LL Cool J signed his first record contract with Def Jam Recordings in the 1980s as the imprint’s first artist.
His debut album, 1985’s Radio, featured iconic singles such as “Rock The Bells” and “I Can’t Live Without My Radio.” With the exception of the Jazzy Jay-assisted “I Need A Beat (Remix),” all songs were produced by Def Jam co-founder Rick Rubin.
According to AllHipHop, Ladies Love Cool James has returned home to Def Jam. Sources at the label reportedly couldn’t divulge when he’d be putting out new music but said it “could be” soon.
After 13 albums with Def Jam — including 1990’s Mama Said Knock You Out — LL left the label in 2008. Over the course of his career, he’s been nominated five times for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame but has yet to be inducted.
He currently hosts his own SiriumXM show called Rock The Bells and is still playing NCIS Special Agent Sam Hanna in the CBS crime drama television series NCIS: Los Angeles.
In 2017, he became the first MC to receive Kennedy Center Honors.
Def Jam has also reportedly struck a deal with DMX to rejoin their roster. Swizz Beatz confirmed the news during a recent interview with The Breakfast Club.
X signed to the imprint in the late 90s and dropped his inaugural studio album, It’s Dark and Hell is Hot, in 1998.
Earlier this week, X shared a clip of Swizz Beatz’s interview and wrote in the caption, “New music soon.”
Check out his comments below.
It’s more of a radio station. Radio show makes it seem like it’s a 1 hour or 2 hour thing. He runs the Rock The Bells channel
These MFs are anything but journalists.
facts
The greatest of all time back in heavens bathroom less more
That last album he dropped was hot garbage…Some of these dudes need to know when to call it quits
THIS FEELS RIGHT @ X AND L
Ok Paul Rosenberg. I see you. These are moves for the culture. Not for profit. I like that
Go get red and mef and luda back too def jam!
Paul Rosenberg (Eminem’s long time maneger and Peter Rosenberg’s Cousin) is running Def Jam now. You know he is a true hip hop head and has a great rapport with all the MC’s mainstream and underground. He’ll definitely bring them back, Fab, Jada who still there haven’t complained about him
This genre was never for you to begin with…
Is this your first day in hip hop? You tried too hard bro.
Yea come back when drake is relevant in Hip Hop culture, and not just a silver spoon fed privileged cornball who bought his way in.
LL is Hip Hop, without him no def jam, with def Jam no DMX, No Jigga, no Meth, no Red, no EPMD, no Biggie, no Pac, no 90% of Hip Hop.
Show the respect that’s did to one of only 10 people in Hip Hop who actually has a legendary career under their belt.
G.O.A.T and about time Def Jam started undoing all the damage Jay Z did.
Under Jigga Def Jam lost directly as a result of him LL, DMX, Mef, Redman, a host of others.
Waiting. 4. Dah. Dmx & uncle. L. Colabo