Current:Home > ScamsLL COOL J Reveals the Reason Behind His 10-Year Music Hiatus—And Why The Force Is Worth the Wait -Elite Financial Minds
LL COOL J Reveals the Reason Behind His 10-Year Music Hiatus—And Why The Force Is Worth the Wait
View
Date:2025-04-19 21:14:52
Some of the items featured below are from LL COOL J’s businesses. E! may get a commission if you purchase something through our links. Learn more. Unable to see the video above? Watch on TalkShopLive.
The king of crowd rockers is finally back (but don’t call it a comeback). LL COOL J has always been a force in pop culture, and now he’s set to elevate hip-hop culture with his 14th studio album, The Force.
The album, out September 6, marks the rapper’s first studio album in over a decade, following his 2013 release, Authentic. With a career spanning 40 years, this album is a milestone for both LL COOL J and the iconic label.
"I called that [Def Jam] phone number every day for a week and a half," he recounted. "That demo led to the creation of Def Jam. Now, 40 years later, here I am putting out this record on Def Jam again."
As the label's first signed artist at just 16 years old, LL COOL J’s dedication to his craft is clear in his approach to this album. After deliberately stepping away from music to focus on his acting career and other endeavors, he wanted to make sure his return was marked by a project that truly reflected his artistic vision. "I didn’t want to cheat the fans,” he noted. “I wanted them to have a real LL COOL J album."
"The idea of LL COOL J is just all things that elevate hip-hop culture," the two-time Grammy Award winner explained during a recent TalkShopLive event, "and personify excellence in hip-hop... musical excellence, in every sense of the word."
The Force is produced by A Tribe Called Quest’s Q-Tip, known for his innovative sound and artistic vision. "He produced the s--t out of these joints and did his thing,” the 56-year-old said of the deeply rewarding experience. “He’s a brilliant dude, and working with him was like a joy."
The album also features collaborations with some of hip-hop’s most influential figures, including Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Nas, Busta Rhymes, and Rick Ross.
"I’m so inspired by this record that I want to make another one," he said. "It’s fully inspired, and the quality is there."
As he prepares to release The Force, LL COOL J stays true to his roots, inspired by hip-hop's evolution. As a fan of the genre, he aims for his music to capture hip-hop's journey from the streets to the top.
"This project is more about the people and cultural impact than anything else," the "Mama Said Knock You Out" rapper said. "I feel like I was born to hold this space in hip-hop."
For a deeper dive into the album creation process, LL COOL J’s journey, and why he described his album as "pimento on a potato salad" to Dr. Dre, check out the full TalkShopLive livestream above.
When Does LL COOL J’s New Album The Force Drop?
LL COOL J’s new album, The Force, drops September 6, 2024. This highly anticipated release marks his first studio album in 11 years and includes collaborations with hip-hop icons such as Eminem, Snoop Dogg, Nas, Rick Ross, and Fat Joe. Make sure to mark your calendar for this major event and stay tuned for LL COOL J’s latest music release!
How Do I Get A Signed LL COOL J CD?
To get a signed CD copy of LL COOL J’s The Force, click the Shop button below the video replay of his exclusive livestream event on TalkShopLive. Don’t miss this unique chance to own a piece of hip-hop history and interact with LL COOL J live!
Where Can I Watch the LL COOL J Livestream?
You can catch the replay of LL COOL J’s exclusive livestream interview with Shaheem Reid on TalkShopLive, E! Online, and Facebook.
What Is TalkShopLive?
TalkShopLive is an innovative live streaming shopping platform where entertainment meets e-commerce. It lets creators, brands, and small businesses host interactive live shopping shows — like LL COOL J’s recent livestream event. On September 3, LL COOL J unveiled his new album The Force during a special livestream, offering exclusive signed copies and real-time interaction. TalkShopLive’s unique blend of live streaming and shopping creates a community-driven experience, making it the go-to platform for discovering new products and engaging with celebrities.
veryGood! (86)
Related
- Pregnant Kylie Kelce Shares Hilarious Question Her Daughter Asked Jason Kelce Amid Rising Fame
- Hurricane Nigel gains strength over the Atlantic Ocean
- Rudy Giuliani sued by former lawyer, accused of failing to pay $1.36 million in legal bills
- Ray Epps, center of a Jan. 6 conspiracy theory, is charged with a misdemeanor over the Capitol riot
- Trump's 'stop
- Victor Wembanyama will be aiming for the gold medal with France at Paris Olympics
- Ray Epps, center of a Jan. 6 conspiracy theory, is charged with a misdemeanor over the Capitol riot
- When is the second Republican debate, and who has qualified for it?
- The Louvre will be renovated and the 'Mona Lisa' will have her own room
- 'North Woods' is the story of a place and its inhabitants over centuries
Ranking
- Angelina Jolie nearly fainted making Maria Callas movie: 'My body wasn’t strong enough'
- Once a global ideal, Germany’s economy struggles with an energy shock that’s exposing longtime flaws
- US issues more sanctions over Iran drone program after nation’s president denies supplying Russia
- Bears raid a Krispy Kreme doughnut van making deliveries on an Alaska military base
- McKinsey to pay $650 million after advising opioid maker on how to 'turbocharge' sales
- Why the Full House Cast Is in Disbelief Over Ashley Olsen Having a Baby
- Why Alabama's Nick Saban named Jalen Milroe starting quarterback ahead of Mississippi game
- Israeli military sentences commander to 10 days in prison over shooting of Palestinian motorist
Recommendation
NHL in ASL returns, delivering American Sign Language analysis for Deaf community at Winter Classic
Iranian soccer fans flock to Cristiano Ronaldo’s hotel after he arrives in Tehran with Saudi team
Hunter Biden files lawsuit against IRS alleging privacy violations
Influencer Remi Bader Gets Support From Khloe Kardashian After Receiving Body-Shaming Comments
South Korean president's party divided over defiant martial law speech
Ray Epps, center of a Jan. 6 conspiracy theory, is charged with a misdemeanor over the Capitol riot
What to know about the Sikh movement at the center of the tensions between India and Canada
Getting sober saved my life. And helped me understand my identity as a transgender woman.