New Releases: LL Cool J Makes His 'Exit,' Kardinal Offishall is 'Not 4 Sale'

Let's not get it twisted. LL Cool J is not leaving the game. The veteran MC is just parting ways with Def Jam Records, the label that launched his venerable career, and LL's new album, 'Exit 13,' which hits stores today, marks the end of that era.

While the new project signifies the end of the rapper's Def Jam dealings, it certainly doesn't denote a change in LL's ability to do what he does best and that's making jams soft enough for the ladies and tough enough for the fellas. LL channels his lip-licking side with tracks like 'Feel My Heart Beat,' featuring 50 Cent, 'Like a Radio' and the hit single 'Baby,' featuring The-Dream. The rapper criticizes the younger generation and ringtone rappers on 'Ringtone M...' and reflects on his amazing career on 'Old School New School' and 'Rocking with the G.O.A.T.'

Unlike LL, Kardinal Offishall has spent a large portion of his career introducing himself to the States, although he's somewhat of an icon in his hometown of Toronto. Hoping to finally get props stateside, Kardinal signed with Akon's Kon Live imprint. The pair hit the road last year and previewed tracks off the rapper's fourth album, 'Not 4 Sale.' "No matter what kind of money they offered me, I knew the direction I wanted to go in. So, for me, I wasn't for sale," Kardinal explained to the BoomBox. "I knew what I wanted to put out there; but then also, I think that every fan that listens to the album, their version of why they're not for sale is different." 'Not 4 Sale' boasts guest appearances by Akon, Estelle, Clipse and J Davey.

Buy 'Exit 13' and 'Not 4 Sale' on iTunes.