Seminal rapper LL Cool J is back with his newest album, “The Exit“, due out in stores on September 9. The disc represents the last as part of his 22 year contract with Def Jam.  As a result, LL insists that he put his heart and soul into this work:

“It took me two years to put this album together,” LL Cool J told Billboard.com this week. “On my last couple of albums I was off. I wasn’t analyzing what I was doing exactly. I was making movies and music, but I couldn’t play two sports at the same time. I turned down eight movies this time around. It was fulfilling for me especially since it’s my last album under contract. I just couldn’t jerk myself or my culture.”

The album is a sounding board for Cool J, who consistently affirms his spot in hip-hip history and addresses the naysayers.  LL also pays tribute to the artists who have influenced him over the years and  reverts to some classic Cool J style with several sensual tunes.

The album features some guest performances as well, including up-and-coming Harlem rapper Nicolette, Ryan Leslie on electric piano, and Elan from “The Dey”.  Not to be outdone, Wyclef Jean makes an appearance on the album as does Fat Joe and Sheek Louch. For you Rock N’ Roll guys, a rock remix of the first single “Baby” was made featuring Bon Jovi guitarist Richie Sambora.