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      *LL Cool J is starting off 2006 with a full plate of projects. Immediately following his appearance on the Grammy’s last Wednesday (Feb. 8), Ladies Love hopped on a plane to New York to unveil his new Todd Smith men’s and women’s clothing line.

      Also, the Queens, NY native and new Island Def Jam singer/songwriter Ne-Yo will tape an episode of the Oxygen network’s “Custom Concert” series on March 3 in support of his new album “Todd Smith,” due in stores next month.

      The show will air on the cable channel March 18 at 10:30 p.m. Beginning Friday (Feb. 17), viewers can log onto www.oxygen.com to submit song requests and questions for the artist. On the program, LL will perform songs from his upcoming 12th album “Todd Smith,” including the single “Control Myself,” featuring Jennifer Lopez.

       Other "special guests" are due to appear on the “Custom Concert” special, but details and schedules have yet to be worked out, reports Variety.

       Meanwhile, the rapper unveiled his new Todd Smith men’s and women’s fashion line during New York’s Fashion Week, which wrapped over the weekend. According to MSNBC, LL’s new lines represent a departure from the stereotypical sweat suits and baggy jeans typically found in hip hop fashion.

       "I would like a person to look rich, to look successful but not be overly ornate," LL, 38, told MSNBC.com. "I want to leave room for the everyday guy to upgrade."       

       The artist has hired Jeremy Brandrick of Dolce & Gabbana to design his men’s collection, and Matthew Priestly, formerly of Marni, to design for the women. The rapper-turned-actor hopes both lines can be developed into luxury brands like Zegna, an Italian couture line for men, or Chloé, a French label for women, previously led by Karl Lagerfeld and Martine Sitbon.