Because I think Mr. Smith gave him life for the next 10 years(of mixed quality, but certainly good success).

Feels like in that era, he probably would’ve been done if Mr. Smith was wack and didn’t hit. Commercially around 95, he was right there with the new biggest stars like Biggie for a minute again, which combined with being a legend was a real good look for him.

When I hear LL talking about how much he loves Pete Rock and Primo with Dre, it makes me wish he would’ve actually worked with them. Especially come late 90’s era? Or at least after Phenomenon was a “nah”?