbreaking, but it is nevertheless a welcome arrival for faithful fans. By now, fans don't expect cutting-edge music from LL. His production team, which includes the Neptunes, DJ S&S, and Amen Ra, layers catchy melodies with laid-back drum patterns and familiar … mehrsamples. "Paradise," featuring LL's warm, women-friendly lyrics, a guest appearance by brainy R&B beauty du jour Amerie, and the thoroughly recognizable sample of "Rising to the Top," best exemplifies the artist's patented style. Interview segments with upstart hip-hopper Free are interspersed through the disc, offering an up-close-and-personal look at the legend and his legacy. --Rebecca Levine weniger
CD 1
01 - Intro
02 - Born To Love You
03 - Luv U Better (Skit)
04 - Paradise… mehr
05 - Fa Ha
06 - Niggy Nuts
07 - Amazin'
08 - Clockin' G's
09 - Lollipop
10 - After School
11 - Throw Ya L's Up
12 - U Should
13 - 10 Million Stars
14 - Mirror Mirror (Skit)
15 - Big Mama (Unconditional Love) weniger