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."

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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.

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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:

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