[Watch] LL Cool J Snags First Magazine Cover With Essence, Calls It A ‘Career Milestone’

The March issue of Essence Magazine is set to hit newsstands this Friday, and gracing the cover of the issue is rap pioneer/longtime sex symbol, LL Cool J. The rapper (real name is James Todd Smith) has been keeping busy lately, working on his new album entitled “Authentic”, and he recently appeared on “Oprah’s Next Chapter.” In an exclusive behind the scenes interview with Hiphollywood.com, LL reveals that this is his first time covering Essence:

“This is my first cover, and that’s an important milestone for my career because in the African American community it’s basically our most important magazine. There are other very important magazines, don’t get me wrong, but Essence is the crème de la crème in our community.”

Watch the full behind the scenes video below and enjoy some more photos of Mr. Smith!

[youtube width=”600″ height=”520″]http://youtu.be/s41azPX-cTQ[/youtube]

[Hiphollywood]

–Patrice M.