10 [Bonus Track]

Performer: LL Cool J
Artist: P. Diddy; Jennifer Lopez; Usher; Amerie; Dru Hill
Engineer: Glen Marchese; Commissioner Gordon; Jason Goldstein; Adam Gazzola; Joe Quinde; Andrew Coleman; Peter Wade Keusch; Bruce Swedien
Distributor: Universal Distribution

Notes: Personnel includes: LL Cool J, P. Diddy, Usher, K-Ci & Jo-Jo, Amerie, Jennifer Lopez. Producers include: DJ S&S, Tone & Poke, Richie Nice, The Neptunes, Zukhan. "Luv U Better" was nominated for the 2004 Grammy Award for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration. Personnel: Rich Nice (vocals, guitar, drum programming, scratches); Terry Robinson, Free, Marc Dorsey (vocals). Audio Mixers: Glen Marchese; Commissioner Gordon; Jason Goldstein; Patrick Viala; Big Joe. Recording information: Electric Lady, New York, NY; Hit Factory, New York, NY; Master Sound Recording Studio, Virginia Beach, VA; Power Plant, New York, NY; Sony Studios, New York, NY; The Headquarters Studios, NJ; The Hit Factory, New York, NY. Photographer: Roger Erickson. LL Cool J's tenth album for Def Jam, the label he helped to create, is as you'd expect something of a triumphant affair. The rapper's long career (his first hit was in 1985) and extensive experience have earned him a unique place as something of an elder statesman in an industry where careers are often literally short-lived. He's based his on a singular reliance on smart rapping and tightly arranged material, not just beats overlaid with scrappy keyboard figures. Thus 10's first impression is of a fully realized, expansively conceived project. Of course, a rapper can never go far wrong shouting out to his home turf. With nods to Queens and Brooklyn on "Fa Ha," and "Niggy Nuts" LL Cool J proves (as if proof were needed) that despite his extensive success, his heart has never strayed far from home, despite the exotic lifestyle he depicts in "Amazin'." Two obvious conclusions to draw from the material on offer here: the star remains a little in awe of his success, and he's done more with that success and with his chosen genre than quite a few of his contemporaries. No, "10" isn't the rating of LL Cool J's flexed biceps or his bare chest; it's the number of albums he's recorded for Def Jam -- and the title of his 2003 release. As on his last couple, LL moves back and forth between lovers rock and a few hardcore tracks. He sounds more comfortable singing to the ladies though, with a little pleading and a lot of telling how it's going to be, balancing his usual gravelly delivery with plenty of sweet, female-led choruses. Surprisingly, despite a strong roster of producers (Tone & Poke, the Neptunes, Ron "Amen-Ra" Lawrence), 10 isn't much of a head-turner. Only the DJ S&S production "Fa Ha" lets LL Cool J relax into a solid hardcore groove. Just like on the cover, there's a lot of posturing going on here, but very little substance. [A duet with Jennifer Lopez, "All I Have," is included here as a bonus track.] ~ John Bush No, "10" isn't the rating of LL Cool J's flexed biceps or his bare chest; it's the number of albums he's recorded for Def Jam -- and the title of his 2003 release. As on his last couple, LL moves back and forth between lovers rock and a few hardcore tracks. He sounds more comfortable singing to the ladies though, with a little pleading and a lot of telling how it's going to be, balancing his usual gravelly delivery with plenty of sweet, female-led choruses. Surprisingly, despite a strong roster of producers (Tone & Poke, the Neptunes, Ron "Amen-Ra" Lawrence), 10 isn't much of a head-turner. Only the DJ S&S production "Fa Ha" lets LL Cool J relax into a solid hardcore groove. Just like on the cover, there's a lot of posturing going on here, but very little substance. [A duet with Jennifer Lopez, "All I Have," is included here as a bonus track.] ~ John Bush

Rolling Stone (11/14/02, p.86) - 3 stars out of 5 - "...10 justifies LL's longevity..." Uncut (1/03, p.122) - 4 stars out of 5 - "The numerical milestone has inspired LL's best album since 1987's BIGGER AND DEFFER..."n

Since releasing his recording debut while still a teenager, LL Cool J has enjoyed one of the most successful and sustained careers in rap history. His aggressive, self-aggrandizing style was one of the form's touchstones in its early incarnation. After earning Grammy Awards and platinum sales and achieving massive crossover success (with 1990's MAMA SAID KNOCK YOU OUT), the man formerly known as James Todd Smith has moved well beyond musical superstardom to become an actor in movies and TV, as well as a product pitchman and philanthropist.

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