LL COOL J TO SHARE 'TODD SMITH' IN MARCH

By: Janine Coveney

Rapper and actor LL Cool J is preparing for the March 21st release of his next album, Todd Smith, on Def Jam. The rapper has already leaked the songs "It's LL And Santana," featuring Juelz Santana and "Whatcha Want," featuring Freeway. The album -- which the rapper originally wanted to call The Definition -- will also feature guest appearances by Mary J. Blige, Teairra Mari, 112, Ginuwine, and Mary Mary.

LL has been recording since 1985 and broke into film the same year, playing himself in Krush Groove. The Queens, New York native says the secret to his success thus far is just enjoying what he does: "Well, you know the thing for me is that I love what I do, you know. I don't chase money. The industry that I'm involved in has become very materialistic, and a lot of people really focus on the money that the artists are making and who has money and who doesn't. But you know for me it's been about being passionate about what I do and loving what I do. And doing it so that I can uplift people."

Fans of LL can catch him on the big screen this month opposite Queen Latifah in The Last Holiday, which opens in theaters January 13th.