The return of LL COOL J, the rapper

As a teenager LL COOL J was the first artist signed to the Def Jam label, becoming one of the first major hip-hop stars, with hits like "Going Back to Cali" and "Mama Said Knock You Out." He turned to acting, starring for 14 seasons on "NCIS: Los Angeles." Now 56, he's returned to the thing he loves most – rapping – with his first album in more than a decade, "The FORCE." He talks with "Sunday Morning" contributor Kelefa Sanneh about the origins of his career, and the magic of making a hip-hop record.

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[pensivepenguin]

Whether you like hip-hop or not, LL is a role model for any young person trying to accomplish a dream, especially in the face of some serious adversity. I admire the hell out of this guy. Now look at him – pushing 60 and still doing it

[AHMAD-]

LL Cool J is still something like a Phenomenon...The F.O.R.C.E. is🔥

[didntcreateahandle]

We love James because he has remained James for his entire career. Steady.

[queenkayenandi]

Wow! I’ve been listening to LL Cool J since record players and component sets. He has stood the test of time. Thank you for the music.

[NolaChick]

"Paint on silence" is such a great line.

[daimonmarioperez]

Truly a living legend 👏🏿. Rock The Bells- LL .

[ZarifaMEl-lfzr]

Freakin awesome! We love you Cool James!

[sparkle]

How we got the term GOAT in the 90's.
LL is the culture!
❤🖤💚

[MrBeautiful]

Congratulations on 40 years of LL Cool J you earned it

[Blessed-tnwd]

“LL I’m bad, other rappers know” G.O.A.T. 🌸

[pibbitybibbity]

I’ve always liked him. I think in interviews and talk shows he just appears to be a really good person, with a good head on his shoulders and a great mix of confident, humble, and grateful.

[mililaniman]

I have missed the music of LL Cool J. It is hard to believe he is just 2 years older than me.

[crazyvideotape]

i love how ll cool j has that mature grown man hip-hop look about him

[nathanjxaxson]

"My job is to go into a room and paint on silence." Spoken like a true badass artist.

[SpideySensei]

He looks phenomenal for being 56 years old. That's truly inspirational.

[alfreddreamer]

I really felt that. “A break through?!!!” “A break through?!!!” and the way he laughed and explained how much it ment etc. I also liked when he described what he does as painting on silence. Great interview!

[kaeso]

One thing i admired about LL is that thru the history of hip hop..as trends and artists came and went..he always stayed in his own lane and thrived in it...a true legend of the game indeed

[jrallday]

LL Is The Truth! His New Album is Classic Work.

[stephengiese]

This man is a jewel! He is incredibly likeable and multitalented. Glad he has returned to his roots. Good luck to him😁

[theoriginalspur]

There are she that just ooze hip hop. The brother talk like he ready to battle and walk like he heading to the train. 🐐🔥🔥