On this date in 1985, Hip-Hop bigwig Russell Simmons along with film producer Michael Schultz unveiled the Hip-Hop glory days fairy tale about the early days of Def Jam in the Warner Brothers distributed Krush Groove.
This cinematic, quasi-musical was told in a very unique manner, with almost all of the artists playing themselves as the story is being told; The Fat Boys, Run-D.M.C., Kurtis Blow, Jeckyl and Hyde, the Beastie Boys and Sheila E. all starred as themselves, while being managed by Russell(ironically, played by Blair Underwood) and a young Rick Rubin before they became the icons that they are recognized as today. The flick even gives a quick peek into how Def Jam’s rookie and first solo artist L.L. Cool J was recruited in Def Jam’s NYU dorm “office”.
The movie’s soundtrack boasts more than a few hits, such as The Fat Boys’ “All You Can Eat”. LL’s “I Can’t Live Without My Radio”, the original “If I Ruled The World” by Kurtis Blow, which was famously remixed by Nas and Lauryn Hill a decade after the movie’s release and the title track by The Krush Groove All Stars.
Shout out to all of the legends who were quarterbacked by Hip-Hop’s Barack Russell Simmons in making this Def Jam biopic forever a Hip Hop classic!
The Golden age of Hip Hop was marked by some of the finest talents ever to grace the scene. Sitting right atop the pack was none other than LL Cool J. Today, the rap icon has become known to newer audiences as an actor and TV host. However, once upon a time, he was dropping back-to-back timeless albums. One of these projects is Mama Said Knock You Out.
Don’t get it twisted; even though LL Cool J is a jack of all trades, he’s still a master of rap. Forever dedicated to his craft, even after four decades since his debut, he still plans on releasing new music. Even though his legacy was already firm before 1990, his fourth album was an exceptional success. Furthermore, it’s widely regarded as one of the best Hip Hop albums ever. Spitting some of his most iconic bars on the record, the album set him even further apart from his peers. Thirty-three years later, the foundation of Hip Hop’s Golden Age is still partially owed to this classic project.
A Rising Legend Forges On
As aforementioned, before 1990, LL Cool J was already three albums in. Between his debut, Radio, and his third album, Walking with a Panther, he had become a rap juggernaut. However, some of his music between his second and third albums didn’t gain substantial love from Hip Hop enthusiasts. All that changed soon after when he released Mama Said Knock You Out. Seen as a return to form, LL was as tough and as bold as ever, and it became evident that no one was holding a torch to him.
LL Cool J Gets Back To Basics
As mentioned, LL Cool J lost some loyal fans after releasing his second and third albums. While still unmistakably Hip Hop, the rapper had begun to venture into other musical territory. His foray into love ballads was especially frowned upon by strict fans of the genre, but it all showcased his broad appeal. Also, looking back, Hip Hop was not as welcoming as it is today. Nonetheless, LL was bagging many new fans by his fourth time out. While his lyrical genius and tough-guy persona stayed intact, he also grew to become somewhat of a sex symbol. When he eventually performed the title track on MTV Unplugged, LL Cool J was ultimately certified as the hottest rapper around.
Beyond the imagery of it all, the music was also top-notch. Singles like “The Boomin’ System” and “Around the Way Girl” enjoyed significant airplay on the radio. Additionally, they helped to diversify his ever-rising fanbase. The final single off the album, “6 Minutes of Pleasure,” also enjoyed moderate success. However, with the plethora of topics he covered, LL Cool J stood out because he sounded at ease. His playful side was easily on display, both in his lyricism and in the music videos he put out. This further boosted his relatability as an artist despite some of the hard bars in his music.
A Stylish Hip Hop Classic
Marley Marl and LL Cool J were the sole producers on Mama Said Knock You Out, save for Bobby Erving, who co-produced the title track. By keeping the production circle as minimal as possible, there’s a distinct cohesion felt throughout the project. The album was also a commercial success and has since been certified 2x Platinum. Nonetheless, whether or not Mama Said Knock You Out dominated the markets or not, the music would have still rendered it a classic. Why? Because the Def Jam wunderkind kicked off the ’90s in grand style. It’s no wonder he was already labeled a veteran by his early 20s—and now, he has the discography to back the claims.
The BET Hip Hop Awards witnessed an unforgettable moment as hip-hop legends Rakim and LL Cool J paid tribute to the influential Marley Marl through their timeless performances. LL Cool J performed “Jinglin Baby,” “Mr Good Bar,” “Around the Way Girl” & “Mama Said Knock You Out.” Then, Rakim joined the stage to perform “Eric B for President” and “Paid In Full.” This monumental event served as a reminder of hip-hop’s rich history and enduring impact. Marley Marl, known for his groundbreaking production work in the 1980s, played a pivotal role in shaping the hip-hop landscape. He’s renowned for pioneering the use of sampling and was instrumental in the rise of some of rap’s most iconic artists.
Rakim, often cited as one of the greatest lyricists in hip-hop, took to the stage to honor Marley Marl. He delivered a dope performance of “Paid In Full,” a classic track that is not only a reminder to Rakim’s lyrical abilities but also a reflection of Marley Marl’s exceptional production skills. The audience was treated to Rakim’s flow and lyrical mastery, reminiscent of the golden era of hip-hop. This performance also coincided with the 50th year anniversary of hip-hop.
Fans thoroughly appeared to enjoy watching the performance. People in the comment section mentioned how much they loved the tribute and how it reminded them of their love for hip-hop. “Back when the art form had soul and flavor. What a treat watching Mr. LL perform “Mr. Good Bar.” “1990’s ‘Mama Said Knock You Out’ is one of the reasons why I cannot turn Hip-Hop loose,” one person commented. “Two of the cornerstones of hip hop. Rappers around the world owe LL, Rakim and Mr. Marley Marl a gratitude of thanks,” another person said. While many acknowledged the lively performance, others couldn’t help but notice what appeared to be a dull crowd. “The fact that everybody ain’t on their feet during Rakim’s performance is a disgrace to the culture, this man is a legend,” one person said. “There would be no Jay, Nas or Biggie without him.”
“The audience didn’t deserve this performance! Everyone shoulda been standing up! I’m disappointed in them. This was a top tier performance! Others should take notes. THISSSSS is how it’s done!!! I woulda lost my damn mind if I was there. Salute to hip hop! The real hip hop!!” another said. Moreover, the BET Hip Hop Awards provided a platform to honor Marley Marl, a producer who left a mark on hip-hop’s evolution. This tribute not only celebrated Marley Marl’s contributions to hip-hop but also highlighted the importance of acknowledging the pioneers who shaped the genre. What’d you think of the performance? Let us know on HNHH!
This weekend, social media attacked President Joe Biden after he seemed to forget rapper LL Cool J’s name and referred to him as “boy”, while delivering a speech to the Congressional Black Caucus. The president, however, quickly corrected himself, allegedly mixing up LL’s real name– James Todd Smith.
LL Cool J and MC Lyte were on deck to receive the Phoenix Award at the annual awards dinner in Washington D.C. during the CBC’s 52nd Annual Legislative Conference. They were recognised for their musical contributions.
“Two of the great artists of our time representing the groundbreaking legacy of hip hop in America , LL Jay Cool J, uhhh…” Joe said, as the crowd laughed at his gaffe.
“By the way that boy — that man’s got biceps bigger than my thighs,” he added. After the blunder, Joe acknowledged MC Lyte, drawing a round of applause from the audience.
Following the blunder, the president was trending on X after the video of the incident went viral. “Thank you for this moment @JoeBiden it’s going to be a great song,” one user joked in the comment section of the video, shared by RNC Research. “Old habits die hard “Boy” Not a joke,” one said. “Ohhh god make it stop PLLLEASE . he’s making a total mockery of this country,” said one user, while another wrote, “Boy? Cringe…”.
“MAKE IT STOP,” one user said, while another asked, “Was LL insulted? Why no response from him?” “Joey loves that word ‘boy’. Wonder where he picked that up?” said one user. Another wrote, “Oooohhhh wowwwwww HE DONE REALY MESSED UP WITH THIS ONE”. “Embarrassing……Priceless,” said one user.
“Everyone under 60 is a boy to him. I still call my youngest son a boy- he’s 30,” one user said. Another user wrote, “I’m thinking he’s confused again”. “The way the crowd groaned. @POTUS was oblivious. Pure cringe,” one user wrote.
Thoughts?
BIDEN: “LL J Cool J, uhh, by the way, that boy’s got— that man’s got biceps bigger than my thighs” pic.twitter.com/ulCQRkEp0l
In celebration of hip-hop’s 50th anniversary, the Grammy Museum has unveiled an interactive exhibit dedicated to the genre titled, Hip Hop America: The Exhibit. This experience showcases the history and impact of hip-hop, such as The Notorious B.I.G., Tupac Shakur, and LL Cool J. Inside Hip Hop America: The Exhibit In celebration of the 50th […]
LL Cool J has been know to embrace the artists under him. His generosity extends far beyond music. The rapper recently blessed Common with a limited edition gift box. In a video posted to his Instagram on Monday (August 21), the Chicago native is visibly overjoyed as he unboxes the package. The box contained a few luxury cigars, trinkets, as well a gold chain. The custom-made jewelry is from LL Cool J’s wife, Simone Smith.
“Shoutout to LL and Simone, thank y’all,” he said in the video. “I appreciate being on the F.O.R.C.E Tour — it’s a[n] honor. LL, you one of the greatest, man, for real. One of the reasons I do what I do. He added in the caption: “Thank you @llcoolj for this gift. But also, thank you for sharing your talents with us. You are one of them 1’s.”
Common isn’t the only one to bear witness to LL’s generosity. While appearing on LL’s episode of Paramount’s Behind The Music, Eminem shared his own story about the rap pioneer. He was also gifted a custom-made chain by the rapper/actor. “Since I was a little kid I always wanted a chain,” Em explains, speaking on LL Cool J’s iconic gold chain worn in the “I’m Bad” video. “I was recording with Rick Rubin, and I was like, ‘Yo, can you ask LL where he got his chains from?’ So he had these made and sent them to me.”
In other related news, LL Cool J recently shared his thoughts about older rappers considering retirement. During a recent appearance on Sway’s Universe, the iconic pioneer shared his thoughts on ageism in rap. Furthermore, he believes that music artists don’t have to flirt with retirement in the same way athletes do. “Hip Hop is not a sport,” he began. “It’s like playing guitar or the horn…” He continued: “So I don’t have to stop doing what I do and stop recording at 34.” LL added, “I hear artists all the time flirting with retirement, and that’s really insecurity. Because they don’t know whether or not they’re gonna be able to continue on in their careers.”
Despite having an amazing career and legacy spanning several decades, LL Cool J makes it clear he’s not stopping anytime soon. In his opinion, all rappers should feel that way, especially the older generation. During a recent appearance on Sway’s Universe, the iconic pioneer shared his thoughts on ageism in rap. He believes that music artists don’t have to flirt with retirement in the same way athletes do. He even took it a step further and claimed that it could actually make you insecure. “Hip Hop is not a sport,” he began. “It’s like playing guitar or the horn…” He continued: “So I don’t have to stop doing what I do and stop recording at 34.”
LL added, “I hear artists all the time flirting with retirement, and that’s really insecurity. Because they don’t know whether or not they’re gonna be able to continue on in their careers. At least that’s how it comes off to me.” The rapper also noted that it comes off as a lack of gratitude. “You’re in a position to have a great career, and you’re flirting with retirement for absolutely no reason.”
This Isn’t The First Time LL Addressed Ageism In Hip Hop
The Queens native isn’t known for biting his tongue. So when DJ Akademiks called rappers from his generation washed up and “dusty,” he didn’t hold back. “Don’t think just because somebody knows how to get money, or fails to get money, that they didn’t make a contribution to the culture. No one discusses Miles Davis’s bank account. We don’t talk about John Coltrane’s bank account. We don’t talk about a lot of Rock musicians’ bank accounts. A lot of great Country artists, we don’t talk about their bank accounts,” LL said in a video posted to his Instagram.
He continued: “Nobody believed in it. How can you make a 5-year plan or a 10-year plan on something that doesn’t even exist yet?” he said. “So just because [Hip Hop pioneers] didn’t get rich, just because they weren’t able to pile up millions or billions of dollars, does not mean that they didn’t make a contribution to this culture.”
LL COOL J once had a collaborative album with 50 Cent. Hip-Hop has become the home of collab albums, and LL and 50 Cent will be the NYC collaboration we will never see. Appearing on The Breakfast Club, LL revealed that he wrote an album with 50 that he ultimately scrapped.
“I tried to do a more collaborative writing album. I did a whole album with 50 Cent,” LL revealed. “And we were writing together on this album. And when it was done, I listened to it. I’m like, ‘It sounds good. I like the music, it sounds cool, but it ain’t me.’ So, I ain’t put it out.”
LL would provide more details, “It was nothing against 50, I love 50. I just wanted to try something different. It didn’t work.”
It’s hip-hop’s 50th birthday and to celebrate, LL Cool J and The Roots appeared on The Breakfast Club to talk about the genre’s culture and impact while sharing anecdotes from their own pioneering careers. One detail revealed by LL in the course of the interview was that he and fellow Queens native 50 Cent once recorded an entire album together — but that LL decided to shelve it himself.
The album was first announced in 2006, right around the height of 50’s reign, with LL saying at the time, 50 reminds me a lot of the things that I used to do and the places I used to be in my life, and I think we can have a good time together. He’s talented and I feel like I have something I want to say — I think he can help me get it off my chest.”
Unfortunately, he wasn’t so fond of the end result. As he tells The Breakfast Club in the interview above, “When it was done, I listened to it. I’m like, ‘It sounds good. I like the music, it sounds cool, but it ain’t me.’ So, I ain’t put it out. It was nothing against 50, I love 50. I just wanted to try something different. Maybe we collaborate, write together … It didn’t work.” The collaboration did produce one of LL’s later hits though.
“50 wrote the chorus on ‘Paradise’ for Amerie, which she sung,” LL notes. “He didn’t write my rhymes … when that happened, I didn’t even know 50 was involved. That was The Trackmasters, they got that done.”
The annual Rock The Bells event occurred at Forest Hills Stadium in Queens, New York. The 2023 festival celebrated the 50th anniversary of hip-hop with an incredible lineup featuring legendary artists such as LL Cool J, The Roots, Queen Latifah, and more. From electrifying performances to surprise guest appearances, Rock The Bells truly paid homage […]
