Uncle L always discovers ways to move hip-hop. Four decades after first shaking the rap game to its core, LL Cool J, a Rock & Roll Hall of Famer, Kennedy Center Honoree, NAACP Image Award winner, and two-time Grammy® Award icon, is reminding everyone why his name still rings bells.
On April 11, LL will release two of his most defining albums back onto wax: ‘All World: Greatest Hits’ and ‘Phenomenon,’ courtesy of Def Jam/UMe. But this isn’t just about nostalgia; this is about solidifying legacy. Hip-hop is celebrating 50 years of existence, and LL is marking 40 years since his groundbreaking debut. These limited-edition color variant 2LP pressings and standard black 2LP pressings allow fans to experience the raw energy that shaped the genre in a new way.
In addition to the new releases, LL Cool J is bringing a fresh vision to an old classic. For the first time ever, he’s unveiling a brand-new music video for his 1985 anthem, “Rock The Bells,” directed by Gregory Brunkalla. Shot in black-and-white, the video captures modern-day New York: subway riders, street cyphers, and riverside crowds spitting the lyrics like the track just dropped yesterday. The energy is electric, a nod to LL’s era-defining impact and how his music still resonates with new generations.
Originally released on November 5, 1996, ‘All World: Greatest Hits’ is a sonic time capsule that showcases LL’s unparalleled versatility. The album features: “Rock The Bells,” the song that made the world take notice; “Mama Said Knock You Out,” a battle cry for the ages; “Going Back To Cali,” a West Coast smooth, East Coast cool anthem; “Around The Way Girl,” a love letter to the fly girls of the block; and “I Need Love,” LL proving rap could be heartfelt and poetic.
Released October 14, 1997, ‘Phenomenon’ marked LL’s ability to evolve with the culture. This album was more than just bars; it was about pushing boundaries and flipping the script. Featuring: “Phenomenon,” the title track that oozed smooth confidence; “Candy” (feat. Ricky Bell & Ralph Tresvant), a hip-hop-meets-R&B crossover before it was trendy; “4, 3, 2, 1” (feat. Canibus, DMX, Master P, Method Man & Redman), a posse cut that shook the industry; and “Hot, Hot, Hot,” a joint that kept the clubs on fire.
LL Cool J’s music didn’t just exist in its time; it transcended generations. These reissues are a reminder of how his music continues to shape the culture today.
Pre-order your copy now and own a piece of hip-hop history. Legends don’t fade; they evolve.
All World: Greatest Hits Tracklisting:
1. I Can’t Live Without My Radio
2. Rock the Bells
3. I’m Bad
4. I Need Love
5. Going Back to Cali
6. Jack the Ripper
7. Jingling Baby (Remixed But Still Jingling)
8. Big Ole Butt
9. The Boomin’ System
10. Around the Way Girl
11. Mama Said Knock You Out
12. Back Seat
13. I Need a Beat
14. Doin It
15. Loungin (Who Do Ya Luv) [feat. Total]
16. Hey Lover [feat. Boyz II Men]
Phenomenon Tracklisting:
1. Phenomenon
2. Candy [Ricky Bell & Ralph Tresvant]
3. Starsky & Hitch [feat. Busta Rhymes]
4. Another Dollar
5. Nobody Can Freak You
6. Hot, Hot Hot
7. 4, 3, 2, 1 [feat. Canibus, DMX, Master P, & Method Man & Redman]
8. Wanna Get Paid [feat. The Lost Boyz]
9. Father
10. Don’t Be Late, Don’t Come Too Soon [feat. Tamia]
