In terms of helping hip hop maintain its mainstream appeal, LL Cool J is a pioneer. It was his brand that helped cement hip hop as more than a fad, as he turned Def Jam into a powerhouse. Almost three decades after LL Cool J dropped his first album under the label, it is home to countless artists and sub-labels.
Recent years have seen LL Cool J focus more on his acting career. His starring role on CBS’ “NCIS: LA” has earned him plenty of acclaim over the past six years. But, LL took a break from all of this last year to release his Authentic album and the controversial “Accidental Racist” with Brad Paisley.
LL Cool J paid a visit to “The Arsenio Hall Show” where he and Arsenio Hall reflected on the good old days with Michael Jackson. They also took the conversation to current rappers, where LL Cool J brushed off Kanye West and named his favorite current emcees. He closed the show with a performance of his “I Need Love” classic.
