Personnel: LL Cool J (rap vocals); Ginuwine, 112, Jamie Foxx, Jennifer Lopez, Mary J. Blige, Mary Mary, Ryan Toby, Teairra Mari, Ne-Yo (vocals); Freeway, Lyfe, Juelz Santana (rap vocals).
Recording information: Right Track, New York, NY (2006).
LL Cool J himself would warn listeners against calling it a comeback, because he's been around since the mid-1980s 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.
LL makes few pretenses at this point to being street, and TODD SMITH is straight commercial pop-rap, with production from industry heavyweights Pharell, 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.
What the critics say...
Entertainment Weekly (p.73) - "TODD SMITH's best moments come when he raps alone, letting his inimitably confident flow shine."
