Rap legend LL Cool J has finally come out of a long slumber spanning 11+ years of no music.
The New York emcee, known most famously for his songs ‘Mama Said Knock You Out‘, ‘Phenomenon‘ and ‘Headsprung‘, has announced a new full length project touted to drop soon. But before it does, he is treating us with a new single ‘SATURDAY NIGHT SPECIAL’ off the anticipated album, scheduled for release on Friday, June 14, 2024.
The release date and name for the album itself is undecided (although, LL claimed its coming this fall), one can certainly expect an impressive roster of rappers and producers onboard. If word on the streets is true, the album will feature emcees like Nas, Eminem, Rick Ross and more, with Q-Tip on sonic duties. The album was originally scheduled for release in 2023, as part of hip hop’s 50th anniversary, but ended up not being out for reasons unknown. With Reddit expressing frustration and anticipation on the album not being out, the news comes in as a new ray of hope for fans.
@icecube @JeffKwatinetz @AmyTrask https://t.co/uOe6fPCMh3 — LLCOOLJ (@llcoolj) February 27, 2024
“You know exactly what it is,” LL said in the Instagram video making the announcement. While there is much silence before the storm, it is interesting that this renewed energy from the Queens emcee comes in the aftermath of the Big 3 conversation. Now, not only is LL associated with Ice Cube‘s Big 3 league, he is also one of those lyricists that inspired Eminem — who is often inserted into the Big 3 conversation himself. Question is, what kind of statement will LL be making with this project? Will it be a reclamation of the hip hop throne, or can we see a more introspective, personal take from LL as an older emcee, beyond the thirst for accolades. We wait, as the legacy unravels. Stay tuned!