...And You Don't Stop!

[Tego]

http://www.nobodysmiling.com/hiphop/news/86992.php[url]

[bigwill]

For those to lazy to click:


LL Cool J Leaving Def Jam, Blames Jay-Z
Tuesday, November 28, 2006
By: Kenny Rodriguez

LL Cool JLL Cool J, one of Def Jam Recordings’ longest-running artists, is wrapping up his final album on the label – and he cites Jay-Z as the reason why he’s leaving.

“How am I gonna re-sign with competition? I’m not an idiot,” LL told MTV News, referring to Jay-Z being both an artist and president/CEO.

“I can’t depend on that man to promote my record while he’s somewhere writing rhymes … I’m LL Cool J. I ain’t doing that, B.”

LL – who initially signed to Def Jam in the 1980s – began having trouble with the label when Jay was hired back in late 2004.

Rumors began circulating that LL Cool J felt slighted because he was overlooked for the position, considering his long-standing tenure. However, he has neither confirmed nor denied that claim.

The Queens native is uncertain where his next move will be, although he said he’d return to Def Jam “if they wrote a big enough check.”

LL Cool J’s upcoming LP, tentatively untitled, is being executively produced by fellow Queens emcee 50 Cent, and he promises less R&B and more street music.

“It’s going to be hysterical,” LL said. “It’s like a ‘Mama Said Knock You Out’ type of record, or ‘Mr. Smith’ type of record. It’s a very good record.”

Fans of classic tracks “I’m Bad” and “I Shot Ya” can look forward to a return to the grittier LL Cool J of yesteryear.

“My last three records were R&B, and more of me getting kinda into the emotional side of what I do. This is the aggressive side. Just ego. I’m getting into the party free, regardless. We’re unlocking the back door and sneaking 50 in.”

“This album, I’ma do a little street-corner joint. Smack them around, turn ‘em upside down, and shake the change out their pockets.”

[bigwill]

I pose this question to those in the audience.


YEAH? AND...?

So what?! When was the last time someone ran out to hear the last LL Cool J album. I mean I know he's been with Def Jam for years but if he thinks that Jay-Z is in charge of artist promotions and not a whole department of men and women I don't think he's wound too tight.

You think Tony Matola only had Sony promote Mariah Carrey over the other artists. If Jay-Z wants the money he's gonna promote all the labels artists. This is just promotional stunt to let people know that LL is still in the music business, not that, that is a great thing or anything but that's just my opinion.

[MoDiggz]

Maybe LL can revitalize Canibus' carreer and diss him on a few tracks. I'm sure Canibus could use a little publicity. Where is Canibus anyway?

But for real, if LL feels he can do better elsewhere then let him go. Hip-Hop music has changed over the past few years and his old fan base simply isn't there anymore to guarantee automatic platinum selling records. He will always be recognized as an early pioneer within the game, but blaming others for his own lackluster appeal, his ever shrinking market share and poor record sales is absurd and only serves to diminish what has otherwise been an admirable career under most standards.

If LL can reinvent his sound like he did with "Mama Said Knock You Out" and appeal to both his old fan base and a new audience, he still has a chance (which is true for just about anyone, lol). But with the market place being as fickle minded as it already is, who knows for sure what can happen?

I just hope he doesn't go out like Mobb Deep or M.O.P. or anyone else who thought they could restart their careers under AfterMath (their careers went no where in case you were wondering).