All 14 LL Cool J Albums in Order of Release Date

LL COOL J Albums Image

LL Cool J Albums in Order: LL Cool J is a hip-hop pioneer and one of the very first rappers who received mainstream recognition. From his very first album Radio, which came in 1985, his immense discography shows his versatility and evolution as an artist. Really, LL Cool J’s albums in order show the progression he has taken from gritty tracks that hit hard to a more refined and commercially successful hit. He cemented himself into the game of hip-hop with albums such as Bigger and Deffer, 1987, and three years later, Mama Said Knock You Out, a combination of raw beats and radio-friendly crossover melodies.

To his other works, Mr. Smith of 1995 and Phenomenon of 1997, had taken up smooth R&B markers that set him beyond the rap world. Where Exit 13 marked the end of an era concerning his two-decade-plus tenure at Def Jam, his new album entitled The FORCE is a triumphant return for 2024, seeing production by Q-Tip and guest spots from modern stars like Rick Ross, Saweetie, and Eminem. The fact that LL Cool J has a back catalog that stretches across four decades into his career really only serves as a testament to his durability and ingenuity concerning the music business. So, if you are a die heart fan of LL Cool J Albums then check out here we have list of LL Cool J albums in order of release so far.

All LL Cool J Albums Available on: Apple Music 

Also See: Jay Z Albums in Order

How many albums does LL Cool J have?

LL Cool J has released 14 studio albums, 2 compilation albums, and 62 singles throughout his career, showcasing his longevity and impact as a pioneering figure in hip-hop and rap music.

The List of  LL Cool J Albums in Order of Release Date

Here is the list of LL Cool J Album in Order of Release Date:

  1. Radio — November 18, 1985
  2. Bigger and Deffer — June 2, 1987
  3. Walking with a Panther — June 13, 1989
  4. Mama Said Knock You Out — September 14, 1990
  5. 14 Shots to the Dome — March 30, 1993
  6. Mr. Smith — November 21, 1995
  7. Phenomenon — October 14, 1997
  8. G.O.A.T. — September 12, 2000
  9. 10 — October 15, 2002
  10. The DEFinition — August 31, 2004
  11. Todd Smith — April 11, 2006
  12. Exit 13 — September 9, 2008
  13. Authentic — April 30, 2013
  14. The FORCE — September 6, 2024

All LL Cool J Albums List in Order


1. Radio (1985)

Radio Album Image

Tracklist:

  1. I Can’t Live Without My Radio
  2. You Can’t Dance
  3. Dear Yvette
  4. I Can Give You More
  5. Dangerous
  6. El Shabazz
  7. Rock the Bells
  8. I Need a Beat (Remix)
  9. That’s a Lie
  10. You’ll Rock
  11. I Want You

LL Cool J’s Radio was a release in 1985, his debut and Def Jam Recordings’ first full-length album. helmed by Rick Rubin, it showcased a raw, barebones sound with DJ scratches accompanying heavy beats, reflecting New York’s infant hip-hop scene. Some of the wide-reaching lyrics of LL Cool J talking about inner-city life, youthful bravado, and urban culture thus sank. The album sold over one million copies by 1989 and was a hip-hop milestone. Its stripped-down style, aggressive energy, and crossover appeal helped raise hip hop to a mainstream musical art form that would affect the genre for years to come.

2. Bigger and Deffer (1987)

Bigger and Deffer Album Image

Tracklist:

  1. I’m Bad
  2. Kanday
  3. Get Down
  4. The Bristol Hotel
  5. My Rhyme Ain’t Done
  6. .357 – Break It On Down
  7. Go Cut Creator Go
  8. The Breakthrough
  9. I Need Love
  10. Ahh, Let’s Get Ill
  11. The Do Wop
  12. On the Ill Tip

The second studio work he issued was entitled Bigger and Deffer; many listeners know it as BAD. This album was released on May 29, 1987, and later turned to be one of the recognizable works of this performer. Among the producers were such names as L.A. Posse and LL Cool J himself. The album was successful commercially because its sales in the U.S. went past the two-million-copies mark. Spent 11 consecutive weeks at number one on the Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart, it peaked at number three on the Billboard 200. The Bigger and Deffer album introduced the world to “I’m Bad” and the innovative rap ballad “I Need Love.” Both innovative and chart-dominating, it is quite the hip-hop classic.

3. Walking with a Panther (1989)

Walking with a Panther Album Image

Tracklist:

  1. Droppin’ Em
  2. Smokin’, Dopin’
  3. Fast Peg
  4. Clap Your Hands
  5. Nitro
  6. You’re My Heart
  7. I’m That Type of Guy
  8. Why Do You Think They Call It Dope?
  9. Going Back to Cali
  10. It Gets No Rougher
  11. Big Ole Butt
  12. One Shot at Love
  13. 1-900 LL Cool J
  14. Two Different Worlds
  15. Jealous
  16. Jingling Baby
  17. Def Jam in the Motherland
  18. Change Your Ways

LL Cool J’s third studio album, Walking with a Panther, which was issued on June 9, 1989, appeared commercially, but did well among both critics and within the hip-hop community. The album, produced by LL Cool J and Dwayne Simon, along with co-production from Rick Rubin and The Bomb Squad, reached as high as No. 6 on the Billboard 200 and topped the R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart. With the hit singles “Going Back to Cali,” “I’m That Type of Guy,” and “Jingling Baby,” this album was well-acclaimed despite its love ballads, and was certified platinum-a milestone in his career once again.

4. Mama Said Knock You Out (1990)

Mama Said Knock You Out Album Image

Tracklist:

  1. The Boomin’ System
  2. Around the Way Girl
  3. Eat ‘Em Up, L Chill
  4. Mr. Good Bar
  5. Murdergram (Live at Rapmania)
  6. Cheesy Rat Blues
  7. Farmers Blvd. (Our Anthem)
  8. Mama Said Knock You Out
  9. Milky Cereal
  10. Jingling Baby (Remixed but Still Jingling)
  11. To da Break of Dawn
  12. 6 Minutes of Pleasure
  13. Illegal Search
  14. The Power of God

LL Cool J’s Mama Said Knock You Out was a comeback of sorts after the lukewarm reception of his previous album, Walking with a Panther. The album, from Def Jam Recordings, produced five singles-an assortment of hits which included “The Boomin’ System,” “Around the Way Girl,” and the title track-produced essentially by Marley Marl. The commercial success attained a double platinum certificate in the U.S., further cementing LL Cool J’s status as a rap icon. Its hard-hitting beats and lyrics netted LL Cool J a Grammy for Best Rap Solo Performance, among many critical accolades.

5. 14 Shots to the Dome (1993)

14 Shots to the Dome Album Image

Tracklist:

  1. How I’m Comin’
  2. Buckin’ Em Down’
  3. Stand by Your Man
  4. A Little Somethin’
  5. Pink Cookies In a Plastic Bag Getting Crushed by Buildings
  6. Straight from Queens
  7. Funkadelic Relic
  8. All We Got Left Is the Beat
  9. (NFA) No Frontin’ Allowed
  10. Back Seat (of My Jeep)
  11. Soul Survivor
  12. Ain’t No Stoppin’ This
  13. Diggy Down
  14. Crossroads

LL Cool J’s 14 Shots to the Dome is actually his fifth studio album, released in 1993, and quite different from his earlier work, in particular, the commercially successful Mama Said Knock You Out from 1990. Produced by Marley Marl, DJ Bobcat, Quincy Jones III, among others, the album’s recording took place in studios across New York, Los Angeles, and Burbank. With its chart-topping performance in R&B and peaking at No. 5 on the Billboard 200, it attained mixed reviews due to its gangsta rap influences of Ice Cube and Cypress Hill. It was certified Gold by June of 1993 and included chart-making singles like “How I’m Comin'” and “Back Seat .”

6. Mr. Smith (1995)

Mr. Smith Album Image

Tracklist:

  1. The Intro (skit)
  2. Make It Hot
  3. Hip Hop
  4. Hey Lover
  5. Doin It
  6. Life As…
  7. I Shot Ya
  8. Mr. Smith
  9. No Airplay
  10. Loungin
  11. Hollis to Hollywood
  12. God Bless
  13. Get da Drop on ‘Em
  14. Prelude (skit)
  15. I Shot Ya (Remix)

Mr. Smith is the sixth studio album by LL Cool J, under Def Jam Records. It was released on November 21, 1995. It was produced with an outstanding team that comprised Rashad Smith, Trackmasters, and Easy Mo Bee; special appearances were made by Boyz II Men, Foxy Brown, and Fat Joe. Marked by a return to form after the less successful 14 Shots to the Dome, Mr. Smith splits LL’s smooth romantic performances, such as “Hey Lover,” with harder-hitting ones like “I Shot Ya.” It went Double Platinum in the U.S., and received glowing reviews from critics who found LL versatile, lyrically deft, and resoundingly durable.

7. Phenomenon (1997)

Phenomenon Album Image

Tracklist:

  1. Phenomenon
  2. Candy
  3. Starsky & Hutch
  4. Another Dollar
  5. Nobody Can Freak You
  6. Hot, Hot, Hot
  7. 4, 3, 2, 1
  8. Wanna Get Paid
  9. Father
  10. Don’t Be Late, Don’t Come Too Soon

“Phenomenon,” released on October 14, 1997, is the seventh studio album by LL Cool J. A sequel to the very successful previous work “Mr. Smith,” the album continued the line of R&B-influenced tracks/hardcore rapping. With production courtesy of Sean “Puffy” Combs and his in-house team, The Hitmen, the album featured an extended sonic canvas which relied on samples from classic tracks such as Creative Source’s “Who Is He and What Is He to You?” and Grandmaster Melle Mel’s “White Lines (Don’t Don’t Do It)”. It was certified Platinum, one grade off from the double Platinum status of its predecessor. Standouts include “Phenomenon,” “Candy,” and the all-star “4, 3, 2, 1” with Canibus, DMX, Master P, Method Man, and Redman.

8. G.O.A.T. (2000)

G.O.A.T. Album Image

Tracklist:

  1. Intro
  2. Imagine That
  3. Back Where I Belong
  4. LL Cool J
  5. Take It Off
  6. Skit
  7. Fuhgidabowdit
  8. Farmers
  9. This Is Us
  10. Can’t Think
  11. Hello
  12. You and Me
  13. Homicide
  14. U Can’t Fuck with Me
  15. Queens Is
  16. The G.O.A.T.

LL Cool J’s album G.O.A.T. was the first of his for him to reach number one on the US Billboard 200, which happened on September 12, 2000. Most of the instrumentals were produced by DJ Scratch, and it features guest appearances from DMX, Snoop Dogg, and Method Man. Despite its success and at one point topping a number of charts, including the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums, the reviews were mixed. The critics found LL Cool J’s performance good, but the thematic cohesion lacking. The album that moved over 818,000 copies in the US alone by 2004, followed up with samples from classics done by Screaming Jay Hawkins and The Temptations.

9. 10 (2002)

10 Album Image

Tracklist:

  1. Intro
  2. Born to Love You
  3. Luv U Better
  4. Paradise
  5. Fa Ha
  6. Niggy Nuts
  7. Amazin’
  8. Clockin G’s
  9. Lollipop
  10. After School
  11. Throw Ya L’s Up
  12. U Should
  13. 10 Million Stars
  14. Mirror Mirror
  15. Big Mama (Unconditional Love)

“10,”, LL Cool J’s ninth studio album, was released on October 15, 2002, marking a milestone for Def Jam, as it was the first ever for the label to have an artist to release ten albums. The album reached number two on the US Billboard 200, and number 26 on the UK Albums Chart. Even though “10,” was a commercial success, it received mixed reviews. It was more melancholic and thus critically embraced, as Uncut would later hail this as LL’s best since 1987’s Bigger and Deffer. Meanwhile, AllMusic declared the album “lacking significant impact” despite the stellar producer lineup that includes The Neptunes and DJ S&S. It moved close to a million copies in the US alone and was certified Gold by the RIAA.

10. The DEFinition (2004)

The DEFinition Album Image

Tracklist:

  1. Headsprung
  2. Rub My Back
  3. I’m About to Get Her
  4. Move Somethin’
  5. Hush
  6. Every Sip
  7. Shake It Baby
  8. Can’t Explain It
  9. Feel the Beat
  10. Apple Cobbler
  11. 1 in the Morning

LL Cool J’s tenth studio album, The DEFinition was released on August 31, 2004 by Def Jam. Production wise the album was handled mainly by Timbaland with additional productions by N.O. Joe, Teddy Riley and 7 Aurelius as it was a noticeable change in LL’s sound, being more of a Southern rap record as opposed to his traditional rap style. The DEFinition placed number four on the US Billboard 200, selling 173,000 copies in its first week and was certified Gold by the RIAA. Even with mixed critical reception to the album, a Metacritic score of 66, it was noted to have energetic production and LL Cool J for having a consistent lyrical ability. Successful singles like “Headsprung” and “Hush” further created commercial success for the album.

11. Todd Smith (2006)

Todd Smith Album Image

Tracklist:

  1. It’s LL and Santana
  2. Control Myself
  3. Favorite Flavor
  4. Freeze
  5. Best Dress
  6. Preserve the Sexy
  7. What You Want
  8. I’ve Changed
  9. Ooh Wee
  10. #1 Fan
  11. Down the Aisle
  12. We’re Gonna Make It

Todd Smith is LL Cool J’s eleventh studio album, which was released under Def Jam Recordings on April 11, 2006. It represents a thematic and musical shift away from much of his earlier work toward a more commercial, pop-rap approach. Teaming up with the likes of Jennifer Lopez, Pharrell, Mary J. Blige, and Jamie Foxx, the album takes in minimalist, synthesized beats as LL delivers his smooth flow. Lead single “Control Myself,” featuring Jennifer Lopez, illustrates this new direction, and is accompanied by a Hype Williams helmed music video. The album received mixed reviews, with critics writing the record was overtly radio-friendly, though lacked substance. It debuted number six on the US Billboard 200, and went gold.

12. Exit 13 (2008)

Exit 13 Album Image

Tracklist:

  1. It’s Time for War
  2. Old School New School
  3. Feel My Heart Beat
  4. Get Over Here
  5. Baby
  6. You Better Watch Me
  7. Cry
  8. Baby (Rock Remix)
  9. Rocking with the G.O.A.T.
  10. This Is Ring Tone Murder
  11. Like a Radio
  12. I Fall in Love
  13. Ur Only a Customer
  14. Mr. President
  15. American Girl
  16. Speedin’ on da Highway / Exit 13
  17. Come and Party with Me
  18. We Rollin’
  19. Dear Hip Hop

“Exit 13,” LL’s twelfth studio album, came out on September 9, 2008, and was the last project he did with Def Jam Recordings before such a long hiatus. Featuring 50 Cent, Fat Joe, and Wyclef Jean, this highly explicit album changed the face of his clean albums that preceded it. It has both rap and rock contributions on the project; the single “Baby” featuring The-Dream, its rock remix featuring Richie Sambora. Receiving mixed reviews from critics who loved LL Cool J’s lyricism and energy, while the length and radio aspects were criticized, “Exit 13” still managed to debut at number nine on the Billboard 200, moving 44,000 copies in its first week.

13. Authentic (2013)

Authentic Album Image

Tracklist:

  1. Bath Salt
  2. Not Leaving You Tonight
  3. New Love
  4. We Came to Party
  5. Give Me Love
  6. Something About You (Love the World)
  7. Bartender Please
  8. Whaddup
  9. Between the Sheetz
  10. Closer
  11. Live for You
  12. We’re the Greatest

“Authentic,” released on April 30, 2013, is LL Cool J’s thirteenth studio album. Five years from “Exit 13,” this is an indication that he has finally left Def Jam. In jewel cases through S-BRO Music Group and 429 Records, it sees the involvement of guest artists ranging from Snoop Dogg to Eddie Van Halen to Seal. The production credits of the album are by Trackmasters, Jaylien, and Eddie Van Halen. Receiving mixed reviews, “Authentic”-with its truly eclectic guest mix of rap and R&B to rock-saw critics find LL Cool J’s attempts at musical diversification spotty. It bowed at number 23 on the Billboard 200, with modest sales that reflect its lukewarm critical reception.

14. The FORCE (2024)

The FORCE Album Image

Tracklist:

  1. Spirit of Cyrus
  2. The Force
  3. Saturday Night Special
  4. Black Code Suite
  5. Passion
  6. Proclivities
  7. Post Modern
  8. 30 Decembers
  9. Runnit Back
  10. Huey in the Chair
  11. Basquiat Energy
  12. Praise Him
  13. Murdergram Deux
  14. The Vow

The album from LL Cool J, The FORCE, was released on September 6, 2024, making it his fourteenth studio album and his first in over a decade. It marked his return to Def Jam Recordings and featured a cast of collaborators running the gamut: Snoop Dogg, Fat Joe, Rick Ross, and Eminem. Composed entirely by Q-Tip, the album first began to take shape in late 2020 after a long hiatus that saw LL Cool J take a sharp turn into acting and hosting duties. Conceived initially as GOAT 2, until its shelving due to LL’s announced retirement and a series of reworkings, this album boasts a production that’s rich with old-school and contemporary influences. Lead singles like “Saturday Night Special” and “Proclivities” are primary examples.

Conclusion:

It says a lot about LL Cool J’s discography, going all the way from one of hip-hop’s first commercial successes to his latest release in 2024, The FORCE. From his 1985 debut Radio up until his latest release The FORCE in 2024, LL Cool J has shown a development in the music world not only as an artist but also as a cultural icon. From album to album, from Bigger and Deffer, Mama Said Knock You Out to Mr. Smith, and the rest, one finds the growth of an artist who can easily move with the tide of change in musical trends without ever losing his signature style. LL Cool J Albums in Order not only chronicles his influence but underscores his lasting impact on both hip hop and popular culture; hence, his legacy is secured.


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