They were basically RnB songs with rap lyrics.

“ Around the way girl” was RnB with lyrics
“Hey Lover” was RnB hip hop love song
“I need love” was RnB hip hop love song

Those songs crossed over to the pop charts...just like
many other RnB songs have crossed over

But LL was never ever a pop star or made pop music.

The formula was RnB mixed with Hip Hop. Known as hip hop
soul.