AKA: BAD

Bigger And Deffer 1987 Album

LL Cool J

The debut Radio was marked by a couple of hell-raising singles, but BAD announces the Creature that is LL Cool J has arrived for real. But not completely, since a large slice of this pie could righteously be claimed by "Bobcat" Ervin's intentionally overwrought backing beats. But there's no doubt you're left with all facets of LL's heavyweight persona, at the end of this record…jack!

I pressed play on this album straight after just listening to 'Radio', and this is so much better from the first 10 seconds. There is so much in the production compared to all of 'Radio'. Hip hop production moved along fast. Those were my thoughts after the opener, but unfortunately the follow up, 'Kanday' sounds more like something from LL's debut. It's still decent with a catchy hook of sorts but the production sounds regressive from 'I'm Bad'. From there, it continues to be a bit of a let down after the dope opener. None of the production matches it for me. Lyrically, 'My Rhyme Ain't Done' reminds me of Cube's 'A Gangsta's Fairytale' and is the first real boring moment though and the rock-rap 'Go Cut Creator Go' isn't my thing either. '.357 Break It on Down' steps up the production and LL raps impressively making it another one to keep from the album. The closer, before the short skit, 'The Do Wop', sounds fresh as well and is another favourite. Overall, this is definitely a step up from his debut. There is much more variety, from the hard first track, the soft 'I Need Love', the do wop, 'The Do Wop', making it a much better listen. Subjectively, it still suffers from my lack of love for '80s hip hop production, but most of this is palatable to good. LL's rapping and word play catches my attention more too. Beats: ★★★ Rapping/Bars: ★★★★ Hooks: ★★★ Best Tracks: I'm Bad, .357 Break It on Down, I Need Love, The Do Wop