LL Cool J himself would warn listeners against calling it a comeback, because he's been around since the mid-'80s churning out records the whole time. And while 2006's
Todd Smith doesn't pack near the punch of Radio or even '90s material like
Mama Said Knock You Out, the album proves that Cool James always has and always will have wit and style to spare.
At this point,
LL makes few pretenses to being street, and
Todd Smith is straight commercial pop-rap, with production from industry heavyweights
Pharrell,
Timbaland, and Scott Storch, among others. The rapper also brings on a whole host of guest stars, including
Jennifer Lopez (on the album's lead-off single "Control Myself"),
Mary J. Blige,
Ne-Yo, and
Jamie Foxx, among others. The result is solid radio-friendly hip-hop from a veteran of the genre.