Disco de LL Cool J: “All World”

In 1987, I was nine years old and this older kid that I knew gave me a bunch of 45s that he had. One of them changed my life forever. The record was by this guy named LL Cool J and the song was "I'm Bad." It was the first time I'd ever heard a hip hop record and I've been hooked (obsessed?) for the past 15 years.

Uncle L has gone through several incarnations and I really don't like anything that he's done since MAMA SAID KNOCK YOU OUT (except for the brief period when the lion was re-awakened by Canibus) but fortunately all the classics are here: "Radio," "Rock the Bells," "Mama Said Knock You Out," and of course "I'm Bad" showcase the self-proclaimed baddest rapper in the history of rap itself, while he still speaks to the ladies with "I Need Love," "Jingling Baby," "Around the Way Girl" and depending on how you look at it, "Big Ole..."

Yeah, LL Cool J in 2002 isn't the same that was LL Cool J in 1991, but nothing great lasts forever. But his work changed my life and I can always relive that with this.

One of LL's strongest suits is that he could take on all comers in the rap game, step his game up whenever and crush 'em (see Canibus). However, one diss record in particular got left of this compilation which was more deserving than "Jack The Ripper", and that was "Till The Break of Dawn" originally on the House Party 2 soundtrack. That record pretty muched sealed Kool Moe Dee's fate and put Ice-T in his place for even thinking he had enough lyrical skill to battle LL. Of course, since this LP came out in '97, I guess we'll have to wait for the song 4,3,2,1 as well as the ultimate diss that ruined Canibus's brief career on his G.O.A.T. LP. However, the remix for "Rock the Bells" is one of the most vicious singles ever released in hip hop and should have been put on this cd as well as the remix for "Doin it". I guess you can't have everything I suppose. But it's an okay compilation.

L.L., what else do you need to say? He's been the man with the plan from the very beginning, and has mastered rap, and every sub-genre. I'm happy to see this collection run in chronological order. It includes the early hits "Rock The Bells", "I Need Love", and "Going Back To Cali", which was also on the "Less Than Zero" soundtrack. This also has "Big Ole Butt", "Around The Way Girl", and the huge "Mama Said Knock You Out". But I think my favorite is "Doin' It". My only complaint, no "I'm That Type Of Guy", and of course "Phenomenon" came out after this. Overall it's a very "Cool" disc, and is a must for your rap collection.

If only "Phenomenon" would've been included in this great list of songs! That's the one that's missing here to completely make this the perfect CD. LL COOL J is definitely in a league of his own. He can't be compared to anyone else even though he is a rapper and he's in a lot of company and his sound is unique.

Since the beginning L.L. said he was the best and although he's had tracks that didn't satisfy everyone, all of his tracks satisfied someone. L.L. has yelled, whispered, talked, and laughed on albums, something only half the rappers out there wish they could get away with. This album says a lot but in my opinion, it's only part of the story. Like I mention earlier there are a lot more forgotten hits on his albums and singles. (Check out G.O.A.T) There are a lot of great artist out there, and L.L. is definitely one of them. And still going strong (Talk about longevity).

Not only does this CD bring back childhood memories for me, but it's one of the best hip hop albums out there. Buy this, you'll love it. Every hip hop fan should own this if they haven't already.

Not many people can have an excellent career like LL Cool J. From 1985 to 1995, Uncle L has really given us many rememerable jams for us to kick it with. From old school tracks like "Rock The Bells" and "I'm Bad", LL has proven why he is one of the best of the 80's & 90's. Back in 1990 when I was a kid, one of the first rap songs I heard was "Mama Said Knock You Out", and every time I play that song, it always bring back memories. "Back Seat Of My Jeep" is another classic single that I found to be one of my favorites from this album.

I do have a few guilty pleasures on this album. "Going Back To Cali" is one of them (possibly because of my love for that state). And the female songs like "Jingling Baby" the smooth "Hey Lover" is more that I had an enjoyment for. And the pop song that still gets play on the radio frequently "Loungin (Who Do You Luv Remix)" is another great addition. There are a few songs that are missing (just like almost every greatest hits album), like "Pink Cookies..." and "I'm That Type Of Guy", but I'm not going to sweat that. This album is still excellent for a ten year span of LL. If you're a fan of 80's and 90's rap, don't hesitate to pick this up here. I really started getting into him when he dropped "The G.O.A.T." and thought this CD would help me catch up with his earlier work. Now only if his most recent CD's were half as good as this here.

Peace!