The red carpet at this year's VMAs was all about the stars meeting the media and each other. You could see Rick Ross comparing jewelry with Busta Rhymes, Hulk Hogan chillin' with Ludacris, the G-Unit and T.I. saying what's up. But no team made a
bigger splash than LL Cool J and 50 Cent, who arrived together.
While most stars turned heads with their red-carpet fashion (see "Red-Carpet Report: From Beyonce's Gown To Ludacris' Bling, Stars Kept Styles Tight"), the pair made news during an interview with MTV News' John Norris in which they talked about the new Cool J record, which 50 is executive producing (see "50 Cent, LL Cool J Team Up To Prove NYC Reigns Supreme On Todd Smith Sequel"). LL said he's siding with Fif because he's unhappy with the way Def Jam, the label he's been with for his entire career, is handling its projects.
He said the company's music "gotta be a lot better." He also said that Def Jam has a fairly new staff that is running things differently from the old regime, and singled out the promotion department.
New York's Daily News reported Friday (September 1) that LL was heard taking Def Jam President/ CEO Jay-Z to task during the VMAs. "I think Def Jam needs to be a better promoter of hip-hop," the rapper reportedly griped. "I think Jay-Z does a very good job ... of promoting Jay-Z."
50 And LL: A Lesson In Cooperation
Creativity and fresh energy are bolstering both rappers.
When contacted by MTV News on Friday, a Def Jam spokesperson said the label had no comment.
"It gives me an opportunity to be with new minds," LL told Norris of working with 50. Cool J also noted his fellow Queens, New York, native had his "best interest at heart" and he brings "creativity" and "fresh energy" to the studio.
"I'm excited personally," 50 said, noting that he and LL knocked out six songs in just three or four days.
LL told MTV News in July that his forthcoming LP is the last on his contract with the label. No other details have been made available about the album.
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