LL Cool J

LL COOL J’s New Album Reportedly Feature Eminem, Nas and is Produced by Q-Tip

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LL Cool J Jewelry Line

LL COOL J has a new album loading, and the release has some heavy hitters. According to AllHipHop, Eminem, Nas, Fat Joe, Rick Ross, and Saweetie are set to be featured on the album. To make it even crazier, the album is set to be entirely produced by Q-Tip.

Coming off his 55th birthday, LL announced the new album. It would be his first album since 2013’s Authentic.

“I’m competing with myself on this new album. Wait til you hear this MF,” LL tweeted. “This year B. It’s coming.”

Liv Nation Urban has announced a once-in-a-lifetime touring experience and celebration of hip-hop culture. Rock The Bells and Live Nation Urban The Kennedy Center Honoree, two-time Grammy Award winner, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame® Inductee, and Hip-Hop Icon LL COOL J as the headlining act at The F.O.R.C.E. (Frequencies of Real Creative Energy) Live.

READ MORE: LL COOL J Announces August Return of Rock the Bells Festival

For the first time in 30 years, LL COOL J will headline an arena tour with this historic tour. The lineup for this tour was chosen by LL COOL J himself, living true to the phrase F.O.R.C.E. (Frequencies of Real Creative Energy).

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All events will feature collaborative live performances with renowned Grammy Award-winning Hip-Hop band The Roots, the famous DJ Jazzy Jeff, and DJ Z-Trip, building on their incredible performance together on the GRAMMY® Awards earlier this year celebrating the 50th Anniversary of Hip-Hop. The evening will be a continual musical mix up with artist performances intertwined into one continuous musical set, contrary to the typical “opening act – headliner” style, supported by The Roots. Salt-N-Pepa, Queen Latifah, Rakim, Common, MC Lyte, Method Man & Redman, Big Boi, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, Ice T, Juvenile, Doug E. Fresh, Slick Rick, De La Soul, Goodie Mob, Jadakiss, Rick Ross, and more are among the legendary performers on the lineup in some cities.

 “I’m excited to be on my first Arena tour in 30 years. It’s proof that our culture is more viable than ever,” LL COOl J says of the tour. “Get ready for some non stop beats and rhymes. See you this summer!”

READ MORE: LL COOL J Delivers Powerful Tribute to Hip-Hop During at iHeartRadio Awards

The F.O.R.C.E. Live begins its journey on June 25 at Boston, Massachusetts’ TD Garden, stops in Brooklyn, New York’s Barclays Center on June 27, travels to arenas throughout the United States and Canada, and concludes on September 3 in Los Angeles, California’s Kia Forum. You can cop tickets here.

2023 is proving to be a massive year for LL Cool J. In addition to a new album, his inaugural Hip-Hop cruise is ready to take off.

The “Rock The Bells Cruise: A Hip-Hop Experience” has been announced in collaboration with Sixthman, the industry leader in immersive music and lifestyle festivals at sea. The cruise is the first of its type, sailing from Miami to the Bahamas on Nov. 13 – Nov. 17, 2023, and offers an all-inclusive four-day, four-night Hip-Hop adventure aboard the Norwegian Pearl.

The company is taking its annual Rock The Bells Festival to sea, a dynamic, day-long event created by Rock The Bells founder LL COOL J in his birthplace of Queens, NY, featuring live performances by renowned musicians. The cruise is one of several announcements planned by the corporation to commemorate and celebrate Hip-50th Hop’s anniversary and to recognize its icons.

The post LL COOL J’s New Album Reportedly Feature Eminem, Nas and is Produced by Q-Tip appeared first on The Source.

LL Cool J Taps Eminem, Nas & More For Upcoming Album: Report

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After nearly 40 years in the entertainment industry, expanding into film and television following a triumphant run in hip-hop, LL Cool J plans to make his return to the booth. The legendary rapper confirmed that he’ll release a new album – his first in 10 years. However, he’s bringing along a slew of MCs to join him on the project. AllHipHop reports that Eminem, Nas, Fat Joe, Rick Ross, and Saweetie will appear in the project, which is reportedly going to be produced entirely by Q-Tip.

The upcoming project aligns with Hip Hop’s 50th anniversary and the string of features reflects the genre’s evolution. Fat Joe stands as the only artist that LL Cool J worked with in the past. The two previously connected on “I Shot Ya (Remix)” in 1995. However, the appearances of Nas and Eminem are certainly the most anticipated, especially since LL hasn’t locked in with either in the past. Although a collab with Em was supposed to arrive on LL’s now-shelved The G.O.A.T 2, LL continued to ensure fans that they would come out with something in the near future.

LL Cool J Confirms Heavy-Hitters On New Album

(Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame)

LL has continued to tease the upcoming effort since the beginning of the year. During his appearance at the Grammys, where he performed in the Hip Hop 50 segment, he confirmed Q-Tip’s involvement. “The album, I think, is really, really special,” he told E! News. “I think it’s something modern without chasing. It’s a whole new thing. I can’t wait for the people to see it… I think honestly and sincerely that Q-Tip as a producer is unbelievable and what he did on this record for me, I think is amazing. So the world will decide.”

It seems like the upcoming album will align with LL Cool J’s upcoming The F.O.R.C.E tour. The tour kicks off on June 25th in Boston and will include The Roots, DJ Jazzy Jeff, and DJ Z-Trip. Additionally, they plan on turning it into a hip-hop extravaganza in each city as they plot on different guests, including Rakim, Queen Latifah, Rick Ross, Jadakiss, and more. We’ll keep you posted on anymore updates surrounding LL’s upcoming album.

[Via]

LL Cool J Speaks On The Benefits Of Owning His Masters

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Music is a weird industry. Just because you create a song doesn’t mean that you actually own it. In fact, you could be the best-selling artist to ever live and yet only see a fraction of the profits your work generates.

That’s where masters come in. The most person who owns the “masters” of a song is technically the legal owner of that song. They are the ones who can choose how it is used. Furthermore, they can also choose how the artist is compensated in terms of residuals. Famously, Taylor Swift re-recorded an entire album to claim ownership of it after she was unable to buy her own masters. Throughout history, artists have long battled to control their own music. Furthermore, there are countless examples of this being exploited by the owners of an artist’s masters.

LL Cool J Testifies On Owning His Own Masters

“Yeah, I own my masters,” Cool J told the Million Dollarz Worth of Game podcast, “I got my catalog back just before 2000. And, you know, it just worked out well. So now, if you hear an LL COOL J song in a movie, or if you hear my song in a commercial, I’ve licensed that song.” LL Cool J’s work can be heard just about everywhere in popular culture. However, it’s not just about the money for Cool J, it’s about the principle of making music.

“But that’s a blessing, you know? There but for the grace of God, you know what I’m saying? It just worked out. I got a lot of bites at the apple. And I was born to do what I’m doing. I’m not a dude that’s just doing Hip Hop because I’m doing it. You know? I was born to do it,” Cool J said. While the money is likely very nice from a catalog as prolific as Cool J’s, his words resonate as to why he owns his own work. It’s blood, sweat, and tears on those tracks. While he isn’t in the game to make money, if there is money to be made, he deserves to be the one to make it.

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LL Cool J Laughed At Jay-Z’s Old Raps

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LL Cool J is one of the few rap stars that you would never guess hasn’t been to the infamous Roc Nation Brunch. However, the “Around the Way Girl” rhymer begs to differ. During a recent sit-down with Big Boy’s Neighborhood, the rap legend recollected a few memories from the past. As they walked down memory lane, Big Boy asked LL Cool J about a time when he laughed at Roc Nation CEO Jay-Z’s rhymes. LL told the veteran radio personality about the times when he and Hov would riff off of each other’s raps as teens.

Additionally, LL Cool J admitted that although he laughed at Jay, he didn’t even remember doing it. Despite their friendly relationship, the rap icon has yet to be invited to the Roc Nation Brunch. Imagine laughing at one of Hov’s rhymes and having to pay an eternal fee of never enjoying one of the most lavish brunch’s on Earth? Yeah, we can’t either. However, LL did mention wanting to get past this so maybe one day he can attend.

LL Cool Wants The Invite

Furthermore, LL Cool J told Big Boy he loves everybody and has no problems with any of his contemporaries. However, he did say, “If I laughed, you know, okay so what? Laugh at me.” He continued bringing up a valid point saying, “How many people have you laughed or snapped on in the lunchroom?” LL Cool J has a point, folks were ruthless during lunch in high school. Despite making a grave mistake in chortling at Jigga’s raps, LL humbly asked for the pass in classic New York fashion. “C’mon B, let me get a pass on this nonsense, this is ridiculous,” he told the radio host.

The Hip-Hop icon jokingly said, “I laughed at you so now I can’t get no brunch?” Additionally, Big Boy also shared LL’s pain sharing that he too has yet to attend the coveted brunch. As the pair laughed, Big Boy threw in that it seems both of them won’t be going to the Roc Nation Brunch in the near future after their conversation. However, you never know, Hov might have a change of heart. Then again, Jay did play Wonderwall out of pure pettiness, so it’s a toss-up. So who really got the last laugh? Let the HNHH crew know in the comments below!

[Via]

[WATCH] LL Cool J Laughs off Joking on Jay-Z’s Rapping in High School: ‘I Don’t Even Remember It’

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LL Cool J on Handling a Home Intruder First Tour in 30 Years Ice T Beef and New Album Interview 0 10 screenshot

LL COOL J was with Big Boy on Big Boy’s Neighborhood and recalled laughing at JAY-Z when he rapped in high school.

LL mentioned that he didn’t have any issues with Hov and barely remembers the moment. But now, he wonders if it could be what led to no invite to the Roc Nation Brunch. “I don’t even remember it! I laughted at you, so now I can’t have no brunch?” LL jokingly asked.

LL will soon be back on the road. Liv Nation Urban has announced a once-in-a-lifetime touring experience and celebration of hip-hop culture. Rock The Bells and Live Nation Urban The Kennedy Center Honoree, two-time Grammy Award winner, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame® Inductee, and Hip-Hop Icon LL COOL J as the headlining act at The F.O.R.C.E. (Frequencies of Real Creative Energy) Live.

For the first time in 30 years, LL COOL J will headline an arena tour with this historic tour. The lineup for this tour was chosen by LL COOL J himself, living true to the phrase F.O.R.C.E. (Frequencies of Real Creative Energy).

unnamed 2 2

All events will feature collaborative live performances with renowned Grammy Award-winning Hip-Hop band The Roots, the famous DJ Jazzy Jeff, and DJ Z-Trip, building on their incredible performance together on the GRAMMY® Awards earlier this year celebrating the 50th Anniversary of Hip-Hop. The evening will be a continual musical mix up with artist performances intertwined into one continuous musical set, contrary to the typical “opening act – headliner” style, supported by The Roots. Salt-N-Pepa, Queen Latifah, Rakim, Common, MC Lyte, Method Man & Redman, Big Boi, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, Ice T, Juvenile, Doug E. Fresh, Slick Rick, De La Soul, Goodie Mob, Jadakiss, Rick Ross, and more are among the legendary performers on the lineup in some cities.

 “I’m excited to be on my first Arena tour in 30 years. It’s proof that our culture is more viable than ever,” LL COOl J says of the tour. “Get ready for some non stop beats and rhymes. See you this summer!”

The F.O.R.C.E. Live begins its journey on June 25 at Boston, Massachusetts’ TD Garden, stops in Brooklyn, New York’s Barclays Center on June 27, travels to arenas throughout the United States and Canada, and concludes on September 3 in Los Angeles, California’s Kia Forum.

Verizon will offer customers an exclusive presale for the tour in the U.S. through Verizon Up. Customers will have access to purchase presale tickets for select shows beginning Tuesday, April 25th at 12PM local time through Thursday, April 27th at 10PM local time. For more details visit Verizon Up.

Citi is the official card of the tour. Citi cardmembers will also have access to presale tickets for select shows beginning Tuesday, April 25th at 12PM local time through Thursday, April 27th at 10PM local time through the Citi Entertainment program. For complete presale details visit www.citientertainment.com.

On Thursday, April 27th between 10AM-10PM local time, fans may purchase tickets through either the Live Nation presale, Ticketmaster presale, or local venue and radio presales. General on-sale kicks off Friday, April 28th at 10AM local time.

TOUR DATES

6/25    Boston, MA                TD Garden

6/27    Brooklyn, NY             Barclays Center

6/28    Newark, NJ               Prudential Center

6/29    Toronto, ON             Scotiabank Arena

7/1     Baltimore, MD          CFG Bank Arena

7/2     Washington, DC       Capital One Arena

7/4     Atlanta, GA               State Farm Arena

7/6     Hollywood, FL      Hard Rock Live at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood

7/8     Raleigh, NC              PNC Arena

7/9     Charlotte, NC            Spectrum Center

8/12    Cleveland, OH          Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse          

8/13    Chicago, IL                United Center

8/18    Detroit, MI                  Little Caesars Arena

8/19    St. Louis, MO            Enterprise Center

8/20    Indianapolis, IN          Gainbridge Fieldhouse                      

8/22    Memphis, TN              FedEx Forum

8/23    New Orleans, LA        Smoothie King Center

8/24    Ft. Worth, TX              Dickies Arena

8/25    Houston, TX                Toyota Center

8/27    Albuquerque, NM        Sandia Casino Amphitheater

8/29    Denver, CO                 Ball Arena

9/1     San Francisco, CA       Chase Center            

9/2     Las Vegas, NV              MGM Grand Garden Arena

9/3     Los Angeles, CA            Kia Forum

The post [WATCH] LL Cool J Laughs off Joking on Jay-Z’s Rapping in High School: ‘I Don’t Even Remember It’ appeared first on The Source.

Queen Latifah, De La Soul, Method Man & Redman, and More Set for Rock The Bells Festival

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Queen Latifah, De La Soul, Method Man & Redman, and More Set for Rock The Bells Festival

The roster for the next Rock The Bells Festival was revealed today by Rock The Bells, a global organization formed by LL COOL J with the mission of advancing Hip-Hop culture from its beginnings to the present. The festival, which sold out last year, is co-presented by Procter & Gamble and Walmart and will be held in Forest Hills Stadium in Queens, New York, on Saturday, August 5, 2023.

The renowned festival features artists who are celebrating, curating, and promoting the 50-year culture, including Queen Latifah, Ludacris, De La Soul, Method Man & Redman, Swizz Beatz with special guests, Salt-n-Pepa, Big Daddy Kane, The God MC Rakim, Slick Rick, Fabolous, Boot Camp Clik feat. Buckshot and Evil Dee, Smif-N-Wessun, OGC and Rock & Bernadette Price with a Tribute to Sean Price, MC Lyte, Yo-Yo, MC Sha Rock, Roxanne Shanté, Monie Love, The Cold Crush Brothers, and more.

Rock The Bells created and released a “Set It Off”-themed advertising trailer with LL COOL J, Mike Epps, Salt-N-Pepa, Slick Rick, and Yo-Yo in order to imaginatively disclose the festival roster.

Rock The Bells intended to feature musicians from different eras and pay homage to Hip-Hop classics while choosing the lineup, starting with some of the genre’s pioneers like The Cold Crush Brothers. A memorable song honoring the ladies of hip-hop will be performed during the festival by MC Lyte, Yo-Yo, Sha Rock, Roxanne Shanté, and Monie Love. Fans will only have the chance to see this group of icons together during this year’s Rock The Bells Festival.

“We’ve made it a priority to honor Hip-Hop culture! This is a celebration for artists who paved the way and the legions of fans around the world throughout Hip-Hop’s 50th anniversary year,” said James Cuthbert, President of Rock The Bells. “The stage is set for the overdue acknowledgment and celebration of our culture and the fans who live and breathe it! This lineup represents icons and artists from various decades, cities, and styles, ensuring fans have the best Hip-Hop experience possible.”

Procter & Gamble and Walmart executives are collaborating with Rock The Bells because they value and are enthusiastic about commemorating 50 years of Hip-Hop and its influence on culture. 

“Walmart is thrilled to sponsor Rock The Bells and celebrate this monumental milestone of Hip-Hop’s 50-year rise to prominence,” said Allison Rand, Associate Director of Brand Experiences and Talent Partnerships at Walmart. “Hip-Hop has helped shape American culture and communities across the U.S., paving the way for new forms of artistic expression. Walmart shares in this commitment to supporting the unrelenting vision and creativity of the Black community by extending a platform to Black artists, entrepreneurs and makers of all kinds.” 

“Returning as a presenting sponsor of the Rock The Bells Festival is such an incredible honor for P&G and our brands like My Black Is Beautiful, NOU, Olay Skin, Old Spice, Head & Shoulders, Febreze, and more,” says Eric Austin, Senior Director, Global Brand Building & Media Innovation. “We share the same goal of supporting and investing in Black artists, content creators and their media platforms especially on the 50th anniversary of Hip-Hop. We are thrilled to be celebrating the impact this culture-defining movement has had on the world.” 

While we consider the 50th anniversary of the culture and the 100th anniversary of Forest Hills Stadium, the festival will offer immersive experiences highlighting the influence of hip-hop on fashion, art, and cuisine. Fans can anticipate events celebrating the successful singles and debut albums of early Hip-Hop artists, such as The Great Adventures of Slick Rick‘s 35th anniversary.

More details will be shared through the Rock The Bells Newsletter. Fans can access presale VIP packages and general and reserved tickets here. 

The post Queen Latifah, De La Soul, Method Man & Redman, and More Set for Rock The Bells Festival appeared first on The Source.

Slick Rick, Queen Latifah, And De La Soul Top The Rock The Bells Lineup For 2023

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Rock The Bells has returned! The long-running hip-hop festival, which originally focused on legacy and underground rap acts, was basically defunct for the past ten years. However, that was until the rapper whose song the festival is named after revived the festival last year. The man born Todd Smith revealed the full lineup for the 2023 festival today with a trailer reproducing scenes from headliner Queen Latifah’s 1996 film debut Set It Off (this is a trend), showing the only thing that changed is the coast (the original Rock The Bells took place in California, and so featured more West Coast artists).

The lineup for this year’s festival (“don’t call it a comeback”) includes Big Daddy Kane, Boot Camp Clik, De La Soul, Fabolous, Ludacris, MC Lyte, MC Sha Rock, Method Man & Redman, Monie Love, Rakim, Roxanne Shanté, Salt-n-Pepa, Slick Rick, Swizz Beatz and friends, The Cold Crush Brothers, and Yo-Yo. In addition, the festival will feature a tribute to the late Sean Price by the members of Boot Camp Clik, including his widow Bernadette Price, as well as a set honoring the pioneering women of hip-hop who are often ignored.

The 2023 Rock The Bells Festival will take place on Saturday, August 5, 2023, at Forest Hills Stadium in Queens, New York. You can get more information here.

Rock The Bells and Live Nation Team for ‘The F.O.R.C.E. (Frequencies of Real Creative Energy) Live’ Headlined by LL COOL J

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Liv Nation Urban has announced a once-in-a-lifetime touring experience and celebration of hip-hop culture. Rock The Bells and Live Nation Urban The Kennedy Center Honoree, two-time Grammy Award winner, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame® Inductee, and Hip-Hop Icon LL COOL J as the headlining act at The F.O.R.C.E. (Frequencies of Real Creative Energy) Live.

For the first time in 30 years, LL COOL J will headline an arena tour with this historic tour. The lineup for this tour was chosen by LL COOL J himself, living true to the phrase F.O.R.C.E. (Frequencies of Real Creative Energy).

unnamed 2 2

All events will feature collaborative live performances with renowned Grammy Award-winning Hip-Hop band The Roots, the famous DJ Jazzy Jeff, and DJ Z-Trip, building on their incredible performance together on the GRAMMY® Awards earlier this year celebrating the 50th Anniversary of Hip-Hop. The evening will be a continual musical mix up with artist performances intertwined into one continuous musical set, contrary to the typical “opening act – headliner” style, supported by The Roots. Salt-N-Pepa, Queen Latifah, Rakim, Common, MC Lyte, Method Man & Redman, Big Boi, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, Ice T, Juvenile, Doug E. Fresh, Slick Rick, De La Soul, Goodie Mob, Jadakiss, Rick Ross, and more are among the legendary performers on the lineup in some cities.

 “I’m excited to be on my first Arena tour in 30 years. It’s proof that our culture is more viable than ever,” LL COOl J says of the tour. “Get ready for some non stop beats and rhymes. See you this summer!”

The F.O.R.C.E. Live begins its journey on June 25 at Boston, Massachusetts’ TD Garden, stops in Brooklyn, New York’s Barclays Center on June 27, travels to arenas throughout the United States and Canada, and concludes on September 3 in Los Angeles, California’s Kia Forum.

Verizon will offer customers an exclusive presale for the tour in the U.S. through Verizon Up. Customers will have access to purchase presale tickets for select shows beginning Tuesday, April 25th at 12PM local time through Thursday, April 27th at 10PM local time. For more details visit Verizon Up.

Citi is the official card of the tour. Citi cardmembers will also have access to presale tickets for select shows beginning Tuesday, April 25th at 12PM local time through Thursday, April 27th at 10PM local time through the Citi Entertainment program. For complete presale details visit www.citientertainment.com.

On Thursday, April 27th between 10AM-10PM local time, fans may purchase tickets through either the Live Nation presale, Ticketmaster presale, or local venue and radio presales. General on-sale kicks off Friday, April 28th at 10AM local time.

TOUR DATES

6/25    Boston, MA                TD Garden

6/27    Brooklyn, NY             Barclays Center

6/28    Newark, NJ               Prudential Center

6/29    Toronto, ON             Scotiabank Arena

7/1     Baltimore, MD          CFG Bank Arena

7/2     Washington, DC       Capital One Arena

7/4     Atlanta, GA               State Farm Arena

7/6     Hollywood, FL      Hard Rock Live at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood

7/8     Raleigh, NC              PNC Arena

7/9     Charlotte, NC            Spectrum Center

8/12    Cleveland, OH          Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse          

8/13    Chicago, IL                United Center

8/18    Detroit, MI                  Little Caesars Arena

8/19    St. Louis, MO            Enterprise Center

8/20    Indianapolis, IN          Gainbridge Fieldhouse                      

8/22    Memphis, TN              FedEx Forum

8/23    New Orleans, LA        Smoothie King Center

8/24    Ft. Worth, TX              Dickies Arena

8/25    Houston, TX                Toyota Center

8/27    Albuquerque, NM        Sandia Casino Amphitheater

8/29    Denver, CO                 Ball Arena

9/1     San Francisco, CA       Chase Center            

9/2     Las Vegas, NV              MGM Grand Garden Arena

9/3     Los Angeles, CA            Kia Forum

The post Rock The Bells and Live Nation Team for ‘The F.O.R.C.E. (Frequencies of Real Creative Energy) Live’ Headlined by LL COOL J appeared first on The Source.

LL Cool J’s “Rock The Bells” Festival Secures $15M Investment Led By Paramount Global

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LL Cool J Rock The Bells

LL Cool J’s “Rock The Bells” festival is set to return this year with a boost from a $15 million investment led by Paramount Global. The news comes on the heels of the rap legend’s hosting gig at the 2022 MTV Video Music Awards. Paramount Global has announced a $15 million investment in LL Cool […]

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