LL Cool J is gearing up for the release of his latest album, Todd Smith, due April 11. Usually something of a loner on his albums, LL decided to enlist the help of more than a few friends time time around. Guesting on the album are Mary J. Blige, Jennifer Lopez, Ginuwine, Teairra Mari, Lyfe Jennings, Mary Mary, City High’s Ryan Toby, and Jamie Foxx. In an interview, the rapper compared making Todd Smith to the making of Dr. Dre’s classic The Chronic: “Everybody was involved with the writing and the music. People were throwing ideas left and right. I’ve never done that for a whole record. You have to allow yourself to grow.”http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1528066/20060406/ll_cool_j.jhtml?headlines=true