LL Cool J Announces 'Authentic Hip-Hop' Release Date

Don’t call it a comeback. LL Cool J is planning to return to music next year with his first album in nearly five years.

The 44-year-old rapper-actor will release his 14th album Authentic Hip-Hop on February 12, 2013. He made the announcement on his MySpace page.

The project, his first since 2008’s Exit 13, has already spawned the singles “Ratchet” and “Take It” featuring Joe.

LL spoke briefly about his return to music on “The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson” this week. He is also set to co-host “The GRAMMY Nominations Concert Live!!” nominations special with Taylor Swift on December 5 on CBS.

[HHNM via 57th Ave.]