LL Cool J
He's gunning for the bad guys in this summer's action blockbuster, "S.W.A.T." LL Cool J is packing more than his six-pack abs in the high octane flick. He says, "I'm no longer just a rapper doing films. I'm officially an actor doing films. Feels great."
"Extra" sat down with hip-hop's elder statesman, whose real name is James Todd Smith. It seems this father of four has discovered the secret to a solid marriage, rap superstardom, and big screen success. He says, "I don't have to forget about where I'm from. I don't have to pretend to be something I'm not. I have goals and I am absolutely ambitious from my head to my toe."
The three-time Grammy winner, who has sold more than 20 million records in nearly 20 years, will release his 11th album in December. But this time around, you won't find any bleeps. He says, "I told my grandmother I wouldn't do any more profanity in my records. It could cost you a million records here, a million records there. But you know what, 20 years from now, I’ll feel happy when I look in the mirror."
And when he looks in the mirror, he has got to like what he sees. He says, "I’m cool, eating right has me looking like this."
But it’s about more than image for this 35-year-old. He says, "I just want to do great work and go after my dreams like full steam ahead and with passion. And that's how I live my life."
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