Maps of Music

Todd Smith (2006)

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

Named after LL Cool J's own middle and last name, this album gathered an unprecedented number of guest stars, and critics mostly found it cautious.

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Todd Smith: eleventh studio album by American rapper LL Cool J
Released April 11, 2006 by Def Jam Recordings
Features collaborations with Jennifer Lopez, Pharrell Williams, Juelz Santana, Teairra Mari, Jamie Foxx, Ginuwine, Mary J. Blige, 112, Mary Mary, Ryan Toby, and Freeway
Titled after LL Cool J's middle and last name
Production from The Neptunes, Scott Storch, Bink!, Shea Taylor, Keezo Kane, and Trackmasters, among others

For the next project, LL Cool J worked with an unprecedented number of guest artists
Guest appearances often evolved organically from the song selection process
He likened the album to Dr. Dre's debut album The Chronic (1992), with everyone deeply involved in writing and music
This level of collaboration on writing was something he had never attempted on an entire album before
The music is radio-friendly hip hop, with street material dropped in favor of straightforward commercial pop-rap
Much of the album is built on minimalist, distilled synthesized rap with thick drum swirls and bright production
He explained the title as a sign of openness on every level, letting listeners see his process and his life

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).

Critics characterized the album as polished, commercially oriented pop-rap
Critics criticized its cautious approach, reliance on guest appearances, and lack of the artistic impact of his earlier work
Metacritic: average score 51 out of 100 from 17 reviews, rated mixed or average
AllMusic: says the album proves LL Cool J still has wit and style to spare, and calls it solid radio-friendly hip-hop from a veteran of the genre
Entertainment Weekly (Tom Sinclair): criticized the big-name-guest-star affairs and said his best moments come when he raps alone
Rolling Stone (Peter Relic): eight of thirteen tracks qualify as slow-jam duets, none with the appeal of 1987's 'I Need Love'
PopMatters (Michael Frauenhofer): called the album adequate, glossy, safe, front-loaded, and slick

Debuted and peaked at number six on the US Billboard 200 with first-week sales of 116,000 copies
Marked LL Cool J's 11th album and his eighth top ten title on the Billboard 200
Opened at number two on both the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums and the Top Rap Albums charts
Lead single 'Control Myself' became a top five hit in Canada, Ireland, the United Kingdom, and the United States
Certified gold by the RIAA on May 18, 2006
By May 2008 had sold 535,000 copies in the United States, according to Nielsen SoundScan

Fergie of the Black Eyed Peas was originally to be featured on a song with Lopez, but a difference in payment led to Lopez replacing her.
The second single 'Freeze', featuring Lyfe Jennings, followed the lead single.
The album was mastered at Sterling Sound in New York.
The Control Myself music video was directed by Hype Williams.