Lyor
Cohen
, the head of Def Jam Records, officially confirmedthat LL Cool J will be leaving the record label. LL has been
on Def Jam since the label launched in 1986. Here is what he
had to say:
"LL Cool J
is clearly one of the most important artists of his generation.
He created a valuable brand in himself catapulting Def Jam into
the finest urban brand and proven once and for all rappers can
have sustainable careers. I deeply appreciate his tenacity and
artistic creativity. It is true that LL Cool J is coming to
the end of his contract with Def Jam, with one more album left
to deliver. It is Def Jam’s intent to deliver LL’s next release
to his millions of fans."
"This year,
nearly two decades after his first 12" release, LL’s tenth
album, G.O.A.T marked the first time his album entered Billboard’s
Hot 100 Album Chart at the number 1 position. It was a very
proud moment for rap, for Def Jam and, I am sure for LL. Def
Jam can not survive without great artists like LL and we appreciate
the love and support we enjoy from our artists of the course
of their careers."
"I wish LL
success and happiness as he continues his journey, wherever
that may be."