---

LL Cool J is one of the most successful rappers of all time. He's also successfully branched out into acting for quite some time now, doing TV and movies. InsideHoops.com editor Jeff Lenchiner recently met with the hip-hop legend for a quick exclusive interview.

InsideHoops.com: What are you up to lately?

LL Cool J: Everything's great, got the new album out right now, Todd Smith. That's going really well.

InsideHoops.com: How is this album different from previous ones?

LL Cool J: This particular album, more collaboration.

InsideHoops.com: Who's involved?

LL Cool J: Mary J Blige, Jamie Foxx, Jennifer Lopez, Ginuwine, 112, lot of people. And it's a very cool record. A very cool record, did very well, came out at #6 when it dropped. Did very well. I feel good.

InsideHoops.com: Doing any more movies or TV soon?

LL Cool J: Yeah, I have a movie with Ray Liotta coming out this year. And I have a production deal coming out. I got the Todd Smith clothing line about to be launched. So it's a lot of stuff coming out.

InsideHoops.com: How has hip-hop changed the most over the years you've been around it?

LL Cool J: Just bigger business. More people in America know about it. It's been exposed more. It's broader now; there are more niches in the music. The pizza has been sliced up in more pieces. There are more sub-categories. But the ultimate essence of it hasn't changed, and that's why it's still succeeding.