LL Cool J Announces First Album in 11 Years, Releases New “Passion” Video
Hip-hop legend LL Cool J has unveiled plans for his first studio album in 11 years, titled The FORCE (Frequencies of Real Creative Energy). Scheduled for release on September 6 via Def Jam Recordings and Virgin Music Group, the album features collaborations with notable artists such as Rick Ross, Fat Joe, Eminem, Snoop Dogg, Saweetie, and Nas. Alongside the announcement, LL Cool J has dropped the music video for the album’s track “Passion.”
A Tribe Called Quest’s Q-Tip produced the 14-track album. “We’re talking 14 tracks of straight fire, all crafted by myself and the one and only Q-Tip,” LL Cool J stated. “When you listen to this album, you’re not just hearing music, you’re experiencing a whole new vibe, a whole new level of artistic passion.”
The FORCE Tracklist
- Spirit of Cyrus [ft. Snoop Dogg]
- The FORCE
- Saturday Night Special [ft. Rick Ross and Fat Joe]
- Black Code Suite [ft. Sona Jobarteh]
- Passion
- Proclivities [ft. Saweetie]
- Post Modern
- 30 Decembers
- Runnit Back
- Huey in the Chair [ft. Busta Rhymes]
- Basquiat Energy
- Praise Him [ft. Nas]
- Murdergram Deux [ft. Eminem]
- The Vow [ft. Mad Squablz, J-S.A.N.D., and Don Pablito]
The “Passion” music video accompanies LL Cool J’s reflections on his relationship with fellow hip-hop icon Jay-Z. In a conversation with Charlamagne Tha God, LL Cool J addressed rumours of tension between the two. He clarified that while they aren’t the best of friends, they have always shown mutual respect.
LL Cool J also commented on the current state of hip-hop, specifically referencing the rap beef between Drake and Kendrick Lamar. “Drake, that ‘Not Like Us’ st, that st’s torture for a motherf***er,” he remarked. “Little kids singing to it… You’ll be fine, bro. Don’t even trip. You just don’t take it personal… You can’t be overly sensitive. I get it. I been there, I know it. It can be upsetting… But you gotta control that.”
Fans can watch the new “Passion” video below as they anticipate the release of The FORCE, which promises to deliver a fresh and dynamic sound from the veteran rapper.
Watch the music video below.
