*CBS has joined the legions of young fans that have a crush on LL Cool J. In a rare and surprising move, the network has signed the rapper to a development deal worth just over seven figures and has structured the agreement in such a way that he’ll be allowed to work under any production studio.
Usually, talent deals limit actors to working under the network’s own in-house studios, but not in this case. Also, the pact guarantees that LL, along with Alchemy Entertainment's Jason Barrett, will serve as producer on any project the rapper-actor signs onto. LL, whose birth name is Todd Smith, is expected to focus his production slate on the development of dramas.
CBS, the home of America’s top-rated drama “CSI,” landed the rapper amidst a fierce bidding war that involved at least two other networks, reports Variety.
His critically-acclaimed guest-starring role last season on “House” reportedly peaked the interest of network execs that began flooding the rapper with pilot offers last spring. LL’s attention, however, was devoted to the promotion of his new album “Todd Smith” at the time.
Uncle L’s last dance with television occurred in the 1990s with his NBC (and later UPN) sitcom “In the House.”