SMALL FACES

Rapper-actor LL Cool J has started a record label, Ilion, as a joint venture with the new Red Ant company. The rapper, whose own recordings will continue to be released by Columbia Records, will supervise A&R; and production, with plans calling for two or three albums to be released per year. Announcements of the first artist signings are expected soon. . . .

Countering rumors of a breakup, the Red Hot Chili Peppers have begun writing songs for a new album, though no recording schedule has been set, and the band is still without management. Meanwhile, members Dave Navarro and Chad Smith have submitted their as-yet-unnamed side-project album to Warner Bros. Records and are waiting to hear whether the company will release it. If not, they’ll shop it to other labels. . . .

Robbie Robertson, who is part Mohawk, is working on a second album of Native American-oriented music, following his 1994 collection, “The Native Americans.” Among those involved are Rita Coolidge, Floyd Westerman, John Trudell and imprisoned activist Leonard Peltier, whose spoken-word contribution was recorded at Leavenworth. Howie B., who worked on U2’s “Pop,” and Marus DiVires, composer of the “Romeo & Juliet” score, are doing some remixing. A companion PBS special is also planned. . . .

Meshell Ndegeocello was brought in to play bass on a Rolling Stones session for a new song titled “I’m Not a Saint.” . . . Van Halen is getting some unexpected cash flow via London dance group Apollo Four Forty, which heavily sampled VH’s “Ain’t Talkin’ ‘Bout Love” for its “Ain’t Talkin’ ‘Bout Dub,” now becoming a big Groove Radio and dance club hit as an import single. A debut album will be released here in August.