LL Cool J, Ice Cube among hip-hop show lineup

“I act my age,” LL Cool J announces on “Bath Salt,” the opening track of his new record, “Authentic,” a risky boast for a 45-year-old MC.

It’s been five years since LL Cool J released his last album and about three times that long since he’s been seen as a contemporary force in hip-hop as opposed to a revered elder statesman lauded for being one of the first rappers to cross over into the mainstream.

“Authentic” won’t change that. It’s a muddled record with too many ill-fitting guest spots from the likes of Fitz & the Tantrums, Eddie Van Halen, Brad Paisley and others.

But LL is compensating by hitting the road with fellow old-school greats Ice Cube, Public Enemy and De La Soul.

Together, they’ll demonstrate how far hip-hop has come by showing where it began.

Contact reporter Jason Bracelin at jbracelin@
reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0476.