Hot 21 Radio

Today in Hip-Hop History: LL Cool J Releases Third LP 'Walking With A Panther' 32 Years Ago LL Cool J Releases Third LP 'Walking With A Panther' 32 Years Ago

Visit streaming.thesource.com for more information Peaking at #1 on the Billboard R&B/Hip Hop chart and #6 on the Billboard 200, this album continued LLs streak of commercially successful albums as well as served as one of Hip Hops early crossover projects. During that era, Def Jam was working to bring Hip Hop to the forefront of the mainstream, and this album was geared to reinvent LL Cool Js sound while retaining its Hip Hop integrity. Although it may have been publicly successful at achieving its goal, some critics have said this project may have brought LLs street credibility into question. Advertisement Regardless of critical opinion, the appeal of this album outshines anything negative that could be said about it. The most impressive and respectable feat of this project is LLs introduction as a self-produced MC. Throughout Walking with a Panther he proved that not only was he capable of knocking out hit after hit but was also a proficient beat maker. The original production team used to create the majority of LLs better-known songs prior to this album, L.A. Posse, decided to part ways with Def Jam following a contractual disagreement. This altercation left only one member of the team, Dwanye Simon, left to work with LL Cool J in producing the entirety of the LP. This project also toted some of LL Cool Js biggest hit singles including: Going Back to Cali and Jingling Baby. Both of these singles are hallmarks of LL Cool Js career and in their own way describe his career as a whole. LLs appeal was from the beginning catered toward the female demographic while still retaining his cool guy demeanor in a way that it wasnt awkward for males to also be in huge support of his music and style. Much like a proto-Drake, LL CoolJ through this album was able to deliver enough to keep the streets happy all while maintaining the attention of his female fan base. Read more