UNITED KINGDOM: Rapper and actor LL Cool J flexes literary muscle with new book "LL Cool J's Platinum 360 Diet and Lifestyle"

Record ID: 785067

  • Title: UNITED KINGDOM: Rapper and actor LL Cool J flexes literary muscle with new book "LL Cool J's Platinum 360 Diet and Lifestyle"
  • Date: 3rd June 2010
  • Summary: LONDON, ENGLAND, UNITED KINGDOM (JUNE 2, 2010) (REUTERS) (*** FLASH PHOTOGRAPHY ***) LL COOL J ARRIVING TO SIGNING WITH BODY GUARDS SURROUNDING HIM AND SAYING TO CAMERA "WHAT'S GOING ON?" VARIOUS OF PHOTO CALL (SOUNDBITE) (English) LL COOL J, SAYING: "You don't desire something unless deep down inside, somewhere, it's possible for you to have it. So if you desire to have a better body, or if you desire to take your career to the next level, or you desire to have better relationships, or if you desire to just be at peace -- you will only desire it because that seed is inside of you and that seed can blossom, can bloom." VARIOUS OF BOOK SIGNING MONTAGE OF LL COOL J HUGGING FANS AND TAKING PHOTOS WITH THEM WOMAN TAKING PICTURE (SOUNDBITE) (English) LL COOL J, SAYING: "All people have to do is interview flight attendants and they'll give you all the information you need to know about who's really an artist, who's a celebrity. It seems like the more in trouble people's careers are, the worst they act. (laughing) It's like 'He's a B-player, definitely snotty, super snotty.' But the people that are genuine, who are real artists, when you meet them, you know it. Like when I run into George Clooney, I talk to George Clooney, I feel good meeting him. He's a good guy. He's a star, he's A-list but he's a good guy. Like Quincy Jones, he's a good guy. There are certain people that are A-listers in whatever field it is. Everybody's not going to be an A-lister and you're Tom Cruise, you may be an A-lister in a different way, but the A-listers all have that thing in common, there's a good energy there." LL COOL J JOKING WITH HIS TRAINER DAVID "SCOOTER" HONIG, WHO CO-AUTHORED THE BOOK. LL COOL J JOKINGLY SAYING 'YOU'RE CREEPING UP. THIS IS MY CHAIR, CAN YOU STAND OVER THERE. DO YOU WANT A HAT?" (SOUNDBITE) (English) LL COOL J, SAYING: "And as I've grown in my career, I've learned it's better not to overreach for acceptance in celebrity culture because what happens is you start reaching for this acceptance and you come out mediocre. It's better to be 100 per cent you." VARIOUS OF LL COOL J SIGNING AUTOGRAPHS (SOUNDBITE) (English) LL COOL J, SAYING: "When I do, do some music, what it won't be, is me trying to fit in and overpaying the hot producer of the moment to make me a song that sounds like what's out. I will never ever do that again in my life. That will not happen. So I will take my time and if it takes two more years, it will take two more years. But it will be relevant for who I am at this point in my life as a human being and those who want to hear it, will be able to hear it and love it and those who can't appreciate it because it doesn't sound 'pop' enough, can ignore it. And I'm comfortable with that." CLOSE OF BOOK EXTERIOR OF WATERSTONES IN PICCADILLY CIRCUS
  • Embargoed: 18th June 2010 13:00
  • Keywords:
  • Location: United Kingdom
  • Country: United Kingdom
  • Topics: Arts / Culture / Entertainment / Showbiz
  • Reuters ID: LVAKHJWZNGYOE15IOAPRHSCUWMA
  • Story Text: LL Cool J says he shuns celebrity culture as he signed copies of his new book "LL Cool J's Platinum 360 Diet and Lifestyle" in London.
    LL Cool J criticised celebrity culture ahead of a signing for his new book on diet and lifestyle "Platinum 360" in London on Wednesday (June 2).
    The artist, who's real name is James Todd Smith, was at Waterstones in Piccadilly Circus to meet and greet fans.
    The rapper-actor-businessman said he wanted to share the insights of his incredible success, well-toned body and positive mental outlook with people.
    Whereas his first book "LL Cool J's Platinum Workout", which was a best-seller on the New York Times list, focused on the physical aspects of getting in shape, his new book focuses on encompassing mind, body and soul.
    When asked how he stays fit and motivated despite his gruelling work schedule on "NCIS: Los Angeles" as well as countless trips for celebrity appearances, Smith said the key was to first make people believe it was possible to achieve their goals.
    "You don't desire something unless deep down inside, somewhere, it's possible for you to have it. So if you desire to have a better body, or if you desire to take your career to the next level, or you desire to have better relationships, or if you desire to just be at peace -- you will only desire it because that seed is inside of you and that seed can blossom, can bloom," he told Reuters Television.
    LL Cool J has had 11 consecutive platinum albums, three Grammy awards and has starred in a number of film and television roles including "Toys" alongside Robin Williams, "Any Given Sunday" with Al Pacino and directed by Oliver Stone, "S.W.A.T." with Colin Farrell and Samuel L. Jackson.
    But he says he's appalled at the way celebrity culture has gone into overdrive and there's a difference between true artists and wannabes: "All people have to do is interview flight attendants and they'll give you all the information you need to know about who's really an artist, who's a celebrity. It seems like the more in trouble people's careers are, the worst they act. (laughing) It's like 'He's a B-player, definitely snotty, super snotty.' But the people that are genuine, who are real artists, when you meet them, you know it. Like when I run into George Clooney, I talk to George Clooney, I feel good meeting him. He's a good guy. He's a star, he's A-list but he's a good guy. Like Quincy Jones, he's a good guy. There are certain people that are A-listers in whatever field it is. Everybody's not going to be an A-lister and you're Tom Cruise, you may be an A-lister in a different way, but the A-listers all have that thing in common, there's a good energy there."
    "And as I've grown in my career, I've learned it's better not to overreach for acceptance in celebrity culture because what happens is you start reaching for this acceptance and you come out mediocre. It's better to be 100 per cent you," he added.
    LL Cool J remains one of Hollywood's success stories with no major scandals to blemish his career and he says while his focus at the moment is his television series "NCIS: Los Angeles" starring alongside Chris O'Donnell, he's thinking about his next album.
    "When I do, do some music, what it won't be, is me trying to fit in and overpaying the hot producer of the moment to make me a song that sounds like what's out. I will never ever do that again in my life. That will not happen. So I will take my time and if it takes two more years, it will take two more years. But it will be relevant for who I am at this point in my life as a human being and those who want to hear it, will be able to hear it and love it and those who can't appreciate it because it doesn't sound 'pop' enough, can ignore it. And I'm comfortable with that."
    "LL Cool J's Platinum 360 Diet and Lifestyle" is available in book stores in the United Kingdom and United States now.
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