NCIS: Los Angeles star LL Cool J has revealed that the cast studied with real NCIS agents to improve their performances.

The rapper-turned-actor told Zap2It that he had learned a lot from observing the official naval investigation procedure.

"We talked about body language," he explained. "We've had behavioural analysts come on set and dealt with that as well. It's fascinating because you learn to watch every little thing."

He added: "I was speaking to the former director of NCIS. He was on set just recently [and told me] it's about trying to think like an agent. You have to get your mind in a place where you're putting puzzle pieces together all the time. You have to think that way because... it'll kindle the kind of emotions that you should be feeling."

LL Cool J also praised his new co-star in the second season of the crime drama, former Community actor Eric Christian Olsen.

"I didn't see him on Community [but] I've seen a couple of his movies," he admitted. "He's doing a great job. He has a great sense of humour [and] a lot of great energy that he brings to the show. He just helps with the chemistry [and] makes things more fun."

NCIS: Los Angeles will return tonight at 9/8c on CBS.