LL Cool J hasn’t released an album since 2013’s Authentic, but the drought should be ending at some point later this year. The Radio rapper on June 7 announced plans for his first single of the year, “Saturday Night Special,” which will be arriving on June 14.
“In case you missed it, new single ‘Saturday Night Special,’” he said in the clip while posted up in the studio with shades on and his signature Yankee fitted cap. “It’s coming June 14. Go to the link in the bio. Sign up to the pre-save it. Ya know what I mean?”
The surprises didn’t stop there, as LL promised that his long-awaited next “album’s coming in the fall.”
The New York native continued: “It’s the real deal, baby. It’s go time. ‘Saturday Night Special’ is the first single. I’ll let you know about the features. Couple of days … Hit the link in the bio, you’ll be able to find out a little sooner. Tracklisting for the album is coming. Album will be out in the fall. Yo, it’s on, baby.”
LL Cool J had a busy 2023 as he was part of the 50th anniversary of hip-hop tribute performance at the Grammy Awards and hit the road for The F.O.R.C.E. Live Tour.
The 56-year-old was continually teasing an album throughout last year, which he says is executive-produced by Q-Tip, but hasn’t yet gone through with releasing it. He also didn’t make it clear if this is the same LP.
LL previously raved about the project and working with Q-Tip at the 2023 Grammys. “I know all the tricks,” he told E! News at the time. “I got this covered. I think honestly and sincerely, that Q-Tip as a producer is unbelievable and what he did on this record for me, I think is amazing. So the world will decide.”
He continued: “The album, I think, is really, really special. I think it’s something it’s modern without chasing. It’s a whole new thing. I can’t wait for the people to see it.”
LL’s last album, Authentic, was released in 2013 and debuted at No. 23 on the Billboard 200. Find his announcement below.
