L L Cool J renews Def Jam contract

LOS ANGELES, July 9 (UPI) -- LL Cool J has renewed his contract with Def Jam, the label where the rapper has spent his entire career.

"I have been with Def Jam from the very beginning and am proud to be a part of their ongoing growth and success," the artist told Billboard. "Together, we paved the way for an entire hip-hop community and I am blessed to continue to call Def Jam my home."

LL's most recent studio set, "10," debuted last November at No. 2 on The Billboard 200. The rapper scored his biggest hit in six years with "Love You Better," which reached No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100. He also appeared on Jennifer Lopez's No. 1 hit "All I Have."

"LL is one of urban music's greatest architects," said Def Jam president Kevin Liles.

Also a veteran of nearly 20 film roles, LL will next be seen in "S.W.A.T.," which opens Aug. 8 in U.S. theaters.