LL Cool J urges financial sense

The rapper's new album Todd Smith was released in the US this month

Rap star LL Cool J has urged fans to be more responsible with their money.

The US hip-hop artist was joined by fellow music stars including Alicia Keys and Nas at the Hip-Hop Summit on Financial Empowerment in New York.

"The biggest misconception probably comes from the hip-hop community itself, that the money lasts forever."

"You have to do the right thing with it," said the 38-year-old rapper turned actor, whose hits include Luv U Better and All I Have with Jennifer Lopez.

LL Cool J, real name James Todd Smith, has been in the music business for more than 20 years. His film work includes roles in the 2002 Rollerball remake, action movie S.W.A.T and the recent comedy Last Holiday.

"It's time that we do something to educate our kids," said fellow rapper Nas, who joined him at the summit.

"We've got to think about our future, think about tomorrow. It's beyond the corner, it's beyond the jails. We've got to think about growing old in this game."