In the closing days of 2019, LL Cool J revealed that he was working with Q-Tip on an album. The Rock The Bells founder was said to be back at Def Jam Records, the same label where his career launched in the mid-1980s, and working with the famed A Tribe Called Quest co-founder. Both men are Queens, New York Hip-Hop legends who have taken their talents to other mediums, including film, television, and more. Outside of his own incredible group and solo catalog, Q-Tip has produced portions of classic albums, including Nas’ Illmatic and Mobb Deep’s The Infamous, as well as work for Mariah Carey, Busta Rhymes, Pusha-T, Danny Brown, and more.

Over three years later, LL Cool J has let fans know that the music is still coming, but that Tip’s role may have increased. In speaking to E! News the same night as his epic Grammy performance alongside The Roots, DJ Jazzy Jeff, former rival Ice-T, and others, LL spoke of the album. “I know all the tricks. I got this covered,” he began, referring to a decade-long break since Authentic. “Look, it was executive produced by Q-Tip. The album, I think, is really, really special. I think it’s something it’s modern without chasing. It’s a whole new thing. I can’t wait for the people to see it.”

LL Cool J interview on the red carpet at the #GRAMMYs! pic.twitter.com/COFyu1MhyJ

— E! News (@enews) February 6, 2023

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