LL Cool J On Def Jam’s 30th Anniversary And His New Street Album

By signing his first record deal with Def Jam Records at 16 years old, LL Cool J has been famous for his entire adult life. And during that time he has seen some things. The journey from the corners of his native Queens, New York to Hollywood has been filled with highs and lows. But along the way he has maintained a love for the art form that made him a household name and the object of the ladies’ obsession: hip-hop. Breaking into the game with his classic debut album Radio in 1985, he went on to collect a string of platinum albums.

The iconic MC has gone from Grammy winner to Grammy host and along the way created a catalog that has spanned nearly 30 years. And when he wasn’t dropping smooth joints to steal your girl, he moved into acting and built a second career that has seen him at the top of the marquee more than once.

Now after leaving the historic label that he helped build, LL is independent and on the verge of releasing his 15th studio project, G.O.A.T. 2. Leaning toward the hardcore side of things with  his new work, LL is focused on music that's about dope beats and bars this trip. While taking a break on the set of his CBS series NCIS: Los Angeles, he spoke with XXL about his new album, his continued love of music, what makes a great performance and how he used to make Russell Simmons give him steaks by the pair. —G. Valentino Ball