LL Cool J 'Exit 13' album

"I never could have predicted that I'd still be rocking the mic more than two decades after my debut, but here I am," LL Cool J says with a smile. Here he is indeed. Nearly 25 years since he first burst onto the scene, LL Cool J continues his vibrant, trailblazing career with the release of EXIT 13, his appropriately titled 13th album for the only label he has called home - Def Jam Recordings. EXIT 13 is a study in contrast and showcases LL Cool J's duality. "Depending on my mood, I can be aggressive, explosive and in-your-face, or alternately suave, smooth and sensual. It's no secret that I like making love songs as much as I like to lay down rhymes," commented LL. With a career chock full of both and a new album packed with collaborators as diverse as 50 Cent, Wyclef Jean, Richie Sambora and The Dream, and producers such as Suits, DJ Scratch, Ilfonics and Raw Uncut, EXIT 13 is the album LL Cool J fans have been clamoring for – full of passion, braggadocio and smooth rhymes. "When it came time for me to go into the studio, I tried to make this project as relevant as my first, and having that sense of my career coming full circle. Believe me, it was a blessing to be able to go back into the studio and create this album."

Joining forces with 50 Cent on a track called "Heartbeat," the two Queens natives rap over a stripped down track, while sounding like they are having a good time. "It's a song about role playing," says LL of "Heartbeat." On the tracks "Rocking With The Goat," LL taps into his native New Yorker persona, and teams with labelmates The Dream on EXIT 13's first single "Baby." The track, which recently debuted on the Billboard charts, marks LL's 42nd career chart debut.

What began for LL Cool J in the nascent, burgeoning rap and hip hop scene of the 80's, has now seeped throughout the musical and cultural phenomenon that is today's hip hop. All the while, LL Cool J has remained a musical and cultural force, a living icon and a significant, relevant artist still churning out the hits. First introduced to the world in 1984 as a Def Jam Records flagship artist, LL is the first rap artist to amass ten consecutive platinum-plus selling albums, while 2004's "THE DEFinition" and 2006's "Todd Smith" both went Gold. He is currently tied for third place for most Billboard chart debuts by a rapper.

As an entertainer, he has succeeded in crossing into multiple mediums. Already a talented actor, author, recording artist, two-time Grammy Award winner and NAACP Image Award winner, LL continues to display his wide range of talents in his projects.

He recently inked an exclusive deal with Sears, Roebuck to brand an affordable clothing line that will appeal to families. A focal point of Sears own re-branding efforts, LL's merchandise is slated to hit stores in time for back to school. "The clothes are fashion forward, and I'm using my whole family in the ad campaign."

As an actor, LL Cool J recently wrapped production on "The Deal" opposite William H. Macy and Meg Ryan. He also recently starred in Paramount Pictures' "Last Holiday," opposite Queen Latifah. The film was lauded by fans and critics alike and proved to be a box office draw. Both "Last Holiday" and "Edison," a film starring Morgan Freeman, Kevin Spacey and Justin Timberlake, are now available on DVD.

Over the years, LL has appeared in more than 30 films and starred opposite acclaimed actors such as Samuel L. Jackson and Colin Farrell in Sony Pictures blockbuster "S.W.A.T.," Al Pacino, Jamie Foxx and Cameron Diaz in Oliver Stone's "Any Given Sunday," and Gabrielle Union in Focus Features' "Deliver Us from Eva." Other film credits include "Rollerball," "Charlie's Angels," "Kingdom Come," "In Too Deep," "Toys," and "Slow Burn," with Ray Liotta. He has also received a Blockbuster Award for best comedic performance as the "Chef" in Renny Harlin's blockbuster action film "Deep Blue Sea."

Three years ago, LL transitioned to television with a dramatic and critically acclaimed performance on the second season premiere of FOX's hit drama "House." He recently guest starred on the NBC comedy "30 Rock" in a memorable performance as hip hop mogul Ridiculous. He currently has a new dramatic television series is in development at CBS.

Also an author, LL's recently released his new fitness book, LL Cool J's Platinum Workout, which was a New York Times Bestseller. In the book LL shares his personal workout regimen in a revolutionary new program that promises to help anyone build muscle and burn fat. In 2002 he released a children's book, And the Winner Is, as part of Scholastics series of books and CDs by today's hottest rap stars called "Hip Kid Hop." And the Winner Is tells the story of a young basketball player who learns the importance on winning and losing gracefully. He also penned a 1997 autobiography, I Make My Own Rules.

biography
There are very few rappers who can honestly be called legendary. Sure, there are some cats that have made hot tracks, but only one man can brag that he has been signed to leading label Def Jam Records for twenty-four years while still commanding musical respect from his peers.

“Obviously, I still love hip-hop as much as I did back in the day,” says LL Cool J. “I don’t listen when people start talking about rap being dead, because it still means so much to me.” Coming back strong for his last hurrah on the label, the booming swansong that is Exit 13 is a return to form for the rap pioneer.

“I never could have predicted that I’d still be rocking the mic more than two decades after my debut, but here I am,” LL says with a smile. “That’s why, when it came time for me to go into the studio, I tried to make this project as relevant as my first. Believe me, it was a blessing to be able to go back into the studio and create this project.”

Recruiting an amazing list of collaborators to step into the booth alongside him, LL trades lines with an amazing crew that includes 50 Cent, The Dream, Lil Kim, Lloyd Banks, DJ Scratch, Hot Rod, Lil Mo, KRS-1, Lil Scrappy and Jim Jones.

“Truthfully, it was 50 Cent who really inspired me to go back into the studio,” LL confesses. “Watching him running back and forth, being behind the board and in front of the mic, I was just so impressed by his energy level.”

Joining forces on a track called “Heartbeat,” the two Queens natives rap over a stripped down track while sounding like they are having a good time. “It’s a song about role playing,” LL snickers. “Another something for the ladies is the track ‘Baby’ that I recorded with The Dream. That is one of my favorites.”

Indeed, one of the things that has kept LL Cool J. relevant is the relationship that he has with his fans of both sexes. “I’ve always been about that balance,” LL schools. “While others like being elitist and above it all, I try to stay connected to my fans; when I rap, I speak from a place of truth. When you’re honest, people can’t help but love you.”

Certainly, as is to be expected, Exit 13 is all about that duality. “Depending on my mood, I can be aggressive or I can be aggressive in a different way. It’s no secret that I like making love songs.”

On the first single “Cry,” LL Cool duets with sweltering soul girl Lil Mo on the silky track. “There were folks who suggested I use a better known singer, but in my heart and gut, I believed in Lil Mo. As far as I’m concerned, her talent speaks for itself,” LL explains. “She knows how to make the listener really feel the music, because her voice is the truth.”

While those folks who were teenagers in 1985 when LL Cool J’s debut Radio first dropped are now grown folks with kids of their own, dude now has a whole new set of fans. “The kids who were sitting in the audience when Krush Groove came out, now have kids of their own,” says the proud father of four. “But, those kids are my fans too. When started recording Exit 13, I wanted there to be something that both generations would like. I refuse to be one dimensional.”

Recently, LL signed a deal with Sears, Roebuck to brand an affordable clothing line that will appeal to both kids and their parents. “The clothes are fashion forward, and I’m using my whole family in the ad campaign.”

Though Exit 13 has a universal flavor, there are a few tracks, most notably “New York Gangstas” and “Queens,” that taps into LL’s native New Yorker persona. “Unlike a lot of east coast rappers, I have nothing against southern rappers, because I feel they made hip-hop fun again,” admits LL. “At the same time, I have to tap into the wellspring of where I come from, and that is the concrete city.”

Another New York headbanger is the thrilling posse track “The Five Boroughs Is Back,” featuring an all-star line-up that includes Jim Jones, Method Man, KRS-1 and Lil Kim. “That’s a song I can’t wait to perform live,” LL says. “Even when we were recording it, I kept picturing how it would look on stage.”

In addition, LL works with a slew of new-jack producers on Exit 13 (Freebase, Illmind, The Pusher, Suits, among others) whose beats are as dope as any veterans. “There is a lot of hungry, yet talented producers out there who are trying to get a break,” LL informs. “I listened to a slew of demos, and I’m confident that the guys I’ve discovered are destined to be the next generation of A-list cats.”

Coming back stronger than ever and ready to knock you out one more time, LL Cool J’s Exit 13 is a landmark disc. “What can I say, this is what I’m built for and I still love every minute of it.”

Written by Michael A. Gonzales

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LL Cool J - Exit 13