Hip-hop icon LL COOL J plays a fun game with Hoda and Jenna on TODAY with Hoda & Jenna
where he answers five questions about his musical preferences, including the first song he memorized, his favorite music video and who is on his Mt. Rushmore of hip-hop.
“In terms of collaborators, would be DMX because I introduced him to the world. Eminem because he’s one of the collaborators on my new record you have not heard that song yet. Method Man because I just love working with him. And then Biggie, because we did Flava In Ya Ear. That’s collaborators, remember! I don’t want to get bunch of tweets and Xs like ‘bla bla bla bla.’ These are my dudes! I love them!” LL said.
LL COOL J has a new album loading, and the release has some heavy hitters. According to LL himself, 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.
It will mark the first ever collaboration between Eminem and LL COOL J. About a month ago, the 10 seconds snippet of the song surfaced online and it appears the two legends of hip-hop are going back and forth, murdering the Q-Tip-produced beat.
It has been a decade since the iconic rapper LL Cool J dropped his last full-length project, titled “Authentic” back in 2013, and for the past few years, the Bay Shore, New York-born legend has been teasing the release of a new material.
Couple of months ago, LL vented his frustrations on Twitter, writing that his next project is not “worthy of being released.” As it turns out, it was a marketing trick. In the deleted tweets, Cool J said he was “really trying” to figure it out but he’s “not feeling like this album is worthy of being released.” He did leave one tweet up where he simply states he’s “not dropping it.” But later he posted a video on Instagram, explaining how he trick the hip-hop world: “Everybody’s been asking me about the new record and my decision. And, I was considering putting this record out because IT’S TOO F–KING GOOD! Q-Tip, you are genius baby. Yo, that’s my favorite album I ever made. I can’t wat for you all to hear this. Date and tracklist coming soon!”
Earlier this month, during an interview with E! News, LL spoke highly about his new album: “I know all the tricks. I got this covered. 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. 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.”
Eminem has named LL as his biggest influence numerous times. The two have recently performed at the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame ceremony. LL and Slim Shady also have a song in vault that has never seen the light of the day. In 2014, LL spoke highly about the track: “Me and Em, we have a song, he just recently let me listen to his verse and it is just crazy, he is chainsaw and s**t. It is good! I think people will be pleasantly surprised when they hear me and him rapping together. It is the first time we did something together and shout out to Em and Rosenberg and to his whole crew, staff, everybody… This is a record that I think people gonna be excited… What I did with Em is super HOT!”
In May, 2023 93.5 KDay radio scheduled an interview on their official YouTube channel but it was not aired for some reasons. In the description of the video, we read that Eminem is featured on LL’s upcoming album.
Today a snippet of Eminem and LL Cool J song has surfaced online. You can listen to it below:
LL Cool J has recently sat down on Way Up With Angela Yee where the legendary hip-hop artist revealed that his new album was originally produced by Dr. Dre but it was scrapped. Plus he talked about his new album with Q-Tip, being married, shooting his first concert and much more.
“So, the real story is that, I did about 30-40 songs with Dr. Dre and in doing those songs I felt like – the music was amazing what Dre was bringing to the table was super dope – but I felt like the writing, what I was brining to these songs didn’t feel strong enough to me. I didn’t feel like I was expressing, I was getting out of me, what I was feeling. In my mind, I didn’t feel like it was written properly.” said LL Cool J.
“So, I took a pause. Me and Dre just kinda paused for a minute. And I ended up having a dream and in this dream Phife Dawg from A Tribe Called Quest came to me. When he came in my dream he was like ‘yo, that album you gonna do with Dre is gonna be dope’ and I’m looking at him and he’s smirking a little bit. He had funny look at his face. And then when I woke up, I just felt like Q-Tip was on my spirit. So I just called him. He picked up and I told him that I wanted to do an album. We went and did the record and the rest is history.” He added.
LL previously revealed that he got Eminem featured on his upcoming album. It’s highly possible the song is produced by Dr. Dre.
In addition to LL’s new album which features Eminem, Fat Joe, Rick Ross and Nas, LL Cool J is planning to release a new book titled The Streets Win: 50 Years of Hip-Hop Greatness.
Co-authored with Vikki Tobak (author, journalist, and curator of music photography) and Alec Banks (Rock The Bells editorial director), the book celebrates the 50th anniversary of Hip-Hop, and pays tribute to the influential culture, distinctive sound, and preeminent voices that have defined the iconic genre.
Commemorating the birth, rise, and progression of Hip-Hop’s culture and its impact on American music over the past 50 years, the journey of the genre is presented through rarely seen photographs of Hip-Hop from its inception, from block party performances to street shots, parties, sessions at recording studios, and more. The vibrant imagery is accompanied by first-person stories told by icons including DJ Kool Herc, Salt-N-Pepa, MC Lyte, KRS-One, Eminem, Mary J. Blige, Grandmaster Flash, Run-D.M.C., Beastie Boys, De La Soul, Slick Rick, Public Enemy, Snoop Dogg, Dr. Dre, Nas, A Tribe Called Quest, Big Daddy Kane, Fat Joe, DJ Khaled and more.
The book features images by celebrated Hip-Hop photographers including Joe Conzo Jr., Ernie “Brother Ernie” Paniccioli, Jonathan Mannion, Janette Beckman, Estevan Oriol, Jamel Shabazz, Mike Miller, Clay Patrick McBride, and others who documented the growth of Hip-Hop from its early days.
The new was announced by Rock The Bells Instagram account: Major Announcement Alert! Thrilled and incredibly proud to present my newest project with @LLCOOLJ, @rizzolibooks @vikkitobak @smart_alec_ The Streets Win: 50 Years of Hip-Hop Greatness. Commemorating the birth, rise, and progression of Hip-Hop culture, this momentous collection of origin stories—told by icons @kooldjherc @saltnpepaofficial @mclyte @teacha_krsone @eminem @therealmaryjblige @djflash4eva @rundmc @beastieboys @wearedelasoul @therulernyc @publicenemy @snoopdogg @drdre @nas @atcq @officialbigdaddykane @fatjoe @djkhaled and so many more—brings to life the influential culture, sound and preeminent voices of American Hip-Hop music from the past 50 years. Thank you to the team for embracing the vision and overseeing the creative process and to everyone who made this incredible achievement possible. The Streets Win will officially be released in October 2023 and is now available for pre-order at the link in bio.”
It has been a decade since the iconic rapper LL Cool J dropped his last full-length project, titled “Authentic” back in 2013, and for the past few years, the Bay Shore, New York-born legend has been teasing the release of a new material.
Couple of months ago, LL vented his frustrations on Twitter, writing that his next project is not “worthy of being released.” As it turns out, it was a marketing trick. In the deleted tweets, Cool J said he was “really trying” to figure it out but he’s “not feeling like this album is worthy of being released.” He did leave one tweet up where he simply states he’s “not dropping it.” But later he posted a video on Instagram, explaining how he trick the hip-hop world: “Everybody’s been asking me about the new record and my decision. And, I was considering putting this record out because IT’S TOO F–KING GOOD! Q-Tip, you are genius baby. Yo, that’s my favorite album I ever made. I can’t wat for you all to hear this. Date and tracklist coming soon!”
Earlier this month, during an interview with E! News, LL spoke highly about his new album: “I know all the tricks. I got this covered. 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. 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.”
Eminem has named LL as his biggest influence numerous times. The two have recently performed at the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame ceremony. LL and Slim Shady also have a song in vault that has never seen the light of the day. In 2014, LL spoke highly about the track: “Me and Em, we have a song, he just recently let me listen to his verse and it is just crazy, he is chainsaw and s**t. It is good! I think people will be pleasantly surprised when they hear me and him rapping together. It is the first time we did something together and shout out to Em and Rosenberg and to his whole crew, staff, everybody… This is a record that I think people gonna be excited… What I did with Em is super HOT!”
Yesterday, 93.5 KDay radio scheduled an interview on their official YouTube channel but it was not aired for some reasons. In the description of the video, we read:
“Legendary east coast hip-hop legend LL Cool J dropped by 93.5 KAY to promote his upcoming return to big arenas with the F.O.R.C.E. Live, celebrating 50 years of hip-hop with special guests across various cities. LL Cool J talked about the importance of humility, getting in shape for the upcoming tour and teased album features like Rick Ross, Nas, Fat Joe, Saweetie and Eminem. The hip-hop icon revealed talking young artists under his wing through Instagram DMs to pass the baton to newer generations and and keep the culture alive and gave his thoughts on new A.I. technology emerging in the music industry.”
LL Cool J stopped by the Cruz Show to talk about his new tour and Music. Plus the hip-hop legend spoke some fire Spanish language with the Cruz crew and talked about being self confident, working with iconic producer Q-Tip on his new album. LL also told the Cruz Show about touring in the Def Jam Days and Renting 2 panthers.
At one point of the interview, LL talked was asked about how he feels when someone like Eminem says he was inspired by him. On which, he replied: “It makes me feel incredibly blessed and grateful and inspired.”
Then he continues: “Anytime you could be a source material and the inspiration behind another artist and why they do what they do, that’s an amazing position to be in and that’s a blessing because everything you do in a way of who you are and what you brought to the game. There are so many artists that have said things like that and I always truly respect them and I’m thankful. It’s dope. It’s crazy.”
Earlier this month, LL Cool J announced that he’s much-anticipated album is finally coming: “Everybody’s been asking me about the new record and my decision. And, I was considering putting this record out because IT’S TOO F–KING GOOD! Q-Tip, you are genius baby. Yo, that’s my favorite album I ever made. I can’t wat for you all to hear this. Date and tracklist coming soon!” he said in the video posted on Instagram. Since Em and LL are close to each other, fans have been speculating about the two teaming up for a song on his new project.
It has been almost a decade since the legendary rapper LL Cool J dropped his last full-length body of work, titled “Authentic” in 2013, and for the past few years, the Bay Shore, New York-born rapper has been teasing the release of a new material.
Yesterday, LL vented his frustrations on Twitter, writing that his next project is not “worthy of being released.” As it turns out, it was a marketing trick. In the deleted tweets, Cool J said he was “really trying” to figure it out but he’s “not feeling like this album is worthy of being released.” He did leave one tweet up where he simply states he’s “not dropping it.” But later he posted a video on Instagram, explaining how he trick the hip-hop world: “Everybody’s been asking me about the new record and my decision. And, I was considering putting this record out because IT’S TOO F–KING GOOD! Q-Tip, you are genius baby. Yo, that’s my favorite album I ever made. I can’t wat for you all to hear this. Date and tracklist coming soon!”
Earlier this month, during an interview with E! News, the iconic rapper spoke highly about his new album: “I know all the tricks. I got this covered. 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. 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.”
Eminem has named LL as his biggest influence numerous times. The two have recently performed at the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame ceremony and the chances of Em being on his new album is high. LL and Slim Shady also have a song in vault that has never seen the light of the day. In 2014, LL spoke highly about the track: “Me and Em, we have a song, he just recently let me listen to his verse and it is just crazy, he is chainsaw and s**t. It is good! I think people will be pleasantly surprised when they hear me and him rapping together. It is the first time we did something together and shout out to Em and Rosenberg and to his whole crew, staff, everybody… This is a record that I think people gonna be excited… What I did with Em is super HOT!”
We are eagerly waiting for tracklist and release date! Check official post by LL Cool J below.
LL Cool J will be interviewing Eminem on SiriusXM’s Rock The Bells radio hours before his Super Bowl performance with Snoop Dogg, Dr. Dre, Mary J. Blige and Kendrick Lamar.
Yesterday, Eminem did an interview with DJ Whoo Kid on Shade 45. You can listen to it here.
Before Whoo Kid, Eminem also sat down with Sway In The Morning on Shade 45. You can listen to it here.
For the Rock The Bells interview, you can wait for the livestream below:
THIS TURNS OUT TO BE THE RE-AIRING OF AN OLD INTERVIEW.
October with the return of an in-person Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony, Cleveland was beautiful back in October. And today it is finally finally available to be viewed by the worldwide masses via HBO Max.
Jay Z, Tina Turner, Carole King, the Go-Go’s, Foo Fighters and Todd Rundgren were recognized as performers; Kraftwerk, Charley Patton, and Gil Scott-Heron as early influences; LL Cool J, Billy Preston, and Randy Rhoads for general musical excellence; and Clarence Avant for the creative Ahmet Ertegun Award.
One of the biggest highlights of the night was when LL Cool J started performing “Rock The Bells” and Eminem hit the stage to rap along his idol.
For his highly anticipated Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction, legendary hip-hop artist LL Cool J amped up the energy in Cleveland considerably, thanks to a career-spanning set which featured another icon from Detroit, Eminem.
LL started off his set with a banger, going into 1987’s “Go Cut Creator Go,” from “Bigger And Deffer” album.
After a bit of 1988’s “Going Back to Cali,” surprise guest Slim Shady nonchalantly walked onstage to perform “Rock the Bells” with his idol. LL and Eminem performed like they were in a rap battle, trading lyrics on the song with no-holds-barred ferocity.
Before we upload the official Hall Of Fame performance, you can watch the rehearsal video below, featuring Eminem and Dr. Dre:
Last month LL Cool J was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and the legendary rapper did not leave without bringing his friends onstage.
Dr. Dre inducted LL Cool J with lots of praise and playful jokes during his speech and Eminem performed “Rock The Bells” with his childhood idol.
Marshall even left a fanboy note to LL on his social media, saying: “16 years old Marshall is so proud- congrats L!”
Tonight, the performance airs on HBO Max. It was announced by Eminem himself on social media with the caption: “Rock The Bells with the GOAT, tonight on HBO Max.”
HBO has released the trailer for Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame 2021, featuring Eminem, Dr. Dre, LL Cool J, Jay-Z and many more. The ceremony airs on the network on November 20, 2021.
While performing with LL, Eminem was paying homage to his idol by wearing a t-shirt with “Going Back To Cali” single cover on it.
From HBO’s trailer, it seems the t-shirt with LL’s cover is removed from Eminem’s performance, making it look like Em is performing with white t-shirt.
It was probably against the rules of HBO, which prohibits any kind of promotion without certain type of agreement.
