Being a veteran in the game, what’s your thoughts on hip-hop in 2016?

LL: “I think there’s some real talent out there. Definitely, without a doubt. And then I think there’s artists getting 50-point credit for 20-point games [laughs]. You know what I mean? There’s a combination of that. Again, there’s some really amazingly talented people out there and those ones are pretty obvious. Then there’s other who are, you know — I’m not completely blown away. But you know, that’s the nature of our culture all the time. That’s one thing about me, man. I love seeing new guys make it. I’m definitely cool with the current state of hip-hop, but I do think that it needs me. What I mean is, making a female-friendly record, doesn’t make you LL Cool J. There’s a lot more to my repertoire then that. So it’s on me to show fans what I got, and I’m gonna take my time to make sure it comes out right.”

You had some things to say about a random blog on Twitter the other day about your status in the game and your legacy. Do you feel under-appreciated at times?

LL: “Under appreciated? No. I don’t feel under appreciated. I feel very respected. Are there people who I think underestimate me because they base my career on singles and hit records, as opposed to my whole body of work? Yes. Some people think that the success that I’ve had was easier then the success of others, or something. But nah, I don’t trip on that, man. I’ve always felt that you can’t just talk about it, you have to be about it. So for the people out there underestimating me, I’d be happy to get on the court and show em what I can do with the rock, you feel me?”

You just came off of hosting the GRAMMYs and you also have NCIS in the mix. What are some other things outside of music you’re working on?

LL: “Like you just said, I have NCIS L.A. obviously, just came off of The GRAMMYs, and then I also produce the Lip Sync Battle, which I have a lot of fun with. But other then that man, right now I’m just chillen, relaxing. I’m really just thinking about this music and thinking about this new project. I just want to have some fun, man. That’s it. Because I can. I want to put out music and do this sh*t for the same reasons I did it before I ever had a deal. For the love of music.”

When can we expect G.O.A.T. 2?

LL: “The G.O.A.T. 2 album, I actually put on hold because I didn’t think it was good enough yet. So I have that album on hold. But this new project that I’m talking about now, it’s coming. I’m not sure what the date, or title, or anything is, but it’ll be here soon. I promise.”