ll cool

LL Cool J Speaks On Upcoming Album, Praises Q-Tip’s Production

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LL Cool J recently opened up about his forthcoming album and praised the legendary Q-Tip for his excellent executive production. While the rapper celebrated a big night at the 65th Grammy Awards red carpet, he’s got an even bigger year ahead. Moreover, this new LP from LL will be his first since 2013’s Authentic. “I know all the tricks. I got this covered,” he expressed to E! News. “Look, it was executive produced by Q-Tip. The album I think is really, really special. I think it’s something it’s modern without chasing. It’s a whole new thing. I can’t wait for the people to see it.

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 05: (FOR EDITORIAL USE ONLY) (L-R) Melle Mel, LL Cool J and GloRilla performs during the 65th GRAMMY Awards at Crypto.com Arena on February 05, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Timothy Norris/FilmMagic)

“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,” he continued. “So the world will decide.” Shortly after the Grammys, the rap pioneer doubled down on his promo via Twitter. “My new album is coming this year,” he wrote earlier today (February 6). Also, he previously teased his next album on his 55th birthday. “I’m competing with myself on this new album. Wait til you hear this MF,” the MC tweeted. “This year B. It’s coming.” As he also celebrates hip-hop’s 50th anniversary, it’s going to be a big year for the Rock The Bells mogul.

On that note, he hosted a celebration for the genre at the Grammy awards ceremony. Alongside The Roots, with the occasion curated by their drummer and icon Questlove, he blended different eras of hip-hop together. While DJ Jazzy Jeff and DJ Drama controlled the mixers, hip-hop history unfolded on the Grammys stage. It began with performances from some of its pioneers: Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five, Run-DMC, and LL Cool J himself. Then, the show moved through a barrage of rap icons playing some of their biggest hits.

Meanwhile, the newer generations also got their slice of the pie. Following Method Man, Queen Latifah, and Public Enemy, artists like Missy Elliott, Nelly, and Busta Rhymes kept the energy up. Finally, the show rounded out with some big current names like Lil Baby, GloRilla, and Lil Uzi Vert. Between this and more great music from some of the genre’s legends, all we can do is wait patiently and take it all in. As always, log back into HNHH for the latest on LL Cool J, upcoming albums, and the artistry of hip-hop.

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LL Cool J Teases New Album In 2023

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As 2023 gears up for new music, many artists are letting us know there’s heat on the way. The latest to do so is LL Cool J, who promised fans a new album in 2023. Moreover, his last studio project was ten years ago, with 2013’s Authentic. Given his classic catalog and incredible impact, he set up big musical expectations for the year.

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – DECEMBER 07: LL Cool J attends SiriusXM and Pandora Playback with Mount Westmore including E-40, Too Short & Ice Cube at SiriusXM Studios on December 07, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Randy Shropshire/Getty Images for SiriusXM)

Furthermore, he tweeted the announcement as part of his 55th birthday celebrations last Friday (January 14). While he didn’t directly acknowledge the big day, he shared a video of DJ Z-Trip gifting him a custom art piece. Also, he shared his big plans for the year and set himself up for a grand return.

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

Moreover, his previous album Authentic arrived five years after his swan song for Def Jam, Exit 13. While he was on the legendary label, he released a project every two or three years from 1987 to 2008.

Even though excitement is high for a long-awaited return, this isn’t the first time he’s teased it. In fact, he teased the release of G.O.A.T. 2 in various interviews in 2014, a sequel to his eighth studio project. Despite his absence in the music lane, he is still a monumental figure in hip-hop and found success in other lanes such as acting.

In 2018, he founded Rock The Bells, a brand focused on uplifting hip-hop culture and communities. Its namesake is LL’s 1985 hit of the same name. Through original content, business partnerships, merch, and more, they preserve the genre’s history and contributions. Most recently in August of 2022, they held the first Rock The Bells Festival. It featured Rick Ross, Ice Cube, Lil Kim, Remy Ma, Scarface, Fat Joe, and many more.

Next, the brand’s eyes are set on the inaugural Hip Hop Experience Cruise to celebrate the art form’s 50-year history. In partnership with Sixthman, the Norwegian Pearl is hosting the cruise from Miami to The Bahamas from November 14th to November 17th this year. Still, performers haven’t been announced, but Trina and Trick Daddy will welcome guests with a concert as part of a kick-off party.

Are you excited for LL Cool J’s new album dropping in 2023? Whatever the case, let us know in the comments down below. Also, as always, stay tuned to HNHH for updates on hip-hop history and new releases.

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