Because there is no greater palate-cleanser than LL Cool J.

The rapper and actor was upstairs in his home Wednesday when he heard noise coming from his kitchen. When he went to investigate, he found an intruder, who’s been described as a transient with a history of drug use and theft:

The burglar who broke into the Studio City home of actor-rapper LL Cool J suffered a broken nose and jaw in what police sources described as a “knock-down, drag-out” fight.

Los Angeles police were called to the star’s home in the 12000 block of Blairwood Drive around 1 a.m. Wednesday, officials said. LL Cool J was holding the suspect when officers arrived, officials said.

The greatest police statement of all time?

“A physical altercation occurred between the suspect and the victim, James Todd Smith, also known professionally as LL Cool J,” said Preciado. “My understanding is he just had him in custody with his physical strength.”

LL’s publicist released this statement:

LL Cool J, and his family, are safe and thank everyone for their thoughts and concern. As a father, husband and citizen, he is committed to keeping his family safe and is cooperating with authorities on this private matter.

I always loved LL Cool J (What can I say? I am a lady!), but it was this interview from 2009 that put me over the edge on him. Respect for the troops? Check. Ode to America’s greatness? Check. Ayn Rand references? Check. And, he has a favorite Founding Father. Hello!

“You know what,” he says, “that’s a good question, interesting question. My favorite Founding Father .. wow. Benjamin Franklin was brilliant. I think I will go with Benjamin Franklin first. I would go with Jefferson and then Adams, but I would go with Franklin.

“When he talked about wealth … his ‘Poor Richard’s Almanack’ was amazing. Him being a scientist; him being an author; him being a businessman; him being an entrepreneur; him being a guy who understood how important it was to be conservative when it came to a dollar, and conserve your wealth.

“I just thought he was a very wise guy. I would go with Franklin.

That’s why I found it surprising but believable that he might appear on that Fox Palin special in 2010. He didn’t end up doing it; the appearance Fox was promoting was not a guest spot, but an older interview he had given, which they had planned to use in the show.

I, for one, am glad LL is safe and sound.