An Interview With LL Cool J Before His Minneapolis Concert
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- LL Cool J, the actor and Grammy Award winning recording artist, is in the Twin Cities for the Kings of the Mic Tour.
LL Cool J stars in the CBS show NCIS: Los Angeles but, during the summer months, he's focusing on music.
Many of his fans know LL Cool J as Sam Hanna. But, before there was ever NCIS: Los Angeles, he took a different kind of stage.
Some of LL Cool J's most popular hip hop songs include "Mama Said Knock You Out" and "Going Back to Cali," all are song fans will hear at his concert.
More than two decades after he first performances, LL Cool J is still very proud of his music.
"I wrote music that matched my consciousness, at the time, and was on-par with where I was as a person. None of it feels cheesy. I feel very connected to my music," LL Cool J said.
The 26-city tour is a chance for him to get back to his roots.
"I love what I do, music is my first love," he said.
Before he took the stage, LL Cool J sat down for a candid interview. He shared his secret to his success.
"You have to believe. You have to cross that line of fear and resistance and dive into your creativity," he said.
He also answered fan questions. Many wanted to know how he stays so fit.
"Lots of cycling, carbs and making sure you get exercise in. It's surprising your body and combining weights with cardio," LL Cool J said.
For the next two months, acting is on the back burner but LL Cool J wants NCIS: Los Angeles fans to know, next season is not one to miss.
"All I can tell you is, next year, a lot of people who watch that show will be extremely shocked," he said.
Kings of the Mic Tour also features Public Enemy, Ice Cube and De La Sol.
There are still some tickets available for Thursday night's show at 7:30 p.m.
