What makes Doin It by LL Cool J notable?

'Doin It' was notable for its commercial success, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot Rap Singles chart and earning LL Cool J a Grammy nomination for Best Rap Solo Performance. Its sensual vibe helped pave the way for future hip-hop artists to explore romantic themes within their work. Released on February 20, 1996, 'Doin It' came at a time when LL Cool J was solidifying his status as a hip-hop heavyweight following the success of his previous album, 'Mr. Smith'. This single marked a strategic move towards incorporating more romantic themes into his music, reflecting the evolving landscape of hip-hop during the mid-90s.

How many songs are on Doin It?

Doin It has 3 tracks, running approximately 13 minutes.

Released 30 years ago

Doin It

LL Cool J · 1996

13 min · 3 tracks · hip-hop

An exuberant celebration of romance and hedonism wrapped in smooth, sultry beats and LL Cool J's charismatic delivery.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Doin It (On the Air) — This version captures the playful essence of LL Cool J's approach to love and attraction with its infectious hook and lively production.
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Doin It (LP version) — The LP version showcases LL's lyrical prowess while emphasizing the track's catchy beat, making it a staple in his discography.
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Doin It (instrumental) — The instrumental provides insight into the song's production quality, highlighting the smooth bass lines and intricate arrangements that frame LL's vocals.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

Instrumental

45 /100

Lowland

Higher than 5% of albums we've rated

The single showcases LL Cool J's charisma and smooth production but lacks depth in composition.

What we noticed

The main track features a smooth, laid-back beat with a prominent bassline that drives the rhythm.
LL Cool J's delivery alternates between rapping and melodic singing, creating a dynamic vocal performance.
The instrumental version strips away the vocals, highlighting the production elements and groove.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 4/10

Influence 3/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — The single solidified LL Cool J's status as a hip-hop heavyweight after 'Mr. Smith'.
Themes: hip-hop romance· late-night seduction· smooth melodies
Career context: Released on February 20, 1996, 'Doin It' came at a time when LL Cool J was solidifying his status as a hip-hop heavyweight following the success of his previous album, 'Mr. Smith'. This single marked a strategic move towards incorporating more romantic themes into his music, reflecting the evolving landscape of hip-hop during the mid-90s.
Stylistic neighbors: Kool Moe Dee· Big Daddy Kane· Nas