After paving the way for an emerging hip-hop scene in the late 80s, LL Cool J has had a wide-ranging career. 23 years after releasing his debut album Radio in 1985 featuring the single Rock the Bells, Exit 13 shows the range of his musical expression.
Exit 13 is both more introspective than his previous work, but also features the intensity that shaped his early career. The album features a wide range of collaborating artists ranging from Wyclef Jean to Richi Sambora and DJ Scratch. Heartbeat features a lyrical conversation with 50 Cent, while the early release hit single Baby features The Dream. The core beats that came to define LL over his recording career of over 10 platinum records are fully featured on the album. Exit 13 plays almost like an anthology, showing his street character in the rhythmic New York Gangas to an upbeat intensity in Bump This featuring Lloyd Banks and Young Hot Rod to a more reflective sensitivity in Cry with Lil Mo and Girl If I with Trey Songz. Fans who have followed LL over his career will appreciate this latest album, along with hip-hop fans in general.
LL has had a diverse career as a recording artist, published author in many genres (he has written the bestselling Platinum Workout, along with a children’s book and an autobiography) accomplished actor with over 30 feature films to his credit and NAACP award recipient. If this album is any indication, we can expect a wide range of future releases that show the range of LL’s voice. As his 13th album, this marks his final Def Jam album - let’s hope the title isn’t a hint of a forthcoming exit from his recording career.
