Maps of Music

10 (2002)

Where the lyrics of 10 take you, and where it was really made.

With this release LL Cool J became the first artist ever on Def Jam to have ten albums under the label, a milestone the album itself marked.

Place unknown

Do you know where this album was recorded, or where its cover was shot? Tell us and we will add it to the map.

10: ninth studio album by American rapper LL Cool J
Released by Def Jam Recordings on October 15, 2002, in the United States
Milestone in Def Jam history: first artist ever on the label to have ten albums under it, counted within a thirteen-album deal
Peaked at number two on the US Billboard 200
Reached number 26 on the UK Albums Chart, his highest UK placement to date
Singles include "Paradise" featuring Amerie and "Luv U Better", produced by The Neptunes

Follows G.O.A.T. (2000), which debuted at number one on the Billboard album chart
The album is tied to the 2003 hit "All I Have" with Jennifer Lopez
Its tracks include "Clockin' G's" and "Mirror Mirror", which carry battle-style self-praise
Producers credited in reviews include Tone & Poke, the Neptunes, and Ron "Amen-Ra" Lawrence
Musically the project keeps LL Cool J's usual breezy funk, with some new-school bounce added by beat makers

James Todd Smith, known as LL Cool J (short for Ladies Love Cool James), is an American rapper and actor.
He was among the earliest rappers to achieve crossover commercial success alongside new-school acts like Run-DMC.
Signed by Def Jam Recordings in 1984; his breakthrough single "I Need a Beat" (1984) was followed by debut album Radio (1985).
Later albums Bigger and Deffer (1987), Walking with a Panther (1989), Mama Said Knock You Out (1990), Mr. Smith (1995), and Phenomenon (1997) brought continued success.
Released The FORCE (2024), his fourteenth studio album, after re-signing with Def Jam.
Acting work includes Toys, Halloween H20, Any Given Sunday, and NCIS: Los Angeles (2009–2023) as Sam Hanna.
Two-time Grammy winner; in 2017 became the first rapper to receive a Kennedy Center Honor; inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2021 (Musical Excellence).

Uncut: called it his best album since Bigger and Deffer (1987), saying it sounds as fresh as his first
Launch.com (Dan Leroy): not a greatest hits collection but sounds like one, with nostalgia running through its 15 songs
USA Today (Steve Jones): rated it 3.5 of 4 stars, saying LL Cool J isn't slowing down after 17 years
Blender (Christian Hoard): a small step forward musically, with new-school bounce from several beat engineers
PopMatters (Matt Cibula): a fun record and a frustrating one, suffering only periodically from self-satisfaction
AllMusic (John Bush): despite strong producers, little substance behind the posturing
Metacritic: average score 60 out of 100 from eight reviews

The album was issued in a slipcase, according to Discogs release notes.
"Paradise" draws on portions of "Risin' to the Top", originally performed by Keni Burke.
"Fa Ha" samples "Rich Girl" by Hall & Oates.
"After School" contains elements of "It Takes Two" by Rob Base & DJ E-Z Rock and "Rappers Delight" by the Sugarhill Gang.
"All I Have" samples "Very Special", performed by Debra Laws.
Its release made LL Cool J the first Def Jam artist with ten albums on the label.