T.I. calls out Def Jam over Young Jeezy album delays

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

Since coming out of prison, T.I. has had several projects coming at once. Among his most surprising activities is his literary workings. T.I. is currently promoting his book, which is called Power & Beauty.

While T.I. has had legal issues, fans know to expect a T.I. album every year. At one point, Young Jeezy fans were to expect the same thing. But, three years have passed since a new album came from Young Jeezy.

Most recently, his TM103 album was given a new release date of December 20. T.I., who is featured on Young Jeezy's new single, "F.A.M.E.," spoke on this. With Young Jeezy trying to put together the right album, T.I. blames Def Jam.

T.I. said the situation could be out of Young Jeezy's hands as the people do not know what goes on in the offices of Def Jam.

Watch T.I.'s interview with Power 105.1 below:

Read more...

Russell Simmons supports Irv Gotti's bid for Def Jam presidency

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

Def Jam has been in ruins for years. Recently, Irv Gotti returned to the spotlight to discuss a number of topics. Among the topics Irv Gotti spoke on were Def Jam. Since Jay-Z's departure from the label, Gotti said there is no one over there who cares. Irv Gotti then made a public plea to allow him to take over the label.

Given his run-ins with the federal government, Irv Gotti said he would understand if Def Jam did not want him. Regardless of who it was, Irv said it had be someone who cared. Desite his near decade-long beef with Chris Lighty, Irv Gotti said he would be a good choice. But, it had to be someone in hip hop who cared about hip hop.

No I.D. was recently hired as the Vice President of A&R at Def Jam and he stayed away from the situation. Russell Simmons, the founder of the label, recently spoke on Irv Gotti's comments. Simmons said he thinks Irv Gotti would be a good choice, he also likes how he is lobbying for the job. Aside from Gotti, he also said he likes DJ Khaled or Chris Lighty for the job.

Read more...

Jay-Z, Rick Rubin, and Russell Simmons at Def Jam 25th Anniversary dinner

Read more...

Big Boi accepts Plea Deal in Drug Arrest

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

Last August, while promoting his Def Jam debut album, Big Boi was arrested in Miami. Big Boi was in possession of drugs. He had one count of drug paraphernalia and three counts of possession of a controlled substance.

Today, Big Boi appeared in court in Miami. In court, he accepted a plea deal. Accepting the plea deal helped Big Boi avoid becoming yet another rapper being sent to prison. Many former chart-toppers are currently behind bars.

Big Boi will not be spending any time behind bars, but he will be $2,000 short. He has to donate the previously-mentioned sum of money to charity. Aside from donating the money to charity, Big Boi has to undergo drug testing for three months and he has to do community service.

Read more...

No I.D. talks Irv Gotti wanting to Take Over at Def Jam

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

Last week, Irv Gotti returned to the headlines, during his discussions about several topics. Sitting with Method Man, Irv Gotti spoke about Murder Inc., his career, and his future plans. What Irv Gotti would love for his future is a new role at Def Jam, preferably the presidency.

Irv Gotti said Def Jam needs a new president, who actually cares about the artists. The last time Def Jam had this was when Jay-Z was there, according to Irv. Things have changed at Def Jam. Their newest executive is famed producer, No I.D.

Recently, Def Jam's Vice President of A&R discussed the comments Irv Gotti made. While remaining neutral, No I.D. said he understands where Gotti is coming from. But, speaking about his own role with Def Jam, No I.D. said he was just there to do his job. He said Gotti was just stating his opinion, strongly so.

However, when asked about Irv Gotti being able to run the label, No I.D. said he cannot speak on that. In his opinion, it would be cool for someone to take over as president of Def Jam, but he is not going to say who can or who cannot. Just in case anyone was trying to position him for the role, No I.D. said he is best in the role he was just given, Vice President of A&R.

Read more...

Should Birdman take over at Def Jam?

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

Coming out of his hiatus, Irv Gotti discussed a series of topics with MTV's RapFix. Among the things Irv Gotti talked about was Def Jam. The label was seen as the mecca of hip hop, but things have not been the same over the past few years. Gotti said hip hop without Def Jam is a problem.

During his interview, Irv Gotti said he was discussing this issue with Jimmy Iovine, the head of Interscope Records. When he was talking with Jimmy Iovine, he told him the new label in hip hop is Cash Money. Irv Gotti pointed out how there is no denying Cash Money, but it is no Def Jam.

Throughout the course of hip hop, there have been several other labels. Bad Boy Records, Roc-A-Fella Records, and Irv's own label, Murder Inc., have been met with success. Despite their success, Irv Gotti said there will never be another Def Jam. Even though hip hop is still successful, Irv Gotti said Def Jam has to be the focal point of hip hop.

Def Jam has been very successful over the years and has continued to dominate with the ever-popular artists on their label, Kanye West, Ace Hood, and Rick Ross, among others. While Def Jam is dominating, it is not the way it used to be. Cash Money Records, on the other hand, has had a legacy, which has rich history in its own right. Before he decided to rap, Birdman was simply known as one half of the CEOs of Cash Money, back when the label was still on the local level in New Orleans.

Cash Money Records has experienced all types of success and has a nice deal with Universal Records, which has allowed sub-labels, such as Young Money, to emerge. Def Jam had a similar deal, during its early days, with Columbia Records. However, Def Jam was purchased by MCA, which eventually morphed into the Universal Music Group. Currently, Cash Money Records is riding its third wave of success, with the first being on the local level, the second being the Hot Boyz, run and then there is now.

Birdman and Slim are obviously doing the right things to make Cash Money successful. Irv Gotti said the first thing Def Jam needs is a real CEO who cares. While he wants the job, he is willing for anyone, who is able, and who cares, to take the job. Irv Gotti is even ready to see his rival, Chris Lighty, take over the label if he wants to. Of course, Birdman is under contract with Universal Records for several years. But, if things were different, could Birdman be the person to right the ship at Def Jam?

Read more...

Common talks Role on new AMC series and working with No I.D.

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

Recently, Common returned to the headlines. This spring, a track from Common, featuring Nas, called "Ghetto Dreams," leaked to the internet. Hip hop heads have been waiting on a collaboration between the two legendary rappers for well over a decade. During this time, Common has gone from just being a rapper to also becoming an actor.

Common is currently gearing up for his latest album, The Dreamer, The Believer. His "Blue Sky" single premiered on the radio yesterday and has been shared on the internet. Providing production on Common's latest album will be No I.D. Over the summer, he landed an executive role with Def Jam. Now, he is going back to work with Common.

Working with No I.D. for so long, Common said it is good to still work with someone like him. The reason Common said this was because he and No I.D. first entered the game together. Nearly twenty years later, Common is regarded as one of the best rappers in the game and No I.D. is regarded as one of the best producers in the game, along with being a record executive. Common said the two have always had great chemistry when they worked together.

Outside of music, Common will still be shown on the screen, this time, however, it will be the small screen. Common will have a role in the upcoming AMC series, "Hell on Wheels." The series takes place in 1865, as it is about the Transcontinential Railroad. Common said he plays the role of a freed slave in the series.

Read more...

Can Red Cafe return Bad Boy Records to Prominence?

By Hardcore Critic
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

Early in its run, Bad Boy Records dominated the game. The label quickly built around The Notorious B.I.G. and Faith Evans. Founded by Sean "Puff Daddy" Combs, Bad Boy Records was quickly becoming a second-generation Def Jam. While Combs established himself a new-and-improved Russell Simmons, B.I.G. never had the chance to have a legacy like LL Cool J, as he was brutally murdered.

Bad Boy Records has had a number of hits over the past fourteen years, but the label has never had another flagship artist like their original. Immediately following Biggie's death, Mase became the new face of the label. However, during the promo run of his sophomore album, Mase decided to quit rap to become a preacher.

In 1999, Shyne became the new flagship artist for Bad Boy, but he was soon arrested and serving time in prison. Loon stepped up to the plate in 2003, but his career quickly fizzled, also. In 2009, Combs announced he had signed Red Cafe to the label. During the fall, Bad Boy Records left Atlantic Records for a new deal at Interscope Records. Diddy said Red Cafe would now be the focal point of Bad Boy Records.

Aside from being Bad Boy's new flagship artist, Red Cafe was also the head of his own Shakedown movement. Red Cafe has been working for well over five years, trying to gain exposure and release his debut album. After two years of delays, on Bad Boy, Diddy announced Red Cafe would soon be taking his rightful place as the new flagship artist of Bad Boy Records. Red Cafe also discussed the situation and announced his debut album would be released on Valentine's Day 2012.

But, for nearly ten years, Bad Boy Records has been struggling. Bad Boy Records has been struggling two years longer than the New York hip hop scene. Long before his Bad Boy days, Red Cafe was said to be the artist who would return New York to hip hop prominence. Now, he is being hailed as the man who can make the same happen for Bad Boy Records. However, Red Cafe does not have much more buzz than any of the other New York rappers in the game.

Once Red Cafe gets the Bad Boy machine behind him, will he be able to re-ignite New York hip hop and, in turn, place Bad Boy Records back on top of the game?

Read more...

LL Cool J's acceptance speech at the 2011 BET Hip Hop Awards

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

In 2008, more than likely, fans heard LL Cool J's final album, Exit 13, as he began his run as Sam Hanna on "NCIS: LA" the same year. While he is currently one of Hollywood's most-bankable actors, LL Cool J began his career as a rapper. LL was Def Jam's first artist.

For well over twenty years, LL Cool J managed to release a series of hits and platinum albums. Along the way, LL was involved in a number of beefs. Following each feud, LL Cool J always came back stronger and all of this fed into his legendary career.

BET honored LL Cool J's legacy at the 2011 BET Hip Hop Awards. LL Cool J was given the "I Am Hip Hop" award. When he was honored with the award, LL Cool J read off his acceptance speech.

Read the entire speech below:

“My acceptance speech/what I won't do is try preach/I won't assume that I am smarter than you and try to teach/What I will do is set an example for you and inspire you to reach for the stars that's beyond mars that space bars can't delete/Because without a dream fulfilled your life's incomplete/A hearst, a limousine without a backseat/the worst, this Usain Bolt without feet/Real life aint Hollywood, it's Halloween/Every day is trick or treat/It aint a red carpet it's a bloody sidewalk from the wolves eating red meat/and these spotlights don't come with money they come with police/Millionaires cry about raising taxes on the elite/they won't feed us, as they'd rather defeat us/like an aborted fetus/but your greatest feat is to get back up on your feet/Did I mention, life aint a sprint it's a marathon/Really stressful on your tendons/and with the shape the economy is in today, you better run to the polls like skinny Kenyans/26 miles miles and two hours and three minutes/It wasn't weeks or months/It took us 400 years to raise the debt limit/So don't lose faith, there's a sweet life out there and one day you will taste/And just like any marathon, you must monitor your pace/and watch out for the haters pushing drinks up in your face/maintain your focus through the ups and downs and debates/and when you win your award, make sure you put in a safe place/and be prepared for whatever…just in case."

Read more...

Big K.R.I.T. speaks on the Rock the Bells tour

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

While Big K.R.I.T. did not release his highly-anticipated debut album, Live From the Underground, this year, things have still been going great for the Mississippi rapper. Signed to Def Jam, Big K.R.I.T. had the chance to be a part of the Rock the Bells tour.

Big K.R.I.T. had the chance to perform in Los Angeles, New York, and San Francisco. Every place he went, Big K.R.I.T. was able to get the crowd excited. All of this is a dream come true for the young rapper, as he still prepares his debut album.

Speaking with XXL about his time on the tour, Big K.R.I.T. said it was a blessing for him to be able to travel the country and meet rappers he grew up idolizing. One of the most-surprising parts of it, to K.R.I.T., was that some of the rappers were actually fans of his music. Big K.R.I.T. had the chance to meet RZA and talk with him.

Telling the magazine he enjoyed the feedback in San Francisco, Big K.R.I.T. spoke on how fans of established names, such as Mobb Deep and Wu-Tang were well aware of his music. The day after his birthday, Big K.R.I.T.'s friend, Big Saint, told the crowd K.R.I.T. just had a birthday and the crowd went crazy celebrating his birthday.

Read more...

What if Roc-A-Fella Records had never Split?

By The Voice
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

Sixteen years ago, Jay-Z was a street hustler trying to go legit. He had teamed up with Damon Dash and Kareem "Biggs" Burke to launch his own record label. Jay-Z had attempted to get signed by major labels, but none of them saw his vision. The trio's hail mary attempt was starting their own record label, Roc-A-Fella Records.

In 1996, Jay-Z released Reasonable Doubt and Roc-A-Fella Records took off. Memphis Bleek also signed to the label, while Jaz-O, a mentor, of sorts, to Jay-Z, and Sauce Money were expected to. For one reason or another, they never signed to the label. Roc-A-Fella Records soon established a distribution deal with Def Jam and hit it big.

Before the end of 1997, Jay-Z had a platinum album under his belt and was quickly becoming a big name in hip hop. By 1998, Jay-Z became the biggest rapper on the planet, propelled by his "Hard Knock Life" single. Soon, Def Jam was using Jay-Z to spin off the careers of DMX and Ja Rule. Because of Jay-Z's initial flame, both rappers went on to achieve much success. Back at Roc-A-Fella Records, the label added several rappers from Philadelphia, which became State Property.

When the 2000s emerged, Roc-A-Fella Records had become the biggest hip hop label in the game. Every rapper in the game wanted to be a part of the movement. If an artist did not want to sign to the Roc, they wanted a beat from one of the in-house producers. Due to the success they were having, Damon Dash decided the company should branch out, which led to the 1999 launch of Rocawear. Corporate giants were watching Roc-A-Fella Records, as they had become much more than an independent record label.

Most independent record labels were founded when an artist had trouble getting signed. After creating one hit, the label gets picked up by a bigger label and the star makes hits. Roc-A-Fella Records bucked the trend and continued to sign more artists. Not only was Roc-A-Fella Records signing artists, they were also helping artists out with their movements. Beanie Sigel created State Property Records under the Roc, Memphis Bleek's Get Low label was founded in 1998, under Roc-A-Fella Records.

Roc-A-Fella Records' biggest move came in 2001, when Cam'ron was signed. Being from Harlem, Cam'ron knew Damon Dash and the two were friends. Cam'ron was also the head of his own label, Diplomat Records and he came to Roc-A-Fella for a deal. Unlike other artists signed to Roc-A-Fella, Cam'ron had buzz before signing to the label. Previously, Cam'ron had a deal with Sony Records. But, in 2002, he had the biggest hit of his career with "Oh Boy" and his only platinum album, to-date, Come Home with Me.

By 2003, it was clear Roc-A-Fella Records was much more than hip hop, with a film division, a clothing line, subsidiary labels, and a liquor brand. The major corporate players had watched long enough and they decided it was time to make an offer. Def Jam offered to buy complete control of Roc-A-Fella Records and offer an executive role to Jay-Z. Already worth well over $100 million, Jay-Z would have been well without the role with the company.

However, a behind the scenes beef with his partners prompted Jay-Z to move with Def Jam. But, had their not been any beef, Roc-A-Fella Records could have either turned Def Jam down, or made a counter-move. Either way, the label could have continued to run the game. Had Roc-A-Fella Records turned Def Jam down, they could have easily established a new deal with another label, which could have been much more lucrative.

A bigger focus could have been placed upon the sub-labels, building their stars. With Kanye West emerging, the Roc-A-Fella movement could be what the Cash Money movement currently is. Cash Money Records has big names, such as Bow Wow and Lil Wayne and is also the head of the Young Money movement. It could have been the same way for Roc-A-Fella Records and Jay-Z could have been just as rich, if not richer, had the partners been able to stay together.

Read more...

2 Chainz discusses Ludacris and DTP Records

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

For over a decade, 2 Chainz has been signed to DTP Records, but the name may be throwing people off. Until recently, 2 Chainz was known as Tity Boi. A background artist for many years, 2 Chainz gained fame in 2007 with the "Duffle Bag Boy" single, featuring Lil Wayne, as one half of the Playaz Circle.

While he has released two successful albums with Playaz Circle under the DTP label, 2 Chainz has gone solo. 2 Chainz said he has nothing but love for Ludacris, Chaka Zulu, and the DTP team. He also said he has no issues with Def Jam. But, when it comes to his own projects, he wants to have full control.

Even though 2 Chainz plans to release his album through his own label, DTP will still be involved. 2 Chainz is still heavily involved in the ongoings of DTP. Recently, Ludacris asked him to do some A&R work for his Ludaversal album. 2 Chainz said he deals with a lot of producers, who would definitely be interested in working with Ludacris. The artist formerly known as Tity Boi went on to say he delas with many rising producers.

His T.R.U. REALigion mixtape will be released on November 1.

Read more...

Odd Future Records signs rapper Young Ni**a

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

Odd Future has gone through an incredible experience in 2011. Frank Ocean was signed by Def Jam and has had much commercial success. On the other hand, Tyler, the Creator won a VMA and has become one of rap's biggest new stars.

Originally, Odd Future Records was nothing more than an outlet for Odd Future. The label had no intentions of adding any outsiders. Things changed when the label ran across Young Ni**a. The label signed him because of his style.

The label's publicist said they could not turn down signing someone who was so talented. They said Young Ni**a embodies the Odd Future movement and he has commercial popularity.

Read more...

LL Cool J to receive "I Am Hip Hop Icon" award at 2011 BET Hip Hop Awards

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

Three years ago, LL Cool J released Exit 13, which was his final album with Def Jam. Over twenty years before, LL Cool J helped launch the label with his music. After a highly successful career as a rapper, LL Cool J decided to move into the movies.

LL Cool J currently stars in "NCIS: LA" as one of the main protagonists, Sam Hanna. His roles in films and television shows led to LL to devote all his time to the screens. Previously, LL Cool J would take time out to record an album.

Despite being fully focused on television projects now, LL Cool J has considered coming out with another album. While LL has no new album in the works, he will be honored for his work on previous albums. At the upcoming BET Hip Hop Awards, LL Cool J will be given the "I Am Hip Hop Icon" award, which has previously been awarded to Ice Cube, Russell Simmons, Grandmaster Flash, KRS-One, and Salt-N-Pepa.

Read more...

Nas says Hip Hop needs more songs like "Nasty"

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

The last time fans had heard anything new from Nas, aside from his work with Damian Marley, was in 2008. The final single released from Untitled was "Make the World Go Round." Patiently, fans waited on more Nas music.

Nas wanted to return last year with a second edition of his compilation, The Lost Tapes. However, due to issues with his label, Def Jam, things were put on hold. After holding out for so long, Nas began recording his next album.

Currently in the studio, Nas announced his latest solo album would be called Life is Good. Earlier this year, the first single off the album leaked. The single, "Nasty," has become a critical success.

After being out for months, now the radio is beginning to pick "Nasty" up. During a recent discussion with MTV News, Nas said he would like more songs like "Nasty" to be out. A video was shot for the song a little over a month ago. While the video has been completed, it has been delayed with no set release date. The video may be delayed, but Nas said it will be coming soon and the fans will love.

Read more...

Cyhi da Prynce names album "The Hard Way Musical"

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

Following the success of Big Sean and the new deal with Def Jam, Kanye West is preparing to develop more artists on his G.O.O.D. Music roster. The next rapper up to release an album is Cyhi da Prynce, G.O.O.D. Music's Atlanta representative.

Cyhi da Prynce has been featured on a number of mixtape songs and on Kanye West's My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy. Now, he is preparing the release of his own album. Cyhi da Prynce said he has started working on his debut album and it will be out very soon.

Aside from his album, Cyhi da Prynce also discussed his upcoming mixtape with DJ Scream and DJ Spinz. Cyhi da Prynce announced his new mixtape as Jack of All Trades. The mixtape has that title because Cyhi raps over a number of other people's tracks.

Because Cyhi da Prynce shows he can handle all of those different styles, he calls himself the "jack of all trades." Now, Cyhi da Prynce is taking things to the next level and he is coming out with his debut album, which he says will be called The Hard Way Musical. Kanye West will serve as the executive producer of the album.

Read more...

Tripp James is recording New Music, has Mixtapes in the Works, and a New Album

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

Atlanta rapper, Tripp James never takes any time off, as he is focused on making hits. Tripp James has been performing at a number of shows in Atlanta. Now, though, he is away from the spotlight and back in the studio.

Tripp James is recording a number of new songs. A few of these songs will be a part of one of his two upcoming mixtapes. The remainder of the songs will be a part of his next album. Tripp James hopes to release these new projects in the near future.

Hip Hop Vibe caught up with Tripp James, as he discussed his new projects.

Read the entire interview below:

What are the names of your new mixtapes?
Bankhead All-Star 4.0 and a collaboration mixtape with Yung Simpsec called Bankset Vol. 1. The mixtape will be hosted by DJ Run Viper.

You also have a new album in the works?
My album is coming out next month and I'm dealing with Def Jam this time. I'm giving the fans the mixtapes until I can get the album out. I got the Shop Boyz, JP Deniro, Cooler P, and a bunch of other independent artists on my album.

How did you link up with Def Jam?
I was performing and a man with Def Jam offered me a distribution deal. I told them I wanted a digital distribution deal, keeping 100% of the royalties. They asked me if I wanted to stay independent and I said yes and they became my silent parter.

Can you speak on your relationship with the Shop Boyz?
I grew up with them, we went to school together, we were raised in the same apartment building. We did our thing, stayed in contact, stayed cool. Now, we're both in music, and we are starting to collaborate with each other. Right now, I want to be independent and do things on my own, but on my sophomore album, I will begin working with major artists.

You are working with Lex Luger, correct?
Yes.

How did that come about?
Through Facebook, we had mutual friends. I let him know I was on my grind and he sent me a track and I recorded over it. I told him if he likes it he can join the movement.

Who else are you working with?
Mike Wills, J Kush, Zaytoven, I'm trying to work with all the hot and heavy hitters on my debut album. They respect my grind.

What is the name of your debut album?
Bankhead All-Star.

When can fans expect to hear it?
All I can say is coming soon.

Read more...

Outkast moving to Epic Records

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

The writing has been on the wall for Outkast with Jive Records for the past few years. Fans of the duo have been waiting on a new Outkast album for nearly five years. However, label issues have held the album up.

Both Andre 3000 and Big Boi said things changed for them at Jive when L.A. Reid left. Big Boi signed a solo deal with Def Jam, while Reid was the head of the label.

Since leaving Def Jam, L.A. Reid is now the head of Epic Records. The past few years have been rough on the label. Reid was brought in to return the label to its former glory.

Reportedly, L.A. Reid's first move was adding Outkast to the label. Reid originally signed Outkast to their deal with Jive Records. However, since L.A. Reid left, things have not been going so smoothly for the duo, evidenced when Big Boi released his solo album with Def Jam. Now, the duo is headed over to Epic and they intend to release both a new Outkast album and solo albums with the label in 2012.

Read more...

Big K.R.I.T. talks Pushing Back Album and New Music

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

Fans who were eagerly waiting for the release of the debut album from Big K.R.I.T., Live From the Underground, were left highly upset. With the album set for a September 27 release, Big K.R.I.T. decided to push the album back. However, he said he had good reason in doing so.

Big K.R.I.T. said he just wanted to take the time to perfect his product. When he told Def Jam this, they allowed him to push the album back. Also, K.R.I.T. wanted to clear more samples for the album. Big K.R.I.T. said he was not used to finding publishers for tracks.

To hold fans over, Big K.R.I.T. will be dropping an EP. In the coming weeks, Big K.R.I.T. said he would release the debut single. While not revealing names, Big K.R.I.T. said he had the chance to work with two legends.

Read more...

LL Cool J - "Year of the Hip Hop"

Three years have passed since LL Cool J last released an album. His last album was called Exit 13 and many assumed he was retiring, due to the title. LL Cool J only meant it would be his final Def Jam album. But, with his role in "NCIS: LA," it looked like retirement.

Now, LL Cool J is back with his first new song in well over a year. The new track is called "Year of the Hip Hop."

Listen to "Year of the Hip Hop" by LL Cool J below:

Read more...