ALBUM REVIEWS : *** LL Cool J, “Mr. Smith,” Def Jam.

A current stint as a sitcom actor hasn’t softened the edge of LL Cool J. As the N-word and other expletives fly, LL may not exactly be a one-in-a-million role model, but he is undeniably quick-witted and bright. Long after “In the House” has faded from the TV airwaves, LL’s reputation as a phrase-making, rock-solid rock artist will still stand.

Albums are rated on a scale of one star (poor) to four stars (excellent).