On this day in Hip Hop history, the self-proclaimed G.O.A.T., LL Cool J released his number one hit single “Mama Said Knock You Out.”
Not only was this song a GRAMMY-winning success, but the story behind it is an interesting one. The track came at a time in LL’s career where his commercial success was beginning to dwindle. He had yet to break into his acting career in a large way and his sales were starting to drop. It’s said at this low moment LL sought counsel from his grandmother who told him to “knock out” all the disbelievers. This inspiration was obviously exactly what LL needed and gave him the power to write one of the most popular songs of the year.
“Mama Said Knock You Out” won Best Rap Solo Performance at the 1992 Grammy Awards. LL Cool J beat out MC Hammer, Monie Love, and Ice- T for the award. The song also peaked at #17 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and 1 on the Billboard Rap Singles chart.
One of the greatest business moves artists and rappers can make is owning their masters. This means they control where their music is licensed (in TV, film, and advertisements) and, as a result, reap the financial rewards. Record labels began taking ownership of artist’s masters in the 1950s. During the “golden age of vinyl,” they cornered the market. And yet, to this day, “…a label is still contractually owning the voices of people who spent their whole lives honing their craft and becoming great writers, vocalists, and superstars, ” said Chance the Rapper in an interview with Success. Many of today’s rappers were inspired by trailblazing artists like Ray Charles and Prince, who took control of their legacies by regaining their masters. Here’s a list of rappers who have been wise enough to gain ownership of their masters.
21 Savage
In January 2017, fresh off the enormous success of his EP Savage Mode, 21 leveraged a deal with Epic Records. He has a 70/30 split with the label. “I make more money off my album sales than I do off touring. For a lot of rappers, most of their money comes from touring,” he admitted on the podcast A Million Dollaz Worth of Game.
The American Dream rapper says that his masters serve as generational wealth for his family. However, if the bag is long enough, he has no problem with handing them over. “But…if a m-thaf-cka come and say, ‘Aye…I got a billion for your masters,’ that m-thaf-cka’s gone,” he added.
Kanye West
“My children gonna own my masters…not your children, my children”.
Kanye West is currently without a record label or a music publisher but has made one thing clear: he has no intention of selling his catalog. Just last year, West acquired his masters from the 2013 Yeezy album up to the present. Def Jam owns the copyright to his recordings up to sometime in the mid-2010s and distributed subsequent releases up to last year’s Donda album. But his actual deal with the label ended in 2021. Sony Publishing will continue to administer his work (such as Vultures ) per the terms of the deal for an unspecified time.
Billboard estimated the songs generate $13.25 million inpublishing royalties annually. Sources said West earns $5 million from his share, valuing the catalog at roughly $175 million. In an effort to give artists the same autonomy, Kanye also tweeted in Sept 2020 that he would be giving all of his G.O.O.D. Music artists back the 50 percent share of their masters. He also proposed an eight-point plan that would revolutionize the music industry. Artists and rappers would receive master ownership, short-term deals, an 80/20 split of royalty payments in the artist’s favor, and transparency.
Media mogul Jay-Z demanded control of his Def Jam masters when he became president of the label in 2004. The rapper’s masters would later revert back to him in 2014, with his publishing rights returned to him around the same time in a separate deal with EMI. As of 2021, his music catalog was worth $95 million. In an interview last year with CBS Morning’s with Gayle King, he revealed that he’s not interested in selling his musical repertoire. “I want my kids to see my work and if they decide to sell it, then it’s up to them.”
Chance The Rapper has mentioned many times the huge impact owning his masters has made on his career. In 2016, Chance declined a record deal with Kanye West’s G.O.O.D. Music, opting to stay independent. It paid off because he owns all his recording rights, publishing, and distribution. The rapper, who has a 50/50 royalty split, continues to influence rappers and emphasize being in control of one’s career. In 2022, he even helped iconic singer Anita Baker regain control of her master recordings after she asked fans to stop streaming her music.
Drake
In 2021, Drake received the largest deal in music history from Republic Records and Universal. The $400 million deal included recordings, publishing, merchandise, and visual media projects. Prior to the Scorpion rapper’s historic deal, Michael Jackson held the top spot as having the largest deal in music history. According to reports, $250 million went to his estate in 2010 from Sony Music.
LL Cool J
An OG in the game, LL Cool J has owned his masters for over 20 years. The Queens native has full authority over all 13 of his studio albums on Def Jam. In an interview with Million Dollaz Worth of Game, he revealed that being sampled by rappers like Rick Ross and The Notorious B.I.G. proves his legacy is cemented.
No shortage of pressure comes with being a celebrity. From wanting to nail every performance in their respective crafts to being constantly scrutinized for their weight and physical appearance, being in the public eye certainly isn’t easy. Method Man and LL Cool J know this all too well, seeing as they’ve been American hip-hop heartthrobs for decades now. The peak of their careers took place before social media was at the forefront of our lives, but even now, Twitter/X users are sparking debates about which of the two entertainers is more appealing.
To be fair, both the Wu-Tang Clan alum and the “Mama Said Knock You Out” artist have a lot going for them. The former’s been married to Tamika Smith, who he shares three kids with, since 2001. Meanwhile, Cool tied the knot with Simone Smith in 1995, leading to the birth of four beautiful children. Regardless of their marital status, thirsty fans can’t help but lust after Method Man’s gym videos, or drool over LL’s muscular build.
As HipHopDX notes, many are divided between the rap pioneers. “Method Man is aging so much better but LL can still get. In conclusion: Both,” one person shared their opinion under @laugh_track_nat’s tweet. “I read an article where LL Cool J house was getting robbed and he squared up with the thief and beat his ass. So I’m going with him,” another submitted their vote in favour of the 56-year-old. “Hmmmmm. Can I go back and forth ?” someone else flirtatiously inquired, not wanting to give up either hunk.
Keep scrolling to see how Twitter/X users feel about choosing between LL Cool J and Method Man. If you have a preference between the hip-hop icons, be sure to let us know in the comments. For more music/pop culture news, check back in with HNHH later.
New Year’s Eve is right around the corner which means the annual New Year’s Rockin Eve celebration is about to hit New York. The event had already announced an absolutely stacked lineup of performances planned for the night. Megan Thee Stallion, Ludacris, Post Malone, and Doechii were already set to bring hip-hop flavors to the event and now there’s even more on the way.
Recently both LL Cool J and Cardi B were added to the lineup. While fans are hyped for their inclusion, it certainly raises some questions about the ongoing drama in Cardi B’s personal life. She was originally booked to play a show at the same venue as her husband Offset. The pair have been subject to many rumors of separation in recent weeks and Cardi moving her performance to a new venue won’t slow them down. They join an already impressive lineup of performers that includes Tyla, Janelle Monae, Green Day, Sabrina Carpenter, Jelly Roll, Ellie Goulding, and many more. Check out the announcement of their inclusion in the lineup below.
Most of the drama surrounding Cardi B in recent weeks has had to do with her marriage. Fans first noticed that her and husband Offset unfollowed each other on Instagram earlier this month. The rumors haven’t stopped since then, especially after Cardi described herself as “single” in an Instagram livestream. Fans got some mixed messages from Cardi in recent days that didn’t help clear anything up.
Last week, Cardi was caught dissing Offset on video. The clip made the rounds just a day before the pair were back spending time together again on Christmas. While it was still Christmas Cardi also took the opportunity to shoot down fan rumors that Offset had cheated on her. What do you think of Cardi B and LL Cool J being added to the New Year’s Rockin’ Eve Lineup? Do you think Cardi was deliberately trying to get away from Offset on New Years? Let us know in the comment section below.
The lineup also has a ton of previously announced performers that are sure to keep the celebration going all night and keep viewers at home entertained. Right now, Megan Thee Stallion, Jelly Roll, Sabrina Carpenter, Green Day, Ludacris, Janelle Monáe, Ellie Goulding, Doechii, Thirty Seconds To Mars, Nile Rodgers and CHIC, Paul Russell, Loud Luxury, Two Friends and Bebe Rexha, Reneé Rapp and Coco Jones, Aqua, Post Malone, NewJeans, and Ivy Queen will all be making appearances — whether they are in NYC or broadcasting from another part of the globe.
Seacrest will be joined by two co-hosts: Rita Ora and Jeannie Mai. New Year’s Rockin’ Eve will air on Sunday, December 31 starting at 8 p.m. on ABC. More information about the event can be found here.
Some artists covered here are Warner Music artists. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.
Hip-Hop’s 50th anniversary took center stage in 2023, marking a year of celebratory events honoring the birth of the influential genre. From LL Cool J’sRock The Bells Festival to the iconic ESSENCE Festival, the prominence of the 50th year of Hip-Hop was evident, alongside it being featured at culture’s biggest award shows such as the 65th Annual Grammy Awardsand theMTV VMAs.
3. Happy 50th Anniversary, Hip-Hop!
ESSENCE Festival Honors Hip-Hop’s 50th Anniversary
The ESSENCE Festival, held in July 2023, served as a platform to pay homage to several hip-hop icons and celebrate Hip-Hop’s 50th anniversary. The festival featured an unforgettable performance by Lauryn Hill, who headlined the event alongside other pioneering figures of the genre.
Hennessy & Sprite Partnerships Reflect the Milestone Year
RapperNasembraced the spirit of Hip-Hop’s 50th anniversary through various brand collaborations. One notable partnership was with renowned liquor brand Hennessy, presenting a special edition release celebrating the milestone.
Additionally, Nas joined forces with Sprite for a collaboration that involved fellow artists Rakim, Latto, and GloRilla, further emphasizing the significance of the genre’s 50-year legacy.
5. Queen Bey’s ‘Renaissance Era
In the vibrant landscape of 2023, where the essence of Black culture thrived,Beyoncé claimed the top position with her monumental “Renaissance” era. As we delve into the top 23 highlights of the year, Hip-Hop’s 50th anniversary stands out as a pivotal moment that shaped the cultural landscape and showcased the genre’s enduring impact.
In the House was a popular sitcom in the 90s that warmed the hearts of many. Its five-season run was fairly successful and also featured a star-studded cast. Unleashing the comedic chops of LL Cool J to the world, the series enjoyed a pretty remarkable run. While a reboot is unlikely, reruns have kept many households entertained. However, it’s always common to wonder what the cast of the series is up to today, especially since some of them have drastically reduced on screen. Here’s what the cast of In The House are up to today.
LOS ANGELES, CA – FEBRUARY 15: Host LL Cool J speaks onstage during The 58th GRAMMY Awards at Staples Center on February 15, 2016 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
LL Cool J already had a prolific music career before starring as Marion Hill on In The House. Though he played a character with financial troubles, LL Cool J’s career hasn’t slowed down in decades. He’s widely considered one of the most iconic rappers of all time. Since the end of In The House, he has guest-starred on various game shows and even hosted a few. He has been married to Simone Johnson since 1995 and they have four children together. These days, he is best known for his long-running role as Special Agent Sam Hanna in the NCIS franchise, which he finally retired this year after 14 years.
Following the conclusion of In The House in 1999, LL Cool J kept the music rolling with his eighth album, G.O.A.T. This was his first and, to date, only album to top the Billboard 200 charts. By his 11th album, Todd Smith, his music penetrated younger listeners, particularly with the radio hit, “Control Myself,” featuring Jennifer Lopez. However, on the music front, he hasn’t released any new albums since 2013’s Authentic.
LL Cool J has rightly received his flowers over the years. He received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2016. He also became the first rapper to receive the Kennedy Center Honors in 2017. Likewise, LL Cool J was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2021.
Debbie Allen
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – SEPTEMBER 19: Honoree Debbie Allen, recipient of the Governors Award, poses in the press room during the 73rd Primetime Emmy Awards at L.A. LIVE on September 19, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Rich Fury/Getty Images)
Debbie Allen is a well-decorated actress, choreographer, and film producer, with five Emmys, two Tonys, and a Golden Globe Award to her name. She played Jackie Warren on In the House, the down-on-luck mother of two who moves into Marion’s house. She married former NBA player Norm Nixon in 1984 and they share four children. Career-wise, she has dipped her toes in multiple areas of the entertainment industry, from choreographing to producing, and even music. Allen has also continued her acting career, guest starring in various shows such as The Proud Family: Louder And Prouder and Raven’s Home. She currently maintains her long-running role as Dr. Catherine Avery Fox on Grey’s Anatomy.
Maia Campbell during Jamie Foster Hosts Sister 2 Sister Magazine 16th Anniversary at Crobar in New York City, New York, United States. (Photo by Johnny Nunez/WireImage)
Maia Campbell has led a relatively private life in recent years. This is due to her ongoing struggles with her mental health. In 2000, she lost custody of her daughter due to her refusal to take medication for her bipolar disorder. The following years were also not too kind to her, as she was publicly recorded displaying unstable behavior. Subsequently, she was institutionalized by her family. She hasn’t been active in the entertainment industry since 2017.
Jeffery Wood may have only been in the first few seasons of In the House, but his character, Austin Warren, was a beloved one. After leaving the show, his next big project was Sunset Beach, where he played Jimmy Harrison. He has merely starred in episodes of a few shows since then. He also participated in several short films over the years. However, he hasn’t had any major, mainstream projects since. In 2017, he played the Warlock in the trailer for the popular game Destiny 2.
Kim Wayans
LOS ANGELES, CA – FEBRUARY 20: Kim Wayans arrives for Morgan Stanley presents Alfre Woodard’s 10th Annual Sistahs’ Soiree on February 20, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Gabriel Olsen/Getty Images)
Kim Wayans played the hilarious Tonia Harris from the second season of In the House. A member of the famously comedic Wayans family, she pivoted to more dramatic roles in 2011, when she starred in Pariah. She focused majorly on acting since then, starring in shows like Reckless and The Breaks. She has also made notable appearances on The Black Lady Sketch Show and Hawai’i Five-0. Moreover, she is the author of a children’s book series titled Amy Hodgepodge, which she wrote with her husband
Alfonso Ribeiro
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 28: Alfonso Ribeiro speaks with Bevy Smith on Radio Andy at the SiriusXM Studios on September 28, 2022 in New York City. (Photo by Noam Galai/Getty Images)
Alfonso Ribeiro joined the cast of In the House in its third season, playing Dr. Maxwell Stanton, a friend of Marion’s and his coworker at the sports clinic. Best known for his role as Carlton Banks on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, Ribeiro continued to work in entertainment after both shows. His career has mostly focused on hosting since then, and he has hosted shows such as Catch 21 and GSN Live. He is currently the host of Dancing With The Stars after winning its 19th season. He also hosts America’s Funniest Home Videos. Furthermore, Ribeiro has some directing credits under his belt.
With the 1990 release of Mama Said Knock You Out, LL Cool J revitalized his career. He also redefined the trajectory of hip-hop during a transformative era in the genre. This album emerged as a crucial pivot point. It revealed LL Cool J’s evolution from a charismatic teenage rapper to a seasoned artist with a commanding presence. Far more than just a commercial success, Mama Said Knock You Out was a cultural milestone. It blended the grit of New York’s streets with a polished production that appealed to a broad audience.
LL Cool J deftly navigated this album’s fame and authenticity complexities. He delivered an unapologetically bold statement that resonated with long-time fans and new listeners. The title track, “Mama Said Knock You Out,” symbolized his renewed vigor and artistic depth. The album stood a testament to LL Cool J’s resilience in industry skepticism, reaffirming his status as a luminary in the hip-hop world.
Mama Said Knock You Out: A Fusion Of Ferocity & Rhythm
LL Cool J’s Mama Said Knock You Out Is a masterclass in the fusion of lyrical ferocity with finesse. The album breaks new ground, moving beyond the boundaries of traditional hip-hop to incorporate a diverse array of musical influences. Its production, spearheaded by the legendary Marley Marl, holds sophisticated samples that perfectly complement LL Cool J’s dynamic vocal delivery.
The title track, “Mama Said Knock You Out,” is a quintessential anthem of resilience and strength. With its unforgettable hook and lyrics, the song resonates as a powerful rebuttal to critics and naysayers. It cemented LL Cool J’s comeback in the rap game. Other tracks like “Around the Way Girl” showcase a smoother, more melodic approach. THis highlighted LL Cool J’s versatility as an artist capable of delivering hardcore raps and soulful, rhythmic tunes.
LL Cool J navigates themes of fame, perseverance, and authenticity throughout the album. Tracks such as “Jingling Baby (Remixed But Still Jingling)” and “Boomin’ System” exemplify his skill in creating music that’s both reflective and entertaining. This blend of introspection with a celebration of the genre’s roots contributes to the album’s enduring appeal. This made Mama Said Knock You Out a seminal work in LL Cool J’s catalog and in hip-hop history.
Charting Success & Critical Acclaim Of Mama Said Knock You Out
LL Cool J’s Mama Said Knock You Out achieved remarkable commercial success. Its wide-reaching appeal and the rapper’s skill in striking a chord with audiences. The album charted highly on the Billboard 200 and secured LL Cool J’s status as a mainstream hip-hop artist. It was a commercial triumph, resonating with fans across the hip-hop spectrum and beyond, proving the genre’s growing appeal.
“Mama Said Knock You Out” became an instant classic, dominating airwaves and music video channels. Its success on the charts was mirrored by other singles from the album, which also received substantial airplay and acclaim. The album’s critical reception bolstered this commercial success. Reviewers praised LL Cool J for his revitalized energy and the album’s innovative production. Critics noted the album’s blend of rap and rhythmic melodies, lauding it as a pivotal work in the evolution of hip-hop.
Mama Said Knock You Out was more than just a hit. It was a statement. It earned LL Cool J a Grammy Award, solidifying his resurgence and influence in the industry. The album’s success marked a turning point in his career.
Enduring Influence: The Legacy Of Mama Said Knock You Out
The legacy of LL Cool J’s Mama Said Knock You Out extends far beyond its initial release. It has continued to resonate in the fabric of hip-hop culture. This album not only solidified LL Cool J’s position as a key figure in rap music but also set new standards for the genre. It exemplified how artists could evolve and reinvent themselves, maintaining relevance in a rapidly changing musical landscape.
The cultural impact of Mama Said Knock You Out is reflected in its lasting appeal to both old and new fans of hip-hop. The album’s influence is evident in the works of subsequent artists who draw inspiration from LL Cool J’s fusion of raw lyrical expression with rhythmic, engaging production.
Furthermore, Mama Said Knock You Out significantly broadened the scope of hip-hop, pushing the genre into new realms and expanding its audience. LL Cool J’s blend of traditional rap elements with innovative approaches to rhythm and melody opened doors for diverse artistic expressions within hip-hop. The album’s success paved the way for future artists to explore and experiment, contributing to the genre’s growth and dynamism.
LL Cool J gave DJ Kool Herc an incredible tribute for his 2023 Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame induction at the Brooklyn ceremony tonight. The speech started with LL Cool J looking back on how Kool Herc kicked off the origins of hip-hop by DJ’ing a party for his sister, Cindy Campbell. She was doing it to earn money for back-to-school clothes in 1973.
“We don’t know how much money Cindy managed to raise that day or what clothes she managed to buy but we know she changed the course of history, of music history,” LL Cool J said. “That party has come to be known as the birthplace of hip-hop.”
“It’s a culture that changed my life obviously,” he added, according to Rolling Stone. “It changed the lives of millions and millions of people.”
DJ Kool Herc then went up on stage, bringing Cindy along too.
“I got tears in my eyes,” Herc shared, giving some heartfelt acknowledgments. He then gave his sister a moment to speak.
“LL, you gave a heartfelt introduction, thank you, we love you,” Cindy said. “We always did, and I want to congratulate my brother DJ Kool Herc for staying on that path and getting where he is today. Congratulations to my brother.”
This year marks the 50th anniversary of DJ Kool Herc playing that first party.
The National Basketball Association (NBA) has unveiled a thrilling collaboration between Grammy Award-winning hip-hop legend LL COOL J and the four-time Grammy Award-winning group The Roots. Together, they have reimagined the iconic song “Mama Said Knock You Out” to serve as the official anthem for the inaugural NBA In-Season Tournament.
This bespoke anthem blends LL COOL J’s Grammy-winning hit “Mama Said Knock You Out” with the lively hook from The Roots’ popular track “Here I Come.” The result is a dynamic musical backdrop that will accompany the various stages of the In-Season Tournament, starting with Group Play involving all 30 NBA teams and culminating in the Championship.
The anthem spot pays homage to the original VMA Award-winning music video while injecting a modern twist. LL COOL J’s presence transitions from the boxing ring to the hardwood of the In-Season Tournament stage, complete with a tribute to the tournament’s coveted trophy, the NBA Cup, and a live performance by The Roots.
“I’ve been a fan of the NBA ever since I can remember, and it’s a real honor to have my record serving as the anthem for this monumental moment,” said LL COOL J. “I’m excited to see the energy of the song translate to the play on the court during the NBA In-Season Tournament.”
(@laugh_track_nat) 
?” someone else flirtatiously inquired, not wanting to give up either hunk.
Deena Jones’ Audacity 
(@Dangerous_mind) 
(@TattedShinobi) 
(@TathyanaXO) 
L E A
(@Beautifulndbold) 
