LL Cool J Todd Smith

Posted on 04.11.2006

10 comment(s)

LL Cool J
Album : Todd Smith
Release Date : April 11, 2006
Label : Def Jam

Review :
In 2006, LL Cool J is making sure that everyone knows TODD SMITH. This 12th release on Def Jam Records, his first self-titled release, continues to define him as a breakthrough artist. TODD SMITH is scheduled to be released worldwide on MARCH 21, 2006.

TODD SMITH is jump started by the undeniable smash “Control Myself,” featuring the multi-platinum and multi-talented superstar, Jennifer Lopez. Produced by Jermaine Dupri, the bass driven track shows yet another dimension of LL’s versatility. The album, mostly recorded in Miami and New York features several tracks from Timabaland, Pharell, Scott Storch and Trackmasters. LL Cool J’s 12th album features 12 stars ; including ; Mary J. Blige, Mary Mary, Teairra Mari, Freeway and Juelz Santana.

The video for “Control Myself” was filmed over 3 days in New York City and Atlanta, shot by acclaimed director, Hype Williams. The single is about to explode on radio impact date ; February 6th.

Most recently, LL Cool J has a takes a starring turn in the Paramount Picture comedy, Last Holiday. This fall he will launch 2 signature clothing lines, the high end line ; Todd Smith and the active wear line ; TS.

LL is more than a hip-hop artist. He is more than an actor. LL Cool J, James Todd Smith, is an icon in his own day. He encompasses the qualities of a true star, while never sacrificing his credibility in any field that he has entered. Whether it is music, Hollywood, television, politics or publishing, LL Cool J has opened his own doors and created opportunities for countless others.

LL will be embarking on a nationwide tour this spring in support of TODD SMITH.

Listen to :
:: : LL Cool J "It’s LL and Santana"
:: : LL Cool J "Control Myself"

Tracklisting :
01 - It’s LL and Santana (feat. Juelz Santana)
02 - Control Myself (feat. Jennifer Lopez and Jermaine Dupri)
03 - Favorite Flavor (feat. Mary J. Blige)
04 - Freeze (feat. Lyfe Jennings)
05 - Best Dress (feat. Pharrell)
06 - Preserve the Sexy (feat. Teairra Mari)
07 - What You Want (feat. Freeway)
08 - I’ve Changed (feat. Ryan Toby)
09 - Ooh Wee (feat. Ginuwine)
10 - Down The Aisle (feat. 112)
11 - We’re Gonna Make It (feat. Mary Mary)
12 - So Sick (Ne-Yo Remix feat. LL Cool J)

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> LL Cool J Todd Smith, by Lailah [2006-04-24 03:24:02]

I have been riding with L.L since "Rock The Bells" and I have the original Radio album on vinyl. I say this to say I have and will always respect any rapper who has stayed in the game as long as he has, persued other venues (like acting and fashion), and who has not had to use gun or knife wounds to sell records. People are sleeping on L.L and as far as him being too commercial, I say, commercial is what commercial does, sell records. So if that’s what sells and it doesn’t damage his integrity, STOP HATIN’ AND LET L.L LIVE ! GIVE THAT MAN HIS RESPECT !

> LL Cool J Todd Smith, by Josephll [2006-04-13 22:37:57]

LL Cool J is my alltime favorite rapper and I practically have all of his albums, Obviously I was waiting inpatatiently for this one aswell. But "Todd Smith" (His birthname) and his 12 studio album, Is very commercial, even for LL’s standards. All of the songs except 1 feauture guest artists and are basically made for the charts. We already saw glimpses of that on "10" and "The DEFination" with Neptunes and Timbaland producing some of the songs and guest artists appearing aswell, but I hadn’t expected an album that would completely sound like something for the pop charts, even for LL’s standards this is a big step in a new direction. Many party tracks, and ofcourse the obligatory "love songs" but little hardcore. However, there are quite a few interesting songs and a few that could become hits to. After over 20 years in the business you could understand that he’s not the average rapper.

"It’s LL and Santana" is uptempo with Julez Santana, perhaps the roughest of all the songs here but reminds you alot about contemporary rap music these days. "Control Myself" is another party track that samples the old Kraftwerk sample that both Africa Bambaataa and recently Missy Elliott used. The song feauture Jermaine Dupri and Jennifer Lopez. "Favorite Flavor" features Mary J Blige and is proof that LL was always good on attracting good artists to his albums. It’s a catchy midtempo that sound like the perfect single, reminds me abit of "Paradise" with Amerie. "Freeze" is another midtempo feauturing the interesting Lyfe Jennings. although this song lacks a good hook and never really takes place. "Best Dress" is a midtempo piano song that feautures Pharell and Jamie Foxx, will probably be a single too but isn’t anything revolutional if you have heard some of Pharell’s solo songs. "Preserve The Sexy" is a party song with Teairra Mari, repetitive as hell but this girl reminds me alot about Beyonce based on the way she sings and there have been worse party songs around.

"What You Want" is the closest you get to hardcore here, it feautures Freeway and is a rough uptempo with heavy beats where LL deals with what he wants and needs. "I’ve Changed" is another midtempo, together with Ryan Toby. This guy got a pretty annoying voice though. On "Ooh Wee" we finally got to hear some really good songs, this is a love song together with Ginuwine, that also happens to be among my favorite artists. Good but typical sexy LL lyrics on this one. "#1 Fan" is the only song that is listed as a solo song, but there are female vocals on this one too. Apparently this song is about the love for latin ladies. Lyrically, LL Cool J sound more like a tired Snoop Dogg on this one though. "Down the Isle" with talented band 112 is the best song of the entire album, and also the most emotional love song. Once again great lyrics and reminds me alot about "Love You Better" "Hush" and "I Need Love". "We’re Gonna Make It" is the second duet with Mary. This one is more uptempo though and is really good. It also feautures backround choirs and the song got alot of steam. Could have been the song for a Nike commercial or something. The last song is a remix of "Ne-Yo’s "So Sick" and it keeps me wondering why this is aprt of LL’s album but not Ne-Yo ?. This version adds samples from MJ’s "Human Nature" and overall it isn’t better then the original hit from Ne-Yo but it’s interesting to hear LL in the mix.

Overall, A new step for LL. If You though he was commercial in the late 80’s then this is completely diffrent. We saw glimpses of a more pop-rap sound on his last two albums but that was not for the entire album, this time however most of the album sound like that. Pros= the album is very diverse and none of the songs sound like the other, it’s also full of interesting guest artists that will light up the best songs. Cons= There are too many guest artists and the album is lacking old-skool LL song when most of it sound like "Made for Radio", some of the songs are pretty weak too. I give it 3 stars, but was a little undecided about the final vote cause some of the songs are excellent, but unfortunately this album loses steam cause it’s overproduced and cause of some mediocre fillers that lower the vote. When adding guest artists the songs has to be something special, but not all of them are. If You like LL, go for it, the good songs compensate the weak one’s.

> LL Cool J Todd Smith, by kell [2006-04-12 02:34:49]

It does not matter what his album sound like. I love the man and will buy it regardless.

Todd Smith Album = Garbage, by GD_2005 [2006-04-08 21:05:23]

His new album Todd Smith was an absolute failure.. there are no good songs on his cd at all. How do you go from having a good song called head sprung on his last cd to having all these terrible tracks. Overall rating 1/10 really disapointed !!

> LL Cool J Todd Smith, by ANDREW OGIDI [2006-03-31 23:37:56]

THIS ALBUM IS TRASH, LL SHOULD STAY OUT OF THA MIC.

> LL Cool J Todd Smith, by KA$H [2006-03-19 08:04:35]

This album looks like its gunna be really commercial. I only felt LL in his knock you the fuck out battle rap days. He’s too commercial now, respect to homie tho he’s a pioneer

> LL Cool J Todd Smith, by ONENATION [2006-03-10 02:49:26]

HATE IT OR LOVE IT,BUT I FEEL THAT LL LOST THE "G.O.A.T"TITLE A LONG TIME AGO.LAST CD I LIKED WAS MR.SMITHcirca 1995

> LL Cool J Todd Smith, by Avery Tate [2006-01-19 23:07:29]

LL Cool J is the most VERSATILE Rapper and/or MC ever. The GOAT is LL Cool J. No noe has more hits and he is never afraid to do anything different. He is always doin something. Like wrtting two books, recording 12 albums, representing in politics, doin great things for the community, acting in over 30 films/tv SERIES. He has to be the GOAT cause He is doin all and everything. OH Yes and he gives 10% of his earnings to his church. 20 + years of acting and music. He is very very versatile, music for anybody.