LL COOL J - LL COOL J DELIGHTS WITH FIRST TOUR OF AUSTRALIA

Hip-hop star LL COOL J has finally pleased his fans Down Under - he's embarked on his first tour of Australia after 24 years in the music industry. The rapper kicked off his visit in Sydney on Saturday (22Mar08) and will wrap up the live dates in Brisbane on Thursday (27Mar08). And LL - real name James Todd Smith III - can't believe how many different generations his music has reached. He tells AllHipHop.com, "This is my first trip to Australia and after all these years, to be able to take it to a higher level at this stage is truly a blessing. "The people have been extremely welcoming. The love for hip-hop is something you have to see and believe me, I've been filming this experience. They know all the words to my songs. The crowds have been incredible; all generations have come out old school and new school." But the Paradise hitmaker admits he can't wait to get back onto U.S. soil so he can hit the recording studio. He adds, "As much as I'm enjoying Australia I can't wait to get home and finish mixing the last few songs on (forthcoming album) Exit 13. Exit 13 is my 13th album being released on Def Jam (sic)… There is new surge of excitement in the building and it feels great to know I have their full support. I know the world is watching now and I will deliver."