10
LL Cool J may have progressed from "future of the funk" to hip-hop icon, but he's still dropping enjoyable sets of sensual pop hip-hop. The veteran artist's appropriately titled 10th release is by no means groundbreaking, but it is nevertheless a welcome arrival for faithful fans. By now, fans don't expect cutting-edge music from LL. His production team, which includes the Neptunes, DJ S&S;, and Amen Ra, layers catchy melodies with laid-back drum patterns and familiar samples. "Paradise," featuring LL's warm, women-friendly lyrics, a guest appearance by brainy R&B; beauty du jourAmerie, and the thoroughly recognizable sample of "Rising to the Top," best exemplifies the artist's patented style. Interview segments with upstart hip-hopper Free are interspersed through the disc, offering an up-close-and-personal look at the legend and his legacy.--Rebecca Levine