LL Cool J, gearing up for his first album release in over a decade titled “The FORCE,” set for later in 2024, has unveiled a compelling new single titled “Passion” accompanied by a captivating music video.
In “Passion,” LL Cool J exudes his trademark energy and devotion to rap music, reflecting on its significance and his deep connection to its artistry. The track resonates with motivation and nostalgia, themes underscored by the music video’s poignant portrayal of LL Cool J both in his current persona and as a young child. The visual narrative features scenes of LL writing rhymes in what appears to be his childhood room, where bars from his notebook manifest as dynamic elements, orbiting around him and appearing in cartoon speech bubbles.
This release marks LL Cool J’s return to the forefront of hip-hop with “The FORCE,” a 14-track album predominantly produced by Q-Tip. The project boasts collaborations with heavyweight artists including Nas, Eminem, Snoop Dogg, and Busta Rhymes, promising to be a landmark release of 2024.
Reflecting on his creative process, LL Cool J shared with the Associated Press, “[I was] going back to the drawing board and learning how to rap again. The LeBrons, the Stephs, the Jordans and the Kobes, they all go back to the drawing board, they always try to make themselves better. I wasn’t trying to do trendy, and I wasn’t trying to recapture anything I did before.”
“Passion” serves as a powerful introduction to LL Cool J’s forthcoming album, setting high expectations for what fans can anticipate from the legendary rapper’s latest musical endeavor.
