This is the type of creative energy and emceeing Hip Hop needs
With 30 years under his belt, you would think that after rhyming for so long staying relevant would come with a struggle. The concepts are refreshing, the flows are crisp and far from outdated. He displays why he is one of Legends all emcee’s respect. The project is full of conceptual tracks that give it a planned delivery. LL Cool J shows, lyrically, that he is sharp and that he still has creativity at a high pace. With interesting features early in the album, such as Rick Ross, and Fat Joe, and allows the music to sound whole, with little to no clashes on The Force. The choruses add a unique flavor because they stand out for being so different.
With Q-Tip taking the role of producing the records none of the music sounds like anything being released today. Completely new and amazing to hear. The production is unique with diverse instrumentation. Sounds coming from left and right, strings, and even foreign vocals. “The Force” takes an original approach which will always lead to a solid project, unique to its sound sonically. The lyricism is top-tier, and the production is giant and spacious. Everyone comes together in perfect harmony. “Money tracking, you can run a relay race in my safe” with punchlines that are just as original as the production he carries his lines well from record to record.
If you're also into pretty clean music this is something you can dig into as well. He showcases his strong lyrical capabilities by refraining from the use of excessive explicit lyrics (though some can be found). Something a lot of listeners can really appreciate. Taking Hip Hop to the essence of rhyming!
“30 Decembers” has a funky, but full production, it draws the finest of lyricism out of LL. Definitely something for the Hip Hop heads. The concept of the track shows somewhat of the evolution of the world in what sounds like the 80’s; different eras that one could've seen in life. He paints a vivid picture with his lyrics, descriptive and direct to the point of what he was imagining artistically. This is an amazing record that is completely balanced, sonically pleasing, and lyrically progressed. Beautiful work!
“
Huey in the Chair” is an ode to African American activist and leader Huey P Newton and displays a conscious effort to pay homage to someone who stood for freedom and equality. With the Busta Rhymes feature, it was a perfect collaboration of energy. Production blended perfectly with the substance of the lyrics. Powerful music!
“The Vow” carries some hard production where LL Cool J flexes his lyrical sword, with powerful collaboration from Mad Squablz, J -S.A.N.D, and Don Pablito. On the record, this is an outstanding record to anchor the 14-track album. Heavy wordplay, and intense flows. This album went out with a bang!
Listen to The Force below!
