There are not too many people that you could call "multitalented" and have it be an understatement, but we're not talking about just anybody.

Rapper, actor and author LL Cool J has been on top of the game (whichever game he chooses at the time) for more than 25 years, yet somehow he manages to look younger than most 25-year-olds.

The legendary lyricist took a few minutes to talk with BET.com following a vintage performance at SXSW. Uncle L talked about why, more than any of his previous 12 albums, this one, titled Authentic, was inspired by his love for hip hop.

"I'm doing this album for love. I'm not doing the album to make a living per se and I'm not doing the album to prove a point," declared the "Mama Said Knock You Out" rapper, adding, "It's in my blood, it's in my spirit, it's in my soul, you know. I'm just so humble for it and I just love doing it so much."

LL is currently starring in the hit television show NCIS: Los Angeles. Throughout his career, he has done everything one could dream of, but one thing that never eluded the 45-year-old is the uncanny ability to always give the fans what they want.

"I feel like I would be cheating people if I didn't give them what I have in my mind and in my soul artistically," notes LL.

It's been a busy 2013 for Mr. Smith, who has just announced that he will be headlining the "Kings of the Mic" tour along with DJ Z-Trip and fellow hip hop icons Public Enemy, Ice Cube and De La Soul.

The tour will kick off May 23 in Tucson, AZ, at the Ava Amphitheatre and will make it's way east, winding up at the Essence Music Festival in New Orleans.

Get ready for the BET Experience, featuring Beyoncé, Snoop Dogg, R. Kelly, Erykah Badu, Kendrick Lamar and many more. Go here for more details and info on how to buy tickets.

BET.com is your #1 source for Black celebrity news, photos, exclusive videos and all the latest in the world of hip hop and R&B music.

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(Photo: Michael Buckner/Getty Images For Chrysalis)