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LL has been listening to the late icon’s newly released Valleys of Neptune. By Kyle Anderson, with reporting by Gil Kaufman LL Cool J Photo: MTV News LL Cool J is a rarity: A first wave hip-hop legend who has managed to continuously elevate his profile for more than two decades and counting. So, it seems only natural that for #MusicMonday, he told us that his current musical obsession is a healthy combination of something classic and something current. “I just bought Jimi Hendrix’s new album Valleys of Neptune, ” the man born James Todd Smith told MTV News on the red carpet of the Academy of Country Music Awards in Las Vegas on April 18. “Hendrix’s new album” sounds about as unlikely as “LL Cool J at the ACMs,” but in reality, Valleys of Neptune includes 12 previously unreleased tracks recorded by the Jimi Hendrix Experience just after the release of 1969’s Electric Ladyland (and shortly before his death in 1970). It includes a finished version of the title track, which had never been heard anywhere before, as well a cover of Cream’s “Sunshine of Your Love” and alternate versions of Hendrix classics like “Stone Free,” “Fire” and “Red House,” the latter of which is currently LL’s favorite jam. “I’ve been listening to ‘There’s a red house over yonder,’ ” the rapper said, singing the lyrics. “So don’t get me started!” LL is probably better recognized as an actor nowadays, as he can be seen every week on CBS’ “NCIS: Los Angeles,” starring alongside Chris O’Donnell. The Grammy and VMA winner’s last album was 2008’s Exit 13, but his most recent musical contribution was “NCIS: No Crew Is Superior,” a song about his character and his experiences on the show. What’s your #MusicMonday jam? Let us know in the comments! Related Artists LL Cool J Jimi Hendrix

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LL Cool J Vibes On Jimi Hendrix For #MusicMonday