Editing LL Cool J (section)

== Musical career ==
In the VH1 documentary ''Planet Rock: The Story of Hip Hop and the Crack Generation'', Smith revealed that he initially called himself J-Ski, but did not want to associate his stage name with the cocaine culture (The rappers who use "Ski" or "Blow" as part of their stage name, e.g., [[Kurtis Blow]] and Joeski Love, were associated with the rise of the cocaine culture, as depicted in the 1983 remake of ''[[Scarface (1983 film)|Scarface]]''.) Under his new [[stage name]] LL Cool J (an abbreviation for '''L'''adies '''L'''ove '''Cool''' '''J'''ames), coined by his friend and fellow rapper [[Mikey D]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://acronyms.thefreedictionary.com/Ladies+Love+Cool+James+(rap+artist)|title=Acronyms and abbreviations by the Free Online Dictionary|publisher=Farlex, Inc.|access-date=July 1, 2008}}</ref><ref name="hhia"/> Smith was signed by Def Jam, which led to the release of his first official record, the [[12-inch single]] "[[I Need a Beat]]" (1984).<ref name="mtv">{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/music/artist/ll_cool_j/artist.jhtml#bio|title=MTV.com – LL Cool J Bio|publisher=MTV Networks.|access-date=June 24, 2008|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080515014436/http://www.mtv.com/music/artist/ll_cool_j/artist.jhtml#bio|archive-date=May 15, 2008|df=mdy-all}}</ref> The single was a hard-hitting, streetwise b-boy song with spare beats and ballistic rhymes.<ref name="mtv"/> Smith later discussed his search for a label, stating "I sent my demo to many different companies, but it was Def Jam where I found my home."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.defjam.com/site/artist_bio.php?artist_id=202|title=Def Jam Recordings – LL Cool J Biography|publisher=The Island Def Jam Music Group|access-date=May 25, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080429202053/http://www.defjam.com/site/artist_bio.php?artist_id=202 <!--Added by H3llBot-->|archive-date=April 29, 2008}}</ref> That same year, Smith made his professional debut [[Music concert|concert]] performance at Manhattan Center High School. In a later interview, LL Cool J recalled the experience, stating "They pushed the lunch room tables together and me and my DJ, Cut Creator, started playing.&nbsp;... As soon as it was over there were girls screaming and asking for autographs. Right then and there I said 'This is what I want to do'."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tribute.ca/people/LL+Cool+J/2045/8892|title=LL Cool J bio: Edison Force ActorTribute.ca....|publisher=Tribute Entertainment Media Group|access-date=June 24, 2008}}</ref> LL's debut single sold over 100,000 copies and helped establish both Def Jam as a label and Smith as a rapper. The commercial success of "I Need a Beat", along with the [[Beastie Boys]]' single "[[Rock Hard (song)|Rock Hard]]" (1984), helped lead Def Jam to a distribution deal with [[Columbia Records]] the following year.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.addressdefjam.com/ |title=Address Island / Def Jam Records ... Def Jam history |publisher=GoDaddy.com, Inc. |access-date=June 24, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080724195111/http://www.addressdefjam.com/ |archive-date=July 24, 2008 }}</ref>

===1985–1987: ''Radio''===
''[[Radio (LL Cool J album)|Radio]]'' was released to critical acclaim, both for production innovation and LL's powerful rap.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2007/09/02/magazine/02rubin.t.html|first=Lynn|last=Hirschberg|title=The Music Man |work= [[New York Times Magazine]]|date=September 2, 2007}}</ref>
Released November 18, 1985, on Def Jam Recordings in the United States,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.headsprung.net/discography.php |title=LL Cool J career discography at HeadSprung.net |website=Headsprung.net |access-date=June 24, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080724083420/http://www.headsprung.net/discography.php |archive-date=July 24, 2008 }}</ref> ''Radio'' earned a significant amount of commercial success and sales for a hip hop record at the time. Shortly after its release, the album sold over 500,000 copies in its first five months, eventually selling over 1 million copies by 1988, according to the [[Recording Industry Association of America]].<ref name=george>George (2000), pp. 1–4.</ref><ref name=RIAA>{{cite web |url=https://www.riaa.com/goldandplatinumdata.php?table=SEARCH_RESULTS&action=&title=Radio&artist=L.L.%20Cool%20J&format=&debutLP=&category=&sex=&releaseDate=&requestNo=&type=&level=&label=&company=&certificationDate=&awardDescription=&catalogNo=&aSex=&rec_id=&charField=&gold=&platinum=&multiPlat=&level2=&certDate=&album=&id=&after=&before=&startMonth=1&endMonth=1&startYear=1958&endYear=2008&sort=Artist&perPage=25 |title=RIAA searchable database |publisher=Recording Industry Association of America |access-date=June 19, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924154740/http://www.riaa.com/goldandplatinumdata.php?table=SEARCH_RESULTS&action=&title=Radio&artist=L.L.%20Cool%20J&format=&debutLP=&category=&sex=&releaseDate=&requestNo=&type=&level=&label=&company=&certificationDate=&awardDescription=&catalogNo=&aSex=&rec_id=&charField=&gold=&platinum=&multiPlat=&level2=&certDate=&album=&id=&after=&before=&startMonth=1&endMonth=1&startYear=1958&endYear=2008&sort=Artist&perPage=25 |archive-date=September 24, 2015 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> ''Radio'' peaked at number 6 on the [[Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums]] chart and at number 46 on the [[Billboard 200|''Billboard'' 200]] albums chart.<ref name=charts/> It entered the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart on December 28, 1985, and remained there for 47 weeks, while also entering the Pop Albums chart on January 11, 1986,<ref name=charts/> remaining on that chart for thirty-eight weeks.<ref name=charts>{{cite magazine|url=http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/esearch/searchResult.jsp?exp=y&Ntt=LL+Cool+J+Radio&Ntk=Keyword&Ntx=mode+matchallpartial&nor=10&an=bbcom&N=36&Ns=FORMATTED_DATE|title=Billboard Music Charts – Search Results – LL Cool J Radio.|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|access-date=August 4, 2008}}{{dead link|date=July 2024|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref> By 1989, the album had earned [[RIAA certification|platinum]] status from the [[Recording Industry Association of America]] (RIAA), with sales exceeding one million copies; it had previously earned a gold certification in the United States on April 14, 1986.<ref name=RIAA/>
"[[I Can't Live Without My Radio]]" and "[[Rock the Bells (song)|Rock the Bells]]" were singles that helped the album go platinum.  It eventually reached 1,500,000 copies sold in the U.S.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1528980/ll-cool-j-cant-knock-out-billboard-champs.jhtml|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120209101045/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1528980/ll-cool-j-cant-knock-out-billboard-champs.jhtml|url-status=dead|archive-date=February 9, 2012|title=LL Cool J Can't Knock Out Billboard Champs|author =Chris Harris |publisher=  MTV|date=April 19, 2006 }}</ref>

With the breakthrough success of his hit single "I Need a Beat" and the ''Radio'' LP, LL Cool J became one of the early hip-hop acts to achieve mainstream success along with [[Kurtis Blow]] and [[Run-D.M.C.]] Gigs at larger venues were offered to LL as he would join the 1986–'87 ''Raising Hell'' tour, opening for Run-D.M.C. and the [[Beastie Boys]].<ref name="askmen1">{{cite web|url=http://www.askmen.com/men/entertainment_100/100_ll_cool_j.html |title=Biography and other information at Askmen.com |publisher=IGN Entertainment, Inc. |access-date=June 24, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080720051144/http://www.askmen.com/men/entertainment_100/100_ll_cool_j.html |archive-date=July 20, 2008 }}</ref> Another milestone of LL's popularity was his appearance on ''[[American Bandstand]]'' as the first hip hop act on the show,<ref name="mcgillismusic1">{{cite web|url=http://www.mcgillismusic.com/ll_cool_j.htm|title=Career overview at McgillisMusic|publisher=World Wide Entertainment USA, Inc.|access-date=June 24, 2008 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080412075151/http://www.mcgillismusic.com/ll_cool_j.htm |archive-date = April 12, 2008}}</ref> as well as an appearance on [[Diana Ross]]' 1987 television special, ''[[Red Hot Rhythm & Blues]]''.

The album's success also helped in contributing to Rick Rubin's credibility and repertoire as a record producer. ''Radio'', along with ''[[Raising Hell (album)|Raising Hell]]'' (1986) and ''[[Licensed to Ill]]'' (1986), would form a trilogy of New York City-based, Rubin-helmed albums that helped to diversify hip-hop.<ref name="CDuniverse.com">{{cite web |url=http://www.cduniverse.com/search/xx/music/pid/1084925/a/Radio.htm |title=''Radio'' cd product notes |publisher=Muze Inc. |access-date=June 19, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080828222712/http://www.cduniverse.com/search/xx/music/pid/1084925/a/Radio.htm |archive-date=August 28, 2008 }}</ref><ref name="rhino1">{{cite web|url=http://www.rhino.com/Features/liners/72851lin.html |title=Kurtis Blow Presents: The History Of Rap, Vol. 1: The Genesis |publisher=Rhino Entertainment |access-date=June 24, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110916062142/http://www.rhino.com/Features/liners/72851lin.html |archive-date=September 16, 2011 }}</ref> Rubin's production credit on the back cover reads "REDUCED BY RICK RUBIN", referring to his [[Minimalism|minimalist production]] style, which gave the album its stripped-down and gritty sound. This style would serve as one of Rubin's production trademarks and would have a great impact on future hip-hop productions.<ref name=about>{{cite web|url=http://top40.about.com/od/popmusicproducers/p/rickrubin.htm|title=About.com ... Rick Rubin's Style and Approach|access-date=June 24, 2008|archive-date=January 23, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080123084256/http://top40.about.com/od/popmusicproducers/p/rickrubin.htm|url-status=dead}}</ref> Rubin's early hip hop production work, before his exit from Def Jam to Los Angeles, helped solidify his legacy as a hip hop pioneer and establish his reputation in the music industry.<ref name=about/>

===1987–1993: Breakthrough and success===
LL Cool J's second album was 1987's ''[[Bigger and Deffer]]'', which was produced by [[DJ Pooh]] and the [[L.A. Posse]].<ref>{{cite web|author=Stephen Thomas Erlewine |url=http://www.allmusic.com/artist/dj-pooh-mn0000663828/biography |title=DJ Pooh &#124; Biography |website=[[AllMusic]] |access-date=April 19, 2014|author-link=Stephen Thomas Erlewine }}</ref> This stands as one of his biggest-selling career albums, having sold in excess of two million copies in the United States alone.<ref name="LLCJ US">{{cite web |url=https://www.riaa.com/gold-platinum/?tab_active=default-award&se=ll+cool+j#search_section |title=US Certifications |publisher=[[Recording Industry Association of America]] |access-date=2015-01-17}}</ref>  It spent 11 weeks at No. 1 on ''[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]''{{'}}s R&B albums chart.  It also reached No. 3 on the ''Billboard''{{'}}s Pop albums chart. The album featured the singles "[[I'm Bad]]", the revolutionary "[[I Need Love]]" – LL's first #1 R&B and Top 40 hit, "[[Bigger and Deffer#Track listing|Kanday]]", "[[Bigger and Deffer#Track listing|Bristol Hotel]]", and "[[Go Cut Creator Go]]".
While ''Bigger and Deffer'', which was a big success, was produced by the L.A. Posse (at the time consisting of Dwayne Simon, Darryl Pierce and, according to himself the most important for crafting the sound of the LP, Bobby "Bobcat" Ervin), Dwayne Simon was the only one left willing to work on producing LL Cool J's third album ''[[Walking with a Panther]]''.<ref name="The Rap Talk Crew">{{cite web|url=http://www.raptalk.net/news/features/RaptalksitsdownwithBobcatinahistoricinterview.php |title=A historic sit-down with Bobcat |publisher=Rap Talk Magazine |author=The Rap Talk Crew |access-date=October 25, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110810115629/http://www.raptalk.net/news/features/RaptalksitsdownwithBobcatinahistoricinterview.php |archive-date=August 10, 2011 }}</ref>  Released in 1989, the album was a commercial success, with several charting singles ("[[Going Back to Cali (LL Cool J song)|Going Back to Cali]]", which had originally been released on the 1987 movie soundtrack ''[[Less than Zero (film)|Less than Zero]]'', "I'm That Type of Guy", "Big Ole Butt", and "One Shot at Love"). Despite commercial appeal, the album was often criticized by the [[Hip hop music|hip-hop]] community as being too commercial and materialistic, and for focusing too much on love ballads.<ref>{{cite web|url={{AllMusic|class=album|id=r28044/review|pure_url=yes}}|title=Walking with a Panther: Review|website=[[AllMusic]]|author=Huey, Steve|access-date=December 23, 2009}}</ref>  As a result, his audience base began to decline due to the album's bold commercial and pop aspirations.<ref name="AMG">{{cite book |title=All Music Guide to Rock: The Definitive Guide to Rock, Pop, and Soul|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=1-pH4i3jXvAC&q=%22Mama+Said+Knock+You+Out%22+comeback+music+guide&pg=PA664|year=2002 |publisher=Backbeat Books |isbn=087930653X |page=664}}</ref> According to ''[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]'', the album peaked at No. 6 on the [[Billboard 200|''Billboard'' 200]] and was LL Cool J's second #1 [[Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums|R&B]] Album where it spent five weeks.

In 1990, LL released ''[[Mama Said Knock You Out]]'', his fourth studio album. The [[Marley Marl]] produced album received critical acclaim and eventually went double Platinum, selling over two million copies according to the [[RIAA]]. ''Mama Said Knock You Out'' marked a turning point in LL Cool J's career, as he proved to critics his ability to stay relevant and hard-edged despite the misgivings of his previous album.<ref name="AMG"/>  LL won a Grammy Award for Best Rap Solo Performance in 1992 for the title track. The album's immense success propelled ''Mama Said Knock You Out'' to be LL's top selling album of his career (as of 2002) and solidified his status as a hip-hop icon. During this time, LL also recorded a rap solo for [[Michael Jackson]]'s demo of a song called "Serious Effect" which remains unreleased, but was later leaked online.<ref name="AMG"/>

===1993–2005: Continued success and career prominence===
[[File:LL.COOL_J._1999.jpg|thumb|left|LL Cool J in 1999|252x252px]]
After acting in ''[[The Hard Way (1991 film)|The Hard Way]]'' and ''[[Toys (film)|Toys]]'', LL Cool J released ''[[14 Shots to the Dome]]'' in March 1993. The album had four singles ("[[How I'm Comin']]", "[[Back Seat (of My Jeep)]]", "[[Pink Cookies in a Plastic Bag Getting Crushed by Buildings]]", "[[Stand By Your Man (LL Cool J song)|Stand By Your Man]]") and guest-featured [[Lords of the Underground]] on "NFA-No Frontin' Allowed". That June, the album went gold.

LL Cool J starred in ''[[In the House (TV series)|In the House]]'', an [[NBC]] sitcom, before releasing his album ''[[Mr. Smith (album)|Mr. Smith]]'' (1995), which went on to sell over two million copies. Its singles included "[[Hey Lover]]", "[[Doin' It (LL Cool J song)|Doin' It]]" and "[[Loungin]]". "Hey Lover", featured [[Boyz II Men]], and sampled Michael Jackson's "The Lady in My Life". The song also earned him a [[Grammy Award]]. Another song from the album, "[[I Shot Ya Remix]]", included debut vocal work by [[Foxy Brown (rapper)|Foxy Brown]].
In 1996, Def Jam released this "greatest hits" package, offering a good summary of Cool J's career, from the relentless minimalism of early hits such as "Rock the Bells" to the smooth-talking braggadocio that followed. Classic albums including ''Bigger and Deffer'' and ''Mama Said Knock You Out'' are well represented here. In December 1996, his loose cover of the [[Rufus (band)|Rufus]] and [[Chaka Khan]] song "[[Ain't Nobody]]" was included on the ''[[Beavis and Butt-Head Do America]]'' soundtrack & released as a single. LL Cool J's interpretation of "Ain't Nobody" was particularly successful in the United Kingdom, where it topped the [[UK Singles Chart]] in early-1997.<ref>{{cite web |title=Beavis and Butt-Head Do America – Original Soundtrack |url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/beavis-and-butt-head-do-america-mw0000613302 |website=Allmusic.com}}</ref>
Later that same year, he released the album ''[[Phenomenon (LL Cool J album)|Phenomenon]]''. The singles included "[[Phenomenon (LL Cool J song)|Phenomenon]]" and "Father". The official second single from ''Phenomenon'' was "[[4, 3, 2, 1 (LL Cool J song)|4, 3, 2, 1]]", which featured [[Method Man]], [[Redman (rapper)|Redman]] & [[Master P]] and introduced [[DMX (rapper)|DMX]] and [[Canibus]].
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In 2000, LL Cool J released the album ''[[G.O.A.T. (LL Cool J album)|G.O.A.T.]]'', which stood for the "Greatest of All Time." It debuted at number one on the ''Billboard'' album charts,<ref>{{cite magazine|url={{BillboardURLbyName|artist=ll cool j|bio=true}} |title=Biography – LL Cool J |magazine=Billboard |access-date=March 24, 2011}}</ref> and went platinum. LL Cool J thanked Canibus in the liner notes of the album, "for the inspiration". LL Cool J's next album ''[[10 (LL Cool J album)|10]]'' from 2002, was his ninth studio (10th overall including his greatest hits compilation All World), and included the singles "[[Paradise (LL Cool J song)|Paradise]]" (featuring [[Amerie]]), and the number 1 R&B hit "[[Luv U Better]]", produced by [[the Neptunes]]. Later pressings of the album added the 2003 [[Jennifer Lopez]] duet, "[[All I Have (song)|All I Have]]". The album reached platinum status. LL Cool J's tenth album ''[[The DEFinition]]'' was released on August 31, 2004. The album debuted at No. 4 on the ''Billboard'' charts. Production came from [[Timbaland]], [[7 Aurelius]], [[R. Kelly]], and others. The lead single was the Timbaland-produced "Headsprung", which peaked at No. 7 on the Hip-Hop and R&B singles chart, and No. 16 on the ''Billboard'' Hot 100. The second single was the [[7 Aurelius]]–produced, "Hush", which peaked at No. 14 on the ''Billboard'' Hip-Hop and R&B chart and No. 26 on the Hot 100.

===2006–2012: ''Exit 13'' and touring===
LL Cool J's 11th album, ''[[Todd Smith (album)|Todd Smith]]'', was released on April 11, 2006. It includes collaborations with [[112 (band)|112]], [[Ginuwine]], [[Juelz Santana]], [[Teairra Mari]] and [[Freeway (rapper)|Freeway]]. The first single was the [[Jermaine Dupri]]-produced "[[Control Myself]]" featuring [[Jennifer Lopez]]. They shot the video for "Control Myself" on January 2, 2006, at Sony Studios, New York. The second video, directed by [[Hype Williams]], was "Freeze" featuring [[Lyfe Jennings]].

[[File:LL Cool J performing in Wilmington, Delaware.jpg|thumb|right|LL Cool J performing in [[Wilmington, Delaware]] in August 2008]]
In July 2006, LL Cool J announced details about his final album with Def Jam Recordings, the only label he has ever been signed to. The album is titled ''[[Exit 13]]''. The album was originally scheduled to be executively produced by fellow Queens rapper [[50 Cent]].<ref>{{cite web|last=Moss |first=Corey |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1535528/20060630/50_cent.jhtml?headlines=true |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060720105910/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1535528/20060630/50_cent.jhtml?headlines=true |url-status=dead |archive-date=July 20, 2006 |title=50 Cent, LL Cool J Teaming Up For LP – News Story Music, Celebrity, Artist News &#124; MTV News |publisher=Mtv |date=July 5, 2006 |access-date=March 24, 2011}}</ref> ''Exit 13'' was originally slated for a fall 2006 release, however, after a 2-year delay, it was released on September 9, 2008, without 50 Cent as the executive producer. Tracks that the two worked on were leaked to the internet and some of the tracks produced with 50 made it to Exit 13.
LL Cool J partnered with [[DJ Kay Slay]] to release a [[mixtape]] called "[[The Return of the G.O.A.T.]]". It was the first mixtape of his 24-year career and includes freestyling by LL Cool J in addition to other rappers giving their renditions of his songs. A track titled "Hi Haterz" was leaked onto the internet on June 1, 2008. The song contains LL Cool J rapping over the instrumental to Maino's "[[Hi Hater]]". He toured with [[Janet Jackson]] on her Rock Witchu tour, only playing in Los Angeles, Chicago, Toronto, and Kansas City.

In September 2009, LL Cool J released a song about the ''NCIS'' TV series. It is a single and is available on [[iTunes]]. The new track is based on his experiences playing special agent Sam Hanna. "This song is the musical interpretation of what I felt after meeting with NCIS agents, experienced [[United States Marine Corps|Marines]] and [[United States Navy|Navy]] [[United States Navy SEALs|SEALs]]," LL Cool J said. "It represents the collective energy in the room. I was so inspired I wrote the song on set."<ref>{{Cite news | author=Adam Bryant | title=VIDEO: Check out LL Cool J's New NCIS:LA-Inspired Song | url=https://www.tvguide.com/News/NCIS-Cool-J-1009723.aspx | work=TV Guide | date=September 16, 2010 | access-date=September 16, 2010}}</ref>

At [[SXSW|South by Southwest]] in March 2011, LL Cool J was revealed to be [[Z-Trip]]'s special guest at the [[Red Bull]] Thre3Style showcase. This marked the beginning of a creative collaboration between the rap and DJ superstars. The two took part in an interview with [[Carson Daly]] where they discussed their partnership.<ref>{{cite web|last=Daly |first=Carson |title=Last Call |url=http://www.nbc.com/last-call-with-carson-daly/video/ll-cool-j-and-dj-z-trip/1317254 |publisher=NBC |access-date=May 14, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130602230418/http://www.nbc.com/last-call-with-carson-daly/video/ll-cool-j-and-dj-z-trip/1317254/ |archive-date=June 2, 2013 }}</ref> Both artists have promised future collaborations down the road, with LL Cool J calling the duo "organic"<ref>{{cite web|last=Freedman|first=Pete|title=SXSW Interview: LL Cool J and Z-Trip Talk About Their Collaboration, Their High Esteem For The Hip-Hop "Blueprint" and Their Thoughts On Rap's Up-And-Coming Talent.|url=http://blogs.dallasobserver.com/dc9/2011/03/sxsw_interview_ll_cool_j_and_z.php|publisher=Dallas Observer|access-date=May 15, 2012|date=March 20, 2011|archive-date=May 18, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130518123521/http://blogs.dallasobserver.com/dc9/2011/03/sxsw_interview_ll_cool_j_and_z.php|url-status=dead}}</ref> One early track to feature LL's talents was Z-Trip's remix of British rock act [[Kasabian]]'s single "Days Are Forgotten", which was named by influential DJ [[Zane Lowe]] as his "Hottest Record In The World"<ref>{{cite web|last=Lowe|first=Zane|title=Hottest Record – Kasabian – Days Are Forgotten (LL Cool J Remix)|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/zanelowe/2011/08/hottest_record_-_kasabian_-_da.html|work=BBC|access-date=May 15, 2012}}</ref> and received a [[Days Are Forgotten|favorable reception]] in both Belgium and the United Kingdom. In January 2012, the pair released the track "[https://web.archive.org/web/20131005190429/http://ztrip.bandcamp.com/track/super-baller Super Baller]" as a free download to celebrate the [[New York Giants]] [[Super Bowl]] victory. The two have been touring together since 2011, with future dates planned through 2012 and beyond.

===2012–2023: ''Authentic'', ''G.O.A.T. 2'' and recognition===
On October 6, 2012, LL Cool J released "Ratchet", a new single from his upcoming album titled ''Authentic Hip-Hop''. Following that, on November 3, 2012, LL collaborated with [[Joe (singer)|Joe]] and the production duo [[Trackmasters]] on his second single, "Take It".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://youtube.com/watch?v=2qYWVpFsdDo|title=LL Cool J – Take It ft. Joe|website=Youtube|date=April 3, 2013 }}</ref>

On February 8, 2013, it was announced that the title of LL's upcoming album would be changed from ''Authentic Hip-Hop'' to ''[[Authentic (LL Cool J album)|Authentic]]'', with a new release date of April 30, 2013. A new cover was also unveiled.<ref>{{cite web|last=Horowitz |first=Steven J. |url=http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.21831/title.ll-cool-j-authentic-hip-hop-cover-art-release-date |title=LL Cool J Announces "Authentic" Release Date & Tracklist |website=HipHopdx.com|date=February 14, 2013 |access-date=May 2, 2013}}</ref> At around the same time, it was announced that LL Cool J had collaborated with [[Van Halen]] guitarist [[Eddie Van Halen]] on two tracks on the album.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://kearth101.cbslocal.com/2013/03/28/ll-cool-j-on-eddie-van-halen-i-have-worked-with-one-of-the-greatest-guitarists-that-ever-lived/|title=LL Cool J On Eddie Van Halen Collabo: "Now He's Officially Done Hip-Hop"|access-date=June 30, 2016|archive-date=August 16, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160816012514/http://kearth101.cbslocal.com/2013/03/28/ll-cool-j-on-eddie-van-halen-i-have-worked-with-one-of-the-greatest-guitarists-that-ever-lived/|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.guitarworld.com/eddie-van-halen-teams-ll-cool-j|title=Eddie Van Halen Teams Up With LL Cool J|work=Guitar World |date=April 2, 2013|access-date=June 30, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://ultimateclassicrock.com/eddie-van-halen-ll-cool-j-songs/|title=Hear Eddie Van Halen Perform on Two New LL Cool J Songs|website=Ultimate Classic Rock|date=May 2013 |access-date=June 30, 2016}}</ref>

On October 16, 2013, the [[Rock and Roll Hall of Fame]] announced LL Cool J as a nominee for inclusion in 2014.<ref>[https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/nirvana-kiss-hall-and-oates-nominated-for-rock-and-roll-hall-of-fame-20131016 "Nirvana, Kiss, Hall and Oates Nominated for Rock and Roll Hall of Fame"] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160902070929/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/nirvana-kiss-hall-and-oates-nominated-for-rock-and-roll-hall-of-fame-20131016 |date=September 2, 2016 }}. ''Rolling Stone''. October 16, 2013. Retrieved October 16, 2013.</ref> In October 2014, LL announced that his 14th studio album would be called ''G.O.A.T. 2'' and would be released in 2015.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.xxlmag.com/news/2014/10/ll-cool-j-def-jam-interview/|title=LL Cool J On Def Jam's 30th Anniversary And His New Street Album|work=XXL Mag|date=October 6, 2014 }}</ref> LL stated that "the concept behind the album was to give upcoming artists an opportunity to shine, and put myself in the position where I have to spit bars with some of the hardest rhymers in the game"; however, the album was put on hold. LL Cool J explained the reason for it, saying, "It was good but I didn't feel like it was ready yet."<ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/hip-hop/7262648/ll-cool-j-new-album-goat-2-eminem-twitter |title=Unretired Rap Legend LL Cool J Shares New Album Details & Offers 'G.O.A.T. 2' Update |magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]] |access-date=March 18, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160419000033/http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/hip-hop/7262648/ll-cool-j-new-album-goat-2-eminem-twitter |archive-date=April 19, 2016 |df=mdy }}</ref>

On January 21, 2016, LL received a star on the [[Hollywood Walk of Fame]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cbs.com/shows/ncis_los_angeles/photos/1005644/ll-cool-j-gets-a-star-on-the-hollywood-walk-of-fame/101595/everybody-loves-ll-cool-j/ |title=LL COOL J Gets a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame |website=[[CBS]] |access-date=January 22, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303192304/http://www.cbs.com/shows/ncis_los_angeles/photos/1005644/ll-cool-j-gets-a-star-on-the-hollywood-walk-of-fame/101595/everybody-loves-ll-cool-j/ |archive-date=March 3, 2016 |df=mdy }}</ref>

In March 2016, LL announced his retirement on social media, but quickly walked back his announcement and indicated that a new album was on the way.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cnn.com/2016/03/15/entertainment/ll-cool-j-retire-feat/index.html |title=LL Cool J retires, unretires, then announces new album |website=[[CNN]] |date=March 15, 2016 |access-date=March 18, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160503003118/http://www.cnn.com/2016/03/15/entertainment/ll-cool-j-retire-feat/index.html |archive-date=May 3, 2016 |df=mdy }}</ref> LL hosted the Grammy Awards Show for five consecutive years, from the [[54th Annual Grammy Awards|54th Grammy Awards]] on February 12, 2012, through the [[58th Annual Grammy Awards|58th Grammy Awards]] on February 15, 2016.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/music-news/grammys-2016-ll-cool-j-849351/|title=Grammys: LL Cool J Back for Fifth Year as Host|access-date=May 29, 2021|website=Hollywood Reporter|date=December 16, 2015 }}</ref>

In October 2018, LL Cool J was nominated for the [[Rock and Roll Hall of Fame]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.rockhall.com/class-2019-nominees|title=Class of 2019 Nominees|work=Rock & Roll Hall of Fame|access-date=2018-10-11|language=en}}</ref> In September 2019, it was announced that LL had re-signed to Def Jam for future album releases.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://allhiphop.com/news/exclusive-def-jam-records-re-signs-ll-cool-j-to-iconic-label-VVCdYIfpMUeXJXkXRHUMkw|title=EXCLUSIVE: Def Jam Records Re-Signs LL Cool J To Iconic Label|website=Allhiphop.com|access-date=2020-04-13|archive-date=February 27, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200227164406/https://allhiphop.com/news/exclusive-def-jam-records-re-signs-ll-cool-j-to-iconic-label-VVCdYIfpMUeXJXkXRHUMkw|url-status=dead}}</ref>

On December 29, 2021, LL Cool J canceled his performance at Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve With Ryan Seacrest 2022 after testing positive for COVID-19.<ref>{{Cite magazine|last=Mamo|first=Heran|title=LL Cool J Cancels 'New Year's Rockin' Eve' Performance After Testing Positive for COVID-19|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/ll-cool-j-chloe-cancel-new-years-rockin-eve-performance-covid-1235014619/|date=December 29, 2021|access-date=December 29, 2021|magazine=Billboard}}</ref>

LL Cool J hosted the [[2022 iHeartRadio Music Awards]] on March 22, 2022.<ref>{{Cite magazine|last=Grein|first=Paul|title=LL Cool J Set to Host 2022 iHeartRadio Music Awards|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/awards/ll-cool-j-host-2022-iheartradio-music-awards-1235035400/|date=February 24, 2022|access-date=February 24, 2022|magazine=Billboard}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Carter |first=Justin |title=How to Watch iHeartRadio Music Awards |url=https://www.si.com/tv/entertainment/iheartradio-music-awards-mar-22-live-stream-watch-online-free |access-date=2022-03-23 |website=How to Watch and Stream Major League & College Sports – Sports Illustrated. |date=March 22, 2022 |language=en-us}}</ref>

===2024–present: ''The FORCE''===
On June 14, 2024, LL Cool J released the single "Saturday Night Special", featuring rappers [[Rick Ross]] and [[Fat Joe]];<ref>{{cite web|url=https://x.com/llcoolj/status/1801473607119552852|title=Saturday Night Special now available. Video out now on YouTube. Streaming everywhere.|website=X|date=June 14, 2024|access-date=June 14, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.revolt.tv/article/ll-cool-j-dropped-a-song-with-rick-ross-and-fat-joe-and-fans-are-loving-it|title=Twitter reacts to LL Cool J, Rick Ross and Fat Joe's new collaboration|website=Revolt TV|last=Powell|first=Jon|date=June 14, 2024|access-date=June 14, 2024}}</ref> the single marks LL Cool J's first single as a lead artist in eight years and serves as the lead single from his fourteenth studio album, ''[[The FORCE]]'', which is entirely produced by [[Q-Tip (musician)|Q-Tip]].<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/rb-hip-hop/ll-cool-j-tracklist-the-force-album-learn-how-to-rap-again-1235729693/|title=LL Cool J Reveals Tracklist for 'The FORCE,' Says He Had to Learn 'How to Rap Again' For First Album in 11 Years|first=Gil|last=Kaufman|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|access-date=July 30, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/ll-cool-j-on-his-first-album-in-11-years-the-force-this-was-for-the-culture-q-tip-fat-joe-rick-ross-kendrick-lamar-drake-3765693|title=LL COOL J on his first album in 11 years, ''The Force'': "I want to do the Blackest shit in the world"|website=NME|last=Williams|first=Kyann-Sian|date=June 14, 2024|access-date=June 14, 2024}}</ref> The album was released on September 6, 2024, under Def Jam Recordings, his first under the label since 2008's ''Exit 13'', and distributed by Def Jam and UMG's sister counterpart [[Virgin Music Group]], instead of parent company Universal Music Group.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Kreps |first=Daniel |date=2024-07-12 |title=LL Cool J Announces First Album in 11 Years, ''The Force'' |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/ll-cool-j-new-album-the-force-passion-video-1235059059/ |access-date=2024-07-15 |magazine=Rolling Stone |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-07-12 |title=LL Cool J Announced A New Album, ''The Force'' — His First In 10 Years |url=https://uproxx.com/music/ll-cool-j-announced-new-album-the-force/ |access-date=2024-07-15 |website=UPROXX |language=en-US}}</ref> The single "Proclivities", featuring rapper [[Saweetie]], was released in August 2024.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://thesource.com/2024/08/09/ll-cool-j-drops-new-single-proclivities-featuring-saweetie-ahead-of-upcoming-album-the-force/|title=LL COOL J Drops New Single "Proclivities" Featuring Saweetie Ahead of Upcoming Album 'The Force'|website=The Source|date=August 9, 2024|access-date=August 9, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.vibe.com/music/videos/ll-cool-j-saweetie-proclivities-new-video-1234904401/|title=LL Cool J, Saweetie Open Up About Their "Proclivities" In New Video|website=Vibe|last=Griffin|first=Marc|date=August 9, 2024|access-date=August 9, 2024}}</ref> On August 31, 2024, LL Cool J released the album's fourth single "[[Murdergram Deux]]", featuring [[Eminem]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/listen-to-eminem-and-ll-cool-js-first-ever-collaboration-murdergram-deux-3789374|title=Listen to Eminem and LL COOL J's first ever collaboration 'Murdergram Deux'|website=NME|last=Jones|first=Damian|date=31 August 2024|access-date=3 September 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/eminem-ll-cool-j-team-up-first-collab-murdergram-deux-1235092410/|title=Eminem and LL Cool J Team Up for First Collab Ever, 'Murdergram Deux'|magazine=Rolling Stone|last=Mier|first=Tomás|date=30 August 2024|access-date=3 September 2024}}</ref>