478 - LL Cool J - Radio

[csberry]

This classic album puts the rhyme front and center. Samples and scratches are completely to service and reinforce the beat. The only times that LL raps over music and not just a beat is on "That's a Lie" and "You'll Rock." Otherwise, the samples play essentially the same role as guitars do in blues - serve the rhythm during verses with flourishes between stanzas and verses.

LL's rhymes are clear, consistent, and flow smoothly, yet forcibly from his mouth. Stripped of accompanying music, there is nothing for his words to hide behind. Hearing his alliteration, word twists, and enunciation showcases his M.C. credentials in a way that current rappers seem to avoid with layers of samples, female vocalists, and dropping the vocals more into the mix.

LL has big balls and he sets them atop the vinyl of this album. May the bigger man come along and prove his rapping skills. If you dare.

Songs I knew I liked: "Rock the Bells"

Songs I didn't know but now like: "I Can't Live Without My Radio" and "Dear Yvette"

Songs I can go the rest of my life without hearing again: None that I would never want to hear again.

Comments

[holygalaga.livejournal.com]

I LOVE DEAR YVETTE

"i heard she did it on a motorcycle back in the day"