LL COOL J has dropped a new single produced by Q-Tip titled “The Force” — check it out below.
The track, which LL debuted on Rock The Bells Radio on Thursday (May 4), serves as the first preview of his upcoming 14th studio album, which will be produced entirely by the A Tribe Called Quest luminary.
“The Force” borrows sonic elements from Tip’s 1999 Amplified cut “End of Time” and lists the late, great Michael Jackson as a co-songwriter.
“THE FORCE,” LL COOL J wrote on Twitter after premiering the song. “This album is my contribution to the culture. watch it unfold.”
The track also shares the same name as LL’s upcoming arena tour with The Roots, DJ Jazzy Jeff and DJ Z-Trip. Billed as the “ultimate Hip Hop mash-up tour,” the collective will be joined by a slew of special guests in select cities, from Big Boi and Bone Thugs-n-Harmony to Rick Ross and Rakim.
“The Force” has yet to be released on streaming services, but a minute-long snippet can be heard below:
The new release is promising considering LL COOL J had to pump the brakes on his upcoming album over recording issues, which he detailed on Twitter back in February.
In a series of since-deleted tweets, the 55-year-old revealed that he’s still “trying to figure this album out” and followed that up with a post that read: “just not feeling like this album is worthy of being released [facepalm emoji] I tried.”
He also added: “not dropping it.”
However, LL returned just hours later to clarify that the project is still moving forward while tagging Q-Tip.
“Okay so everyone’s been asking me about the new record and my decision and I was considering not putting the album out because IT’S TOO FUCKING GOOD,” LL said. “Q-Tip you a genius baby this my favorite album I ever made. I can’t wait for y’all to hear this. Tracklist coming soon.”
LL COOL J’s last full-length project was Authentic, which dropped in 2013. It debuted at No. 23 on the Billboard 200 and sold 14,000 copies in its first week.
The album also featured several guest appearances from Snoop Dogg, Fatman Scoop, Monica, Charlie Wilson and more.
At the 2023 Grammy Awards earlier this year, LL spoke about his next project and said he was locked in on getting it out.
“I know all the tricks. I got this covered,” he said. “I think honestly and sincerely that Q-Tip as a producer is unbelievable and what he did on this record for me, I think is amazing. So the world will decide.”
He added: “The album, I think, is really, really special. I think it’s something it’s modern without chasing. It’s a whole new thing. I can’t wait for the people to see it.”
I just heard it this morning on SiriusXM while driving to work. And it was not good at all! Nothing remotely catchy about it and sleepy production with no Boom-Bap! If this is any indication this Album will not be on my radar. Admittedly, nothing will ever top his 4 Albums!
I don’t know what you was listening to. This shit bump!!!
It’s not supposed to be catchy. He’s 55 not 15.
Wow his word play was great, the was great, just a classic record
Go cool J…. I like it!!!… hot… almost 40 years… that’s crazy!!!!… turn to panthers and eat a goat!!!…
This joint slaps! Sonically it’s crazy. The flow is ill. Lyrically it’s strong. And it doesn’t sound like anything out there. It’s not derivative. It’s really good. Can’t wait for this album to drop.
This shyt hard
the song writer is NOT MJ.
this info was automatically generated by youtube.
LOL. hiphopdx has no clue.
the song writer is NOT MJ.
this info was automatically generated by youtube.
LOL. hiphopdx has no clue.
the song writer is NOT MJ.
this info was automatically generated by youtube.
LOL. hiphopdx has no clue.
The song is Strictly Dope, It’s 🔥 can’t wait till the next album to drop, I know for certain it’s going to be off the chain!
100% Fire
LL is still a bad boy! This song slaps.
Qtip need to be ashamed of that production for the GOAT smh it sound like noise
LL has been cracking off hitz since the first mainstream hip hop album played across the airwaves. He is TRUE HIP HOP ROYALTY The Icon in the Game, THE G.O.A.T. All i have to say about the new album, ” DON’T CALL IT A COMEBACK! “
LL has been cracking off hitz since the first mainstream hip hop album played across the airwaves. He is TRUE HIP HOP ROYALTY The Icon in the Game, THE G.O.A.T. All i have to say about the new album, ” DON’T CALL IT A COMEBACK! “
LL has been cracking off hitz since the first mainstream hip hop album played across the airwaves. He is TRUE HIP HOP ROYALTY The Icon in the Game, THE G.O.A.T. All i have to say about the new album, ” DON’T CALL IT A COMEBACK! “
LL has been cracking off hitz since the first mainstream hip hop album played across the airwaves. He is TRUE HIP HOP ROYALTY The Icon in the Game, THE G.O.A.T. All i have to say about the new album, ” DON’T CALL IT A COMEBACK! “
Trash. LL sounds dated. Q tip is wasting beats. I predict this won’t sell more then 60k copies.