By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer
Russell Simmons owes his initial success to LL Cool J. Without LL Cool J, Def Jam’s story would be a lot different, and perhaps shorter. Before the label became a wholly-owned subsidiary of Universal Music Group, LL Cool J even had ownership in Def Jam. LL Cool J, however, left the label he helped transform into the biggest hip hop label, when he was treated like an outsider.
In 2005, Jay-Z officially took over as the head of Def Jam, a title LL Cool J turned down. Because he is an artist and an actor, LL Cool J felt it would not be fair to also run the company. For that same reason, he felt Jay-Z should have stayed retired. LL Cool J waited two years to release his album and Jay-Z dropped two albums in that span. Exit 13 proved to be his last stand.
Last summer, LL Cool J announced a new album. No longer with Def Jam, Authentic will come out under a different label. LL Cool J hosted the Grammys for the second consecutive year and the media had their chance to talk to the CBS star. Power 106 caught up with LL Cool J in Los Angeles and he discussed the sound of his upcoming Authentic album.
Watch the entire interview below:
