LL Cool J Returns With 'The Force' After 10 Year Hiatus: Stream Now

LL Cool J returns with his highly anticipated 14th studio album, The Forcewhich fell on Friday, September 6.

The release comes after a 10-year hiatus from music, during which the Long Island-born, Queens-raised rapper focused on other ventures, including his acting career and hosting concerts.

In a recent interview with album-def-jam-40th-anniversary” rel=”nofollow” target=”_blank”>MI! NewsLL Cool J explained the reasons behind his ten-year hiatus and why this album was worth the wait.

“I didn't want to cheat the fans. I wanted them to have a real LL Cool J album,” he shared, adding, “This project is more about the people and the cultural impact than anything else.”

The Force also marks a milestone in LL's career as it coincides with the 40th anniversary of Def Jam Records, the label where he began his legendary journey at just 16 years old.

Reflecting on his early days with the label, he said: “I called it [Def Jam] phone number every day for a week and a half. This demo led to the creation of Def Jam. Now, 40 years later, here I am re-releasing that record on Def Jam.”

It marks LL Cool J's first album since then Authentic in 2013, which featured collaborations with artists such as Eddie Van Halen and Seal.

Produced by Q-Tip from A Tribe Called Quest, The Force he boasts a number of collaborations with heavyweights such as Eminem, Snoop Dogg, Nas, Busta Rhymes and Rick Ross. “He [Q-Tip] he produced the st from these joints and made his own. He's a great guy,” LL said of working with the producer.

The album also features the long-awaited collaboration between LL and Eminem on the track “Murdergram Deux”, which was released shortly before the album's release.

LL Cool J's stream The Force below.