Modesty under wraps for LL Cool J
By Jennifer F. Bogart
Associated Press
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| LL Cool J says he taps into his sincerity in personal relationships and life's lessons when looking for musical inspiration.
Associated Press |
"I don't get cocky and start thinking I know everything about the music or like I know everything about what people want to hear," says the Grammy-winning rapper-actor, who was born James Todd Smith in Queens, N.Y.
He took the name LL Cool J — "Ladies Love Cool James" — when he was a teenager, dropping out of school to pursue music.
His 1990 album, "Mama Said Knock You Out," established him as one of hip-hop's superstars.
"Every time I do a record, it's from the heart. ... It's just a chance for me to express myself on a different level," said the 34-year-old, who sports a tattoo of a crowned microphone on his right arm.
"Obviously everybody can't like every song, and I know that, but I try to make them all as good as I can."
"Luv U Better," from 2002's "10" album, climbed into the top five on the Billboard music chart. And although his 10-album deal with Def Jam expired with "10," LL Cool J plans to continue recording.
"I'm an unsigned artist," he said.
The star of the '90s sitcom "In the House" has three upcoming films, the romantic comedy "Deliver Us From Eva," which will be released in early February; "S.W.A.T." with Samuel L. Jackson and Colin Farrell; and the thriller "Mindhunters," also starring Val Kilmer and Christian Slater.
Q. Do you ever listen to other artists to see what's out before you go into the studio?
A: I listen to the radio, I buy records, and I listen as a fan. I don't critique other albums in order to see what I'm up against because I'm not up against anything. So I just do my music. No one is going to buy an LL Cool J record expecting to hear someone else.
Q. What was the inspiration behind "Luv U Better"?
A: LL Cool J: My personal relationships, the things I've been through, the mistakes I've made in my life. (I'm) just tapping into that sincerity.
Q. In the video for "Luv U Better," your body looks really toned. How long did you work out for that?
A: I literally (worked out) for the last year and a half or so. I had to gain weight for a couple of movies. But once I was done with those roles, I said, 'OK, now I have an opportunity to get back in the gym and lose all that weight.'
Q. What do you say when people comment on your looks?
A: I don't even think about that. I'm not a dude that's trying to be cute. There are a lot of guys that are prettier than me so I don't get caught up.
Q. Would you encourage your four children to rap?
A: I would encourage them to pursue whatever dreams they have. I would help them with anything. I'm going to always help my kids. I have to do that. And I want to.
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