• View Comments
• Share with Shortlink:

With more than 20 years in the music industry, LL Cool J has utilized his standing as a rap veteran to promote not only his music, but the culture of Hip-Hop to music fans.

According to the rapper, the spirit of Hip-Hop is alive and well as he enjoys his first tour of Australia.

“This is my first trip to Australia and after all these years, to be able to take it to a higher level at this stage is truly a blessing,” LL Cool J told AllHipHop.com. “The people have been extremely welcoming. The love for Hip-Hop is something you have to see and believe me, I’ve been filming this experience. They know all the words to my songs. The crowds have been incredible; all generations have come out old school and new school.”

LL Cool J’s Australian tour kicked off on Saturday (March 22) at the Enmore Theatre in Sydney.

The rapper performed last night (March 24) at Metro City in Perth and the trek’s final dates include a stop at The Palace in Melbourne on Thursday (March 27) and The Arena in Brisbane.

Despite the outpouring of love he’s received overseas, LL Cool J is still focused on completing his forthcoming album, Exit 13.

The release is reportedly the rapper’s final album with his longtime recording home Def Jam Records.

“As much as I’m enjoying Australia I can’t wait to get home and finish mixing the last few songs on Exit 13,” LL Cool J continued.. “Exit 13, is my 13th album being released on Def Jam…there is new surge of excitement in the building and it feels great to know I have their full support. I know the world is watching now and I will deliver.”

Exit 13 isn’t the only project Cool J is working on.

The rapper, whose other business ventures include his Todd Smith clothing line, recently signed a 15-year-old female rapper named Nicolette to his production company, Platinum Harvest.

“Nicolette reminded me of myself when I was 15-years-old,” LL Cool J said of the Harlem born artist. “She’s incredibly talented and is someone to watch out for.”