Released: September 12, 2000

Songwriter: DJ Scratch LL Cool J

Producer: DJ Scratch

[Verse 1]
I can shut a nigga down so quick my sounds so sick
My talents spread around while I'm holdin' my dick
Ridiculous shit flip immaculate
Evolutionary flows y'all want more dough
Bang with the best, get a vest, all the rest, should've blessed
Rip a nigga from the East to the West
Just a lyrical maze, lyrical days
God works in mysterious ways
I'm the warlord of war relieve the raw dog
Niggas ain't even comin' close to my low score
Niggas fleein' when I'm rippin' on the hardcore beat
That's slammin' through your jeep like a .44 MAC to your back
Nigga L never got ripped by a track
I don't fuck around, always come back
For the lyrical miracle day one platinum plaque right off the bat
Looked at every nigga with the mic on my arm
A time-bomb blowin' up ring the alarm
Cool double O flow well to the LL
I'm leave the world looking hard as hell

[Chorus]
I shut 'em down (get off me, you can't hold me)
I shut 'em down (get off me, you can't hold me)
I shut 'em down (get off me, you can't hold me)
I shut 'em down (get off me, you can't hold me)
I shut 'em down (get off me, you can't hold me)
I shut 'em down (get off me, you can't hold me)
I shut 'em down (get off me, you can't hold me)
I shut 'em down (get off me, you can't hold me)

[Verse 2]
To the next plateau niggas bet my flow
Betta bet I role with more control
Gotta bring the heat that eliminate who can't compete
Spit razors to rip the beat
Relentless endless friendless when it comes to the lyrical mack
Now off my back stack 'em drag 'em now feds waggin'
Hear you fasten place on the blood of my veins without passion
Mashin take a little time to think the rhyme out
How to find out
Bump and grind out
Pump the lines out
I'ma show what the microphone is all about without doubt
C to the double O bounce in the bubble eye limo
No I ain't checkin' for you bull shit demo
Every time you hear me in a battle I'm lethal
Nigga too sweet 'n low you ain't equal

[Chorus]
I shut 'em down
I shut 'em down
I shut 'em down
I shut 'em down
I shut 'em down
I shut 'em down
I shut 'em down
I shut 'em down
I shut 'em down (get off me, you can't hold me)
I shut 'em down (get off me, you can't hold me)
I shut 'em down (get off me, you can't hold me)
I shut 'em down (get off me, you can't hold me)
I shut 'em down (get off me, you can't hold me)
I shut 'em down (get off me, you can't hold me)
I shut 'em down (get off me, you can't hold me)
I shut 'em down (get off me, you can't hold me)

[Verse 3]
I can take you to the level if I let my phantom
Nigga bout to rule the world with one anthem
Kidnapped rap for a handsome ransom
Smoke a little Branson on the side of the mansion
Keep it thugged out even when a nigga dancing
Branson make that trans and keep it dancing
I'ma murder every nigga in the game
Can't stand the rain
Fuck a maintain
Gotta leave the world in flames
Nigga wanna live life stay out of my lanes
Tryin' to read my name
Here's a murderous combo with you on your pain
Sideways stimulator bringin' the flames
Niggas wanna feel me spit the whole clips
Sing along it will split your lip
.45 with a name on the grip
Niggas said you wanna battle
Nigga now talk shit

[Chorus]
I shut 'em down (get off me, you can't hold me)
I shut 'em down (get off me, you can't hold me)
I shut 'em down (get off me, you can't hold me)
I shut 'em down (get off me, you can't hold me)
I shut 'em down (get off me, you can't hold me)
I shut 'em down (get off me, you can't hold me)
I shut 'em down (get off me, you can't hold me)
I shut 'em down (get off me, you can't hold me)

LL Cool J

Deriving his name from the statement “Ladies Love Cool James,” LL Cool J became a superstar rapper after his Def Jam debut in 1984. He mixed a hardcore hip-hop style from songs like “I’m Bad” with R&B style on songs like “I Need Love,” which led him to multi-platinum success and several awards. He would later venture into movies and television, write several books, and start different business ventures.

Born January 14, 1968, Queens, New York native James Todd Smith began rapping at the age of nine and started to seriously pursue rapping when he was 16 years old after his grandfather bought him music equipment, which he used to create a demo tape that was sent to numerous labels. He was signed by upstart independent label Def Jam, working with founders Russell Simmons and Rick Rubin to release his debut single “I Need a Beat” in 1984, which sold over 100,000 copies. This success helped Def Jam secure a distribution deal with Columbia Records.

LL released his debut album Radio in 1985, which achieved platinum status with help from the hit singles “I Can’t Live Without My Radio” and “Rock the Bells.” After working exclusively with Rick Rubin on his debut, LL worked with the West Coast production crew L.A. Posse on his second album Bigger and Deffer, released in 1987. The album featured two of LL’s signature the hard-edged “I’m Bad” and the “rap ballad” “I Need Love,” which was a Top 20 pop hit, helping the album achieve double platinum status.