LL Cool J "Really Proud" of "Accidental Racist," Needed to "Shake Things Up"

Rapper says duet with Brad Paisley was "the right move" and hopes Southern anthem succeeds in "building bridges"

LL Cool J is standing by "Accidental Racist," y'all.

The rapper, who's featured on Brad Paisley's controversial Southern anthem, is happy with the song and its ability to spark discussion.

"Music is about, and art is about, connecting different people and building bridges and breaking the rules," he told CNN Sunday at the ACM Awards in Las Vegas.

"If it's not compelling and it's not complex and it's not interesting, then what are we doing it for? So I think that's the right move."

"I needed to do something that was going to be interesting like that, and shake things up, and jump out of the box," he added. "I'm really proud of it, and I hope the world hears it and enjoys it."

Brad agrees with LL wholeheartedly. He tweeted Tuesday that he "wouldn't change a thing" about the country song. "This is a record meant to be FAR from easy listening," he added. "But fun. Like life. Have a ball, ya'll."

Hmmm, OK. Brad and LL seem like they had good intentions for "Accidental Racist"  but…well, bless their hearts.