• LL Cool J AUTHENTIC
1 1

AUTHENTIC

AUTHENTIC

$22.98 USD
$22.98 USD $22.98 USD
Sale Sold out
Shipping calculated at checkout.

Out of stock

Shipping Information

We carefully package every order to help ensure your records and media arrive safely. Orders are typically processed promptly, and tracking information is provided once your shipment is on its way.

Shipping costs and delivery estimates are calculated at checkout based on your location and selected shipping method.

View Shipping Policy

Returns & Exchanges

We want you to shop with confidence. If there's an issue with your order, we're here to help.

New, unopened items may be returned in accordance with our Return Policy. For complete details, including return eligibility and timeframes, please review our full Return Policy before making your purchase.

View Return Policy

Collector's Guide

Every collection tells a story.

Whether you're buying your first record or adding a rare pressing to your shelves, understanding editions, formats, and release details can help you make informed collecting decisions. At Vibin' Vinyl, we believe collecting is about more than just owning the music—it's about appreciating the artwork, packaging, mastering, and history behind every release.

Looking to expand your collecting knowledge?

Explore our Collector's Guide for tips, format guides, and collecting advice.

Read the Collector's Guide

Personnel: Z-Trip (scratches). Liner Note Author: LL Cool J. Recording information: Fenix Studios, NY; Henson Studios; Opra Music Studios; Westlake Recording Studios. Photographers: Leann Mueller; Janette Beckman. When LL Cool J dubs his 2013 effort Authentic, the veteran rapper is referring to an album that's authentically LL Cool J circa 2013, and not one that's authentically hip-hop. That's important to remember as the everything-but-the-kitchen-sink effort overflows with guests from every genre, like Public Enemy's Chuck D, blink-182's Travis Barker, Rage Against the Machine guitarist Tom Morello, and electro-rocker Z-Trip. That busy jumble of names is not only on the same album, but on the same track, as in "Whaddup," a pop-protest number that's admirable enough, and one that sounds more natural than "Accidental Racist," LL's much-maligned duet with Brad Paisley. Authentic gets its own Paisley team-up with "Live for You," a glossed-up, jukebox country redo of LL's "I Need Love," although when it comes to updates to Cool J's classics, the "Mama Said Knock You Out" return "We're the Greatest" is a better choice, with Eddie Van Halen wailing away as the rapper does a Mike Tyson impression, intentional or not. This variety hour on wax comes alive when characters like Bootsy Collins (making the party number "Bartender Please" sound Deee-Lite-ful), Snoop Dogg (on the club worthy "We Come to Party"), and Charlie Wilson (swaggerfest "New Love" wins just for the line "honk your horn if she's walking by right now") show up, but even so, the album doubles down on some of its best ideas, and Eddie, Snoop, Travis, and Uncle Charlie all return for lesser numbers. LL sounds rusty and a bit under-rehearsed as he belts out his iffy punch lines and motivational anthems, but he pours his heart into the pop numbers and sounds at home during the nostalgic throwbacks. Don't call it a comeback of any sort, but good intentions abound and in a primetime television star manner, the album's title remains true. ~ David Jeffries
  • Genre: Pop
  • Format: CD
  • Released: 04/30/2013
View full details