LL Cool J recently opened up about his 2013 album Authentic, reflecting on its lackluster performance over a decade later in an interview with The Independent.
Real name James Todd Smith, the rapper was juggling his music career while also portraying senior special agent Sam Hanna on NCIS: Los Angeles. He appeared in 323 episodes of the show from 2009 to 2023.
“You can’t be a part-time artist,” he expressed, citing challenges in managing his time. “I was making album decisions from the set by phone. It just didn’t pan out.”
LL Cool J admitted he initially thought his role on the show would be short-lived. “I signed on, anticipating it would wrap in a few years so I could return to music,” he revealed. “But it took off.”
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Authentic marked LL Cool J’s first album with independent distribution after a long tenure with Def Jam Records, his last project being Exit 13 in 2008.
He aimed to craft an album that showcased his passion for music, stating in 2013, “I’m not trying to compete with the younger artists, but rather connect with those who grew up with me and appreciate authentic music. We may be older, but we still enjoy having a good time.”
On September 6, he released his latest album The Force under Def Jam, coinciding with the label’s 40th anniversary.
Reflecting on his long history with Def Jam, he recalled, “I called that phone number every day for a week and a half. That demo started it all. Now, 40 years later, I’m back with them.”
LL Cool J, a flagship artist for the label since 1984, launched his career with the hit “I Need a Beat.” He earned his iconic stage name, “Ladies Love Cool James,” at age 16, and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2021 alongside Jay-Z.
He believes there’s room for creativity in hip-hop at any age, adding, “Just like filmmakers can innovate decades in, there’s no reason hip-hop artists can’t keep creating, as long as they stay curious and driven.”