Eddie Van Halen Explains L.L. Cool J Collaboration in New Interview

Eddie Van Halen teamed up with L.L. Cool J to collaborate on two tracks for L.L.'s new album, Authentic. If that news had you scratching your head, no worries -- Van Halen will go on CNN's "Piers Morgan Live" tonight -- airing at 9PM ET/PT -- to talk about their union of anthemic rock and old-school hip-hop.

Van Halen had previously opened up in an interview with Guitar World about the collaboration, which includes tracks "Not Leaving You Tonight" and "We Are the Greatest" (don't be so modest, you guys!). Blink 182/Transplants drummer (and occasional reality TV star) Travis Barker also guests on "We Are the Greatest."

Van Halen told Guitar World, "The thought of me playing guitar to hip hop was definitely left of center, but I was intrigued and I agreed to meet and listen to what he had. I was not only inspired by the songs I heard, but LL's enthusiasm, his down-to-earth personality, the freedom he gave me to co-create ... The diversity of the songs on this album and the other artists he has collaborated with is outstanding."

Van Halen is the second most-talked-about collaboration on L.L.'s Authentic, thanks to the album's uncomfortable (to put it kindly) Brad Paisley duet, "Accidental Racist."