LL Cool J's new album is titled 'Exit 13' and it's expected for an early 2008 release on the storied Def Jam Records label.

Although the chisel-chest, nearly 40-year-old rap icon has previously expressed his displeasure of how things were run at the Jay-Z helmed hip-hop empire, he's remaining positive and hoping for the best for his next album – reportedly his last on the label.

"I think at this point the focus needs to be just me making some great music," LL Cool J told MTV Radio. "Trying to keep it positive. Trying to have some sort of relationship with them that we both can benefit from. Hopefully they can do well and look great. And I can do well and look great. And we can part company as civilized business men. And give the world something great."

Platinum-plated thug rap icon 50 Cent is reportedly co-producing the anticipated project. "For me, I needed to go and work with somebody who really had my best interests at heart," he said about working with the platinum-selling thug rap icon.

April of 2006 saw the release of LL Cool J's 12th Def Jam opus, 'Todd Smith,' (his real name). The set featured guest appearances by Mary J. Blige, 112, Ginuwine, Freeway and Juelz Santana, with production by Timbaland, Pharrell, Scott Storch and Trackmasters, among others.