LL Cool J returns with new single ‘Saturday Night Special’
Writer, award-winning actor, and rapper LL Cool J has been missing in action in hip-hop recently. However, the ‘Rock The Bells’ legend has returned to music after years of being on the big screen to release a new project.
He has begun the run-up to the album release this Autumn with the release of his latest single ‘Saturday Night Special’ featuring Maybach Music founder Rick Ross and Terror Squad leader Fat Joe.
The Q-Tip-produced track hears the three icons rapping about the harsh reality of life in the hood and the ever-changing dynamics of the inner city. Ross, Fat Joe and LL Cool J also speak about the street codes that often govern life.
The song title ‘Saturday Night Special’ is named after the revolver class of the same name. However, it does not just reflect the streets in name, but LL Cool J vividly details the kind of personalities you find in the hood, describing the “greedy killer” who’s short-tempered and the “daredevil type” who takes risks that could end up in a homicide.
LL Cool J has also released a music video to accompany the song. The minimalist, black-and-white music video directed by JakeTheShooter sees LL, Fat Joe and Rick Ross in front of a Maybach (one of Rick Ross’ staples), all in sunglasses, the video sees an abundance of silhouettes and shadows with an overall sense of play between dark and light.
As he released the song, LL (real name James Smith) told music outlets, “‘Saturday Night Special’ is just the beginning! There’s a lot more where this came from, and I’m hype for y’all to hear this new record. We’re doing this for the fans and for Hip-Hop culture.”
The FORCE will be Smith’s 14th studio album and has been executively produced by the ingenious jazz-hop musician and East Coast legend Q-Tip of A Tribe Called Quest. You can listen to ‘Saturday Night Special’ below.