[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]
Previous Article
Next Article
Oprah Winfrey To Headline New Immersive Las Vegas Sphere Show ‘Aha!’ In 2027 
Influencer Ari Fletcher Responds To ‘Deadbeat’ Criticism, Says She Retired Her Mom, Who Now Homeschools Her Son 
Boosie Says ‘60 Minutes’ Left Out Key Details Of His $600K Failed Trump Pardon Push: ‘My Story Wasn’t Told Fully’ 
D4vd & His Mom Hit With Wrongful De@th Lawsuit From Family Of Celeste Rivas, 14-Year-Old Girl Singer’s Accused Of Brutally M*rdering To Keep Their Alleged Relationship A Secret 
Woman Puts Husband On Blast After Stranger Posts Him Online Allegedly Proposing To Another Woman, Using Decor From Their Wedding Day: ‘Sign The Divorce Papers’ 
Popular Egyptian TV Presenter Sentenced To De@th By H@nging For Allegedly Being Involved In Dr*g Trafficking Ring ![[Update] Big Tigger Won’t Face Charges After Wife Accused Him Of Sl*mming Her Head Into A Door During Domestic Dispute](https://thejasminebrand.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/IMG_9094-620x600.jpeg)
[Update] Big Tigger Won’t Face Charges After Wife Accused Him Of Sl*mming Her Head Into A Door During Domestic Dispute 
California’s Alleged Repeat “Butt Sniffer” Behind Bars Again After Being Caught Bending Down Behind Shoppers At Stores
What ppl seemed to overlook was the fact that KCole was really showing a lot of LOVE and speaking from a fans perspective about that moment. She said she didn’t want to blink (same as I felt)… which would mean to me that she was excited and to see Bey, Kelly, and Michelle on stage together again. Nobody saw that part of the tweet for some reason. I think KCole tweeted as a fan, not as a famous singer. Because trust me, the real Destiny’s Child fans, all know Michelle is less talented but we love her still :-) Yes, she messes up the groove but most of us are watching Bey anyway :-) #truth
However, KCole is a bamma for taking a picture of whatever document that is. Not saying she would go through the trouble of creating something fake, but that paper doesn’t prove anything. I’m sure she is comfortable. But ppl doing well don’t have to shout about. She showed some insecurities on that one. Love em both still.