LL Cool J is putting down the mic and taking a temporary hiatus from rapping to star in upcoming U.S. TV drama NCIS: Los Angeles.
The 41-year-old MC has continued to rap for decades as his acting career boomed, starting with minor television roles in the mid-80s.
But he insists it will be a while before he's making new albums of his own again even though he may produce for other artists - because he feels he has so much more to learn from his new role.
He says, "It's not a coronation, it's the beginning of a journey... You're joining one of the most popular franchises on the number one network. I tried a couple of things that didn't feel like they were ready. When it feels right, it feels right...
"Its fun to do new stuff. It's fun to be the new kid on the block. Instead of being the Godfather of Rap when you walk into the room, you're the new guy with the new show.
"Acting is a wonderful, wonderful exercise and a wonderful thing to experience. It's like playing with G.I. Joes when you're a kid and imagining you're in a battle. That's real fun."
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