L L Cool J : Authentic review

The hip-hop pioneer perhaps better known these days as federal agent Sam Hanna in television’s NCIS Los Angeles returns with his first album in five years.

And a host of special guests.

Snoop Dogg, Bootsy Collins and Chuck D are among predictable pals.

But highlights include brassy party night floor filler Something About You (with Earth Wind & Fire as backing band) and rock-riffed We’re The Greatest, on which Eddie Van Halen delivers a flamboyant solo.

Best of all is single Whaddup, Tom Morello supplying Rage Against The Machine crunch and slippery guitar licks.

Mix in a few dewy-eyed ballads and it's not cutting edge - but neither it is carpet slippers.