By Hillary Crosley
NEW YORK (Billboard) - As Def Jam's first signee in 1984,
LL Cool J has spent two decades balancing love songs with
braggadocio, setting an example that most contemporary MCs have
followed. Now the rapper, who also has appeared in 30 films and
is producing a new untitled drama for CBS' fall season, is
working on the final album in his Def Jam deal, "Exit 13." Due
August 5, the set is led by the single "Baby" featuring
the-Dream.
Q: You recently told the audience at WQHT (Hot 97) New
York's Summer Jam that people have forgotten about you but
you're going to jog their memory. What did you mean?
LL Cool J: I plan to deliver some great material this year,
and I think it's important that people understand my level of
passion for "Exit 13." My music suffered a bit on my last two
or three records because I made my decisions as an actor and
businessman first.
Q: One of the new songs, "I Cry," features Lil' Mo. How did
that collaboration come about?
LL Cool J: People suggested other artists, but Lil' Mo
delivered the quality of singing that I wanted on the record,
and I believe in her as a talent. Talent doesn't always give
you the ability to make great records. Those elements are
separate, but I was able to harness her talent and put her in a
position to sound great on a song. From the response we're
getting at radio, people agree with me.
Q: What producers are working on "Exit 13?"
LL Cool J: I'm working with a lot of young, burgeoning
producers, not many well-known guys. DJ Scratch is the most
famous producer thus far on "Exit," and he produced the song
"Rockin' With the Goat." The same way I worked with a lot of
producers early in their careers and they became popular, these
guys -- Raw, Uncut, Illphonics and Suits -- will be the next
crop of A-list producers. There are a lot of symphonic
instruments on this record, and it has a melodic musicality
that I think goes beyond anything I've done in years.
Q: Since this is your last album via Def Jam, are you
looking to sign with another major label?
Friday 27 June 2008
Thursday 19 June 2008
West's Late Show Leaves Fans Upset
KANYE WEST took to the stage for his Bonnaroo Music + Arts Festival amid boos from tired fans early on Sunday (15Jun08) after leaving them waiting for almost two hours.
The rapper switched his 8.15pm start time on Saturday (14Jun08) to 2.45am on Sunday, becoming the first major act to start a mainstream festival show so late.
But his fans grew unruly when West kept them waiting until 4.30am local time in Tennessee.
The fans had been forced to sit through a midnight torrential downpour to get to West's early morning set.
According to Billboard.com, the rapper eventually took the stage one hour and 45 minutes late.
The crowd had booed for almost an hour before his appearance and they weren't about to stop when he appeared.
One fan says, "He had to work really hard to win everyone over."
The rapper switched his 8.15pm start time on Saturday (14Jun08) to 2.45am on Sunday, becoming the first major act to start a mainstream festival show so late.
But his fans grew unruly when West kept them waiting until 4.30am local time in Tennessee.
The fans had been forced to sit through a midnight torrential downpour to get to West's early morning set.
According to Billboard.com, the rapper eventually took the stage one hour and 45 minutes late.
The crowd had booed for almost an hour before his appearance and they weren't about to stop when he appeared.
One fan says, "He had to work really hard to win everyone over."
Friday 13 June 2008
Duffy - The Things They Say 8445
"I've seen him live and it was one of the best shows I've ever been to. He was just an amazing showman. It was really fun and you left feeling good. I'm completely excited about seeing him again." Welsh singer DUFFY backs rapper JAY-Z's forthcoming controversial appearance at U.K. music festival Glastonbury.
See Also
Saturday 7 June 2008
Jamie Lynn's Baby Will Grow Up in a Barn
This is how they roll in Kentwood –- Jamie Lynn Spears and Casey Aldridge are getting geared up for their new arrival, and it looks like Casey is ready to put his feet up.People reports that J & C got a bunch of furniture delivered to their new house, including a leather recliner, a leather sofa, and a king-size canopy bed. The nursery for the Spears rugrat also has in interesting color scheme: pink, brown, and "silver-green."
The best part? Their new property has a studio (which used to a hair salon) – and a barn. Of course it does.
Papa Joe –- Selling Romo Like AshPete?
Yet again we learn that Joe Simpson will do anything to cash in on his lil' girls.Us Weekly says that Joe asked Romo to ditch his agent and let him manage his career – oh and by the way, Tony has a $67 mil contract with the Dallas Cowboys. And that's not all –- Joe apparently offered to sell the story of Jess and Tony's engagement and subsequent wedding to a magazine.
One little problem: they're not engaged yet.
If Only Paris Hilton Knew About This
With celeb DUI judge Michael Sauer on the bench for good, there's additional hope for celebs who are trying to stay on the right side of the law – and it's name is Sobrietol.It's a dietary supplement in powder form (no, not cocaine) that you mix with water, and its makers claim that it'll reduce your blood alcohol level – not to mention the hangover the next day. Plus all that redness that Asian folks get?
No word on how long it will take Sobrietol to put TMZ out of business.
See Also
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