There are a few unmistakable footprints any fan of hip-hop can instantly recognize: the woodwind twist of Run DMC's "Peter Piper," Doug E. Fresh's "La Di Da Di," and the ferocious, burning, wax-and-metal battle cry of "LL Cool J is hard as hell!" on "Rock the Bells," from LL Cool J's 1986 debut, Radio. Although just a teenager at the time of this recording, LL booms with shocking authority on tracks like "I Can't Live Without My Radio" and "I Need a Beat." Rick Rubin completes the soundscape with Def Jam's early signature arena-rock guitar strangulations and mechanical drum fills. LL's bravado and vocal presence--despite the imperfect production on the CD and the juvenilia of "You Can't Dance" and "I Want You"--remain inescapable on Radio. --Todd Levin