LL Cool J, the trailblazing rapper and actor, has been an icon in both the entertainment and music industries for decades. With a career spanning over 40 years, he’s become a household name through his television roles, blockbuster films, and groundbreaking hip-hop tracks. Yet, behind his success lies a personal journey marked by struggle and a quest for balance. In a recent interview, LL Cool J opened up about his internal conflict between music and acting, and how he’s ultimately learned to embrace both worlds without sacrificing his artistic integrity.
The Early Struggles: Success in Acting, Conflict in Music
For many fans, LL Cool J is synonymous with hits like “Mama Said Knock You Out” and roles in films like Any Given Sunday and TV shows such as NCIS: Los Angeles. However, as he shared in his interview with The Independent, the more successful he became as an actor, the more he felt distanced from his true passion: music.
LL Cool J, whose real name is James Todd Smith, reflected on the internal tension that arose in the 1990s when his acting career was soaring. “The more successful I became in acting, the less I wanted to do it, as it was taking me further away from music,” he admitted. Despite his growing fame on the screen, there was a lingering sense that something was missing—a void that music once filled but was now being replaced by acting roles.
He recognized the conflict but didn’t immediately know how to resolve it. “It took time,” he said, before realizing that he didn’t have to choose one over the other. He could, in fact, do both—though it required finding the right balance.
A Hiatus from Music: Refocusing and Reconnecting with His Roots
As LL Cool J delved deeper into his acting career, he took a significant step back from music. Following the release of his 2013 album Authentic, he entered an 11-year hiatus from releasing new albums, a move that left many fans wondering if he’d ever return to the recording studio. It wasn’t until 2023 that LL Cool J made his comeback with The Force, an album that reflects both his evolution as an artist and his enduring love for hip-hop.
Produced by Q-Tip, The Force represents a turning point in LL Cool J’s career. In the interview, he explained that the album allowed him to explore new themes and experiences, moving beyond the romantic and party-focused tracks he was known for in the past. “I wanted to show you could continue to make dope stuff and mature as an artist in hip-hop,” he stated, reflecting on the growth he’s experienced over the years.
Redefining Hip-Hop Longevity: Creativity Beyond the Early Years
One of LL Cool J’s key messages in his latest interview is his belief that hip-hop artists can—and should—remain creative and relevant well into their later years. “There’s no reason why an artist in hip-hop can’t continue to be innovative,” he emphasized, adding that hip-hop artists should aim for longevity in the same way filmmakers and other creatives do.
The perception that hip-hop is a young person’s game has been prevalent since the genre’s inception. Many of the early pioneers and innovators of the genre struggled to maintain the same level of impact and creative freedom as they aged, often sidelined by newer talent and shifting trends. But LL Cool J sees no reason why artists can’t push the boundaries as they grow older, as long as they stay curious, engaged, and passionate about their work.
His approach is deeply influenced by the legacies of artists like Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, and Bob Dylan, all of whom remained relevant and meaningful throughout their careers by staying true to their beliefs and passions. LL Cool J has embraced a similar philosophy, making music that is deeply personal and reflective of his experiences—regardless of mainstream expectations.
The Return of The Force: A Personal and Authentic Album
LL Cool J’s latest album, The Force, serves as a testament to his commitment to artistic growth and authenticity. It’s not just a comeback album; it’s a declaration of where he stands as a musician today. He speaks candidly about tackling deeper issues and evolving as a storyteller. “I’m not gonna be a prisoner to some mainstream image of myself,” LL Cool J affirmed. For him, what ages well isn’t necessarily what’s popular at the moment, but what is true to the artist’s heart.
On The Force, LL Cool J ventures into unexplored territories, writing from the heart rather than adhering to commercial pressures. The album delves into themes of self-reflection, personal growth, and his place in the world as both an artist and an individual. It’s clear that LL Cool J has found a way to merge his passion for music with the experience he’s gained in acting, resulting in a body of work that feels genuine and deeply introspective.
Lessons for Artists: Balancing Multiple Passions
LL Cool J’s journey offers important lessons for artists struggling to balance multiple creative pursuits. His experience highlights the fact that it’s possible to be multi-dimensional and thrive in different arenas, but it requires time, patience, and self-awareness. Artists, particularly in a field as dynamic as hip-hop, often feel pressured to focus on one discipline to avoid spreading themselves too thin or losing credibility.
Yet, LL Cool J’s story proves that with the right mindset and support, artists can navigate these challenges and find success in diverse fields. His advice for others is simple but powerful: “You just gotta be true to who you are.” Staying authentic and making decisions based on passion rather than outside expectations is key to long-term fulfillment and success.
Looking Ahead: LL Cool J’s Enduring Legacy
As LL Cool J continues to evolve as both a musician and actor, his story serves as an inspiration to artists across all genres. He has broken down barriers and reshaped the narrative around what it means to be successful in hip-hop beyond the early years. His commitment to authenticity and his refusal to be pigeonholed into any one category has allowed him to enjoy longevity in industries where many careers are fleeting.
With the release of The Force, LL Cool J is proving that innovation, creativity, and relevance aren’t limited by age or previous success. As long as artists remain curious, passionate, and willing to grow, there’s no limit to what they can achieve—whether in music, film, or beyond.
