Eddie Van Halen surprised fans when he revealed that he had collaborated with LL Cool J on two tracks on the veteran rapper's new album, Authentic, which will be released on April 30th.Now the legendary rock guitarist has spoken out about the collaboration and what inspired him to team up with LL Cool J. His camp says that Eddie didn't know what to think of the invitation at first but once he met LL the two hit it off instantly and he agreed to do it.
"The thought of me playing guitar to hip hop was definitely left of center, but I was intrigued and I agreed to meet and listen to what he had," says Eddie. "I was not only inspired by the songs I heard, but LL's enthusiasm, his down to earth personality, the freedom he gave me to co-create and his willingness to, for the very first time, sing the chorus on 'We're The Greatest'. It was like a breath of fresh air that I needed as an artist and an individual."
Eddie adds, "the diversity of the songs on this album and the other artists he has collaborated with is outstanding, appealing to multiple genres of music and maybe even creating a few of our own. I feel blessed to not only have had the opportunity to work with LL but also to call him a great friend."
LL Cool J explained why he picked Van Halen to collaborate with, "This Album was born out of my true love for music and I knew Eddie shared that same vision for authentic music. I approached this song with the upmost respect for Eddie and his fans, and became friends with him through the process. I was humbled to watch a genius at work and collaborate with such a legendary and visionary artist as Eddie Van Halen, and to bring our two worlds together, was an exciting opportunity. I am thrilled he was up for the ride."
