LL Cool J will drop his final album in a ten
album deal with Def Jam. Cool J, who has been signed to Def Jam for the entire
span of his career and was the first artist to release a record on the Def Jam
logo, is a free agent after his album, 10 drops.
His first album, Radio, was also Def Jam’s
first album to ever be released. "I sent my demo to many different companies,
but it was Def Jam where I found my home," LL said. "I consider this
disc to be a milestone in my life. A tenth album for anybody is truly an amazing
moment."
The 33 year old two time Grammy Award winner
told CDNow that he hopes to re-sign with Def Jam."My association with Def
Jam has been good to me. I’m very thankful, and when I look back, I wouldn’t
have it any other way."
Almost two years ago, LL set the hip-hop community
a buzz by mentioning that he planned on leaving his long time label after he
released his tenth album. "It’s not any bad blood. It’s not negative. It’s
not like I hate them or they hate me. We did what we did for a very long time.
You gotta grow."
Island Def Jam’s CEO, Lyor Cohen said LL was
one of the most important artists of his generation. "He created a valuable
brand in himself, catapulted Def Jam into the finest urban brand and proved
once and for all rappers can have sustainable careers. I deeply appreciate his
tenacity and artistic creativity. I wish LL success and happiness as he continues
his journey , wherever that may be," Cohen said in December of 2000.
"Even though I’m a free agent now, I still
feel loyalty. Hopefully, me and Def Jam can get together and think up something
for the future," LL said in the recent interview with CDNow.