Teino Evans, Staff Reporter

LL Cool J

American rap superstar and actor LL Cool J is set to visit the shores of Jamaica where he is billed to perform at this year's Red Stripe Reggae Sumfest in Montego Bay.

In a recent interview, LL spoke of his expectations ahead of his performance at Reggae Sumfest.

"My main thing is just to be enjoyable and get in front of an audience that probably normally doesn't listen to as much hip hop as say an American audience, and because it is more of a Reggae Sumfest, it will be like a lot of fun to kinda, hopefully, introduce the music to them," he said.

"Hopefully they will feel the passion, the enjoyment the energy, the excitement and really walk away from it feeling really good."

Although it will not be LL's first visit to the island, he said: "I look forward to visiting, it's definitely a beautiful island."

LL also spoke highly of reggae/dancehall music, describing it as, "one of the cornerstones of music in the world".

"I love it, it's a beautiful music. I probably buy a different version of some of Bob Marley's music every year. From the years of Yellow Man now to Beenie, Cobra, I mean, you name it, the music has great energy, great vibes."

The artiste also explored the idea of possibly collaborating with local artistes, saying, "I think me and Sean Paul could probably do something great."

Loves Bob Marley

And as it relates to having a favourite reggae entertainer, LL says, "I don't think it's possible for me to get past a Bob Marley."

LL, who will perform on Friday, July 20, at Reggae Sumfest, commented: "I'm gonna make sure to give them a lot of music from my past albums and I'll sprinkle a little music from some of the new stuff to try and give them a little taste. People that come to see LL Cool J will see not just what I'm doing now, but all of everything."

This year, Sumfest runs from July 15-21. The beach party starts off the festival on Sunday, July 15, with Fab 5, ZJ Liquid, Craig Ross and Pieces Disco.

Dancehall Night is dubbed 'Xplosion' and features Beenie Man, Bounty Killer, Elephant Man, Baby Cham, Vybz Kartel, Mavado, Lady Saw, Vegas, Ninja Man, Chuck Fenda, Munga Honourable, Erup, Macka Diamond, Voicemail and countless others.

International Night the first International Night, or 'Evolution', features Shaggy, Buju Banton, Morgan Heritage, Richie Spice, Etana, Da'Ville, Cherine Anderson and Christopher Martin, with Hard Drive among other bands.

Saturday the 21st is called 'Zenith' and features Mary J. Blige, Beres Hammond, Tanya Stephens, Alison Hinds, Tarrus Riley, Tessanne Chin and Rootz Underground. From Thursday to Saturday, night the event will be held at the regular venue, Catherine Hall, Montego Bay.

( L - R ) Buju Banton, Mary J Bilge