LL Cool J: Why did you listen to JD?

Dear Mr. Smith:

First and Foremost, I'd like to personally "Thank You" for giving to me the first rap song that I have memorized (Bad). I had lost my voice on a few occasions trying to match your energy and b-boy poses... yes, my hat was like a sharks' fin as well.

It is safe to say that there will never be another artist in hip-hop history who will be able to match your accomplishments through longevity, staying ahead of the creative curve and keeping a strong hold on all of our girlfriends for the past 20 years.

You were ahead of your time for your entire career. Just think about it Mr. Smith; hundreds of thousands of emcees have come and gone during your emaculant run, yet you have found a way to not only still be standing, but to be standing in a league of your own. There are Hip-hop historians out there that won't even place you in their top 10 lists of the greatest emcees of all time. It's crazy, because this culture is all about raising the bar, being unique and setting your own trends. Who else has done it longer and more consistently than you have?

Whenever there was signs that pointed towards you putting out another album, people waited patiently to hear your first single. Mega-hits like Bad, Mama Said Knock You Out, Hey Lover, Luv U Better and Headsprung defined the success that was yet to come when their respected albums hit the shelves. But LL, I have to know one thing...

Why in the hell did you listen to Jermaine Dupri?

I've previously read an interview where a cocky JD spoke about his studio session with you. About how he wanted you to use your, "Going Back To Cali," flow for what is now the worse opening single that you've released to usher in a new album, Control Myself. Mr. So So Def, talked about how you didn't think that using that flow would be a good idea, but he still swayed you into doing so. With that one decision, you went from 20+ years of innovation, where you were the one who blazed your own trail, to having to battle for space on a road that was traveled far too often.

Selling 116,000 copies in your first week isn't bad; but it was below average going back to your past 5 album release weeks. JD may have had it right with penciling in "Confessions" for Usher to sing about and giving Mariah the ultimate sing-along classic with her career saving hit, We Belong Together, but he totally struck out with the production of Control Myself.

I hope that you have a few rabbits up your sleeve for your next single, because this duet with Jennifer Lopez, wasn't much to lose control over.

Your longtime fan,


Deshair