The Streets Is Talking: News & Notes From The Underground




LL Cool J

If you haven't guessed it, LL Cool J said his days of recording with Def Jam are numbered. He owes the company one more LP, then it's a wrap. He said Jay-Z's presidency is the main reason he doesn't want to come back.

"How am I gonna re-sign with competition? I'm not a idiot," LL said of his label boss. "I can't depend on that man to promote my record while he's somewhere writing rhymes. ... I'm LL Cool J. I ain't doing that, B."

LL said he hasn't decided what his next home may be, but he joked that he might even come back to Def Jam for the right paper. "I would rock with Def Jam if they wrote a big enough check," he said before breaking out into his trademark hearty laughter. "Me and Jay would be on that yacht like, 'Hov! Hov! Write that check, homie.' "

Uncle L's LP, as you might have heard, is being executive produced by 50 Cent, and LL said it will live up to the hype.

"I'm absolutely going to pulverize these cats," he said, still chuckling. "It's going to be hysterical. It's like a Mama Said Knock You Out type of record or Mr. Smith type of record. It's a very good record. My last three records were R&B and more of me getting kinda into the emotional side of what I do. This is the aggressive side. Just ego. I'm getting into the party free, regardless. We unlocking the back door and sneaking 50 people in. This album, I'mma do a little street-corner joint. Smack them around, turn 'em upside down and shake the change out their pockets."

LL said 50 reminds him of himself. "My man has a great sensibility. He knows what I like," he said. "We're from Queens. We're seven years apart in age. He knows what I'm into. We come from the same experience, so the music reflects that. And let's face it, 50 reminds me of a place I was in awhile ago. I have been running around on tours. I have been in the suites, and I haven't been on the blocks smelling like Guinness lately. It's fun to work with somebody who rekindles those flames and makes me hungry again. It's definitely working."

Now I know I'm no Einstein but if he doesn't wanna sign with Def Jam because Jay's "competition" and "writing rhymes"..then what would 50 be if he decided to jump ship to G-Unit..."competition", no?

One thing is for certain...it's a sad day when LEGENDS have to pair up with SCRAPS in order to get some shine.

LL has been in the industry for so long that he should have his OWN record label.  He shouldn't be looking for any younger artist to sign HIS paycheck.  He should be doing the signing!

there should be a type of AARP clause

in a rappers contract

when you hit age 30 go behind the scenes cause it looks foolish

for an older man to be rapping about the same type of

stuff a 20 something rapper is. Not to mention those petty beefs 

Old rappers never die, they just keep putting out subpar material.

Now this is INDEED the truth.  But let them (DMX, Method Man, LL) tell it the reason they don't sell is because Jay-Z is the head of the label.

I'm an LL fan, but damn -- he sounded mighty silly in that article.

LL is not too much older than me, so I feel I can say he should sit his old ass down. Rappers 30 and above ain't got nothing to say to these young folks today - not without looking a fool trying to appear young.

Stick with the movies James.

You mean you dont bounce right and left and let your shoulder lean????  You don't let your chain hang low???  You don't just get the urge to just walk it out?????  I know when you do well at a meeting at work you scream out BAAAAAAAAAALLLLLLLLLLIN.

LMBAO @ "I know when you do well at a meeting at work you scream out BAAAAAAAAAALLLLLLLLLLIN."

Yeah...I do that all the time.  They just treat me like "that silly negro Tinman" and go on about their business.