The DEFinition
Can LL still make a case for being theG.O.A.T (Greatest of All Time)? Well, let's just say that this position is becoming more difficult to defend. Enlisting the talents ofTimbalandto sonically sculpt most of his 11th record is a wise move. The hook-driven jump-off "Headsprung" fits perfectly into its current urban-music landscape. Conceptually, "Move Somethin'" reveals that LL can still flip nouveau rap flows when called upon. The problem is that LL Cool J long ago decided to stop being "hard as hell," instead allowing his R&B-rapper; persona to creep in further. Thus, a lot of this release, much like his most recent previous efforts, is filled with offensively boring love songs. Even withR. Kellydropping by and Timbaland delivering fantastic synthesizer blasts, LL's boasts of getting better with age simply do not hold up. The great ones never know when to throw in the towel--or at least slow down the output--and only LL diehards will lick their lips to this one.--Dalton Higgins