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L.L. Cool J: Radio (Del Jam 8FC 40239. Distributed by Columbia.)

RJ Smith, High Fidelity, February 1986

THIS IS A test. Entrepreneurs Rick Rubin and Russell Simmons recently inked a distribution deal with Columbia, heralding potentially the biggest commercial boost to underground hip-hop yet. Thus, Radio is not something the formerly independent Def Jam tossed off carelessly. But don't talk about doubts to L.L. Cool J. On Radio he dismisses Bruce Springsteen, Madonna, Michael Jackson, Edgar Allan Poe, Shakespeare, Picasso, and the Japanese Army, 'cause none of them has the stuff he's got. And that's just one side.

Total word count of piece: 384

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