LL Cool J recently announced that he intends to leave Def Jam Records after a fifteen-year relationship. In a webcasted interview on Web site Y2G.com, LL broke the news of his imminent departure.

"They've agreed to let me go and I've agreed that I would like to leave. I've expressed that wholeheartedly." Despite the strong sentiment, LL went on to say that there were no hard feelings between him and the label, that it was simply time to move on. "It's not any bad blood. It's not negative. It's not like I hate them or they hate me. We did what we did for a very long time. It's time for us to change the sheets on the bed. Nothing like crisp sheets to make you feel fresh again. That's part of it. You gotta grow."

But the interview did reveal some disappointment at the reception of his latest effort G.O.A.T.. "I think this album is the best work I've done, at least the best work since Mama Said Knock You Out. It's not a commercial album and it hasn't been embraced commercially like at radio, at MTV but . . . the kids underground do love it . . . and I feel good about it. It's hip-hop and I wanted to make the record I made. I'm loving it."

Def Jam records declined to comment on LL's statement.

CHRISTINA SARACENO
(December 15, 2000)