On December 5, MTV will air MTV Unplugged Presents: LL COOL J From The Rock The Bells Festival, a new special taken from the Queens rap pillar’s 2022 set at the titular festival. According to Billboard, performances will include his songs “All I Have,” “Going Back to Cali,” “Mama Said Knock You Out,” and the song that gave the fest its title, “Rock the Bells.”
In a statement to Billboard, LL said, “I’m honored to have been part of the inaugural Rock The Bells Festival, a celebration of hip-hop’s roots and its future. This festival carries the same energy that inspired my latest album, The Force. It’s just the beginning of what Rock The Bells is building to elevate the culture we love.”
LL revived the once-defunct festival in 2022, saying at the time, “The energy and the goal has always been to elevate hip-hop culture and classic hip-hop culture and not allow all of these talented artists that we have be pushed to the sidelines just because at the current moment they might not have a song at the top of the Billboard charts.”
MTV Unplugged Presents: LL COOL J From The Rock The Bells Festival will premiere on 12/5 at 10 pm ET/PT. You can watch the teaser above.
James Todd Smith, better known as LL Cool J, is one of the most influential figures in hip-hop history. His distinctive voice and clever phrasing caught attention with his first record, “I Need a Beat,” in 1984. A year later, he dropped Radio, which remains an essential release within hip-hop. He’s been active for nearly 40 years now and has created timeless songs and albums that have helped shape rap into what it is today.
Whether you listen to his early work or prefer later hits like “Mama Said Knock You Out,” LL Cool J’s catalog is full of classic material that’s influenced generations of rappers. He’s been able to move with the times without losing himself, truly earning him a place among hip-hop’s all-time greats. Here are five tracks from his career that represent LL Cool J at his best and showcase why he matters so much to this art form we love.
1. “I Can’t Live Without My Radio” (1985)
In 1985, on his first album Radio, “I Can’t Live Without My Radio” was the song that made LL Cool J famous. It represents the early hip-hop culture’s abundant vitality and rebelliousness with its strong beats and tough delivery by LL. This song showed how he could attract people’s attention. Further, it became an anthem of street life for hip-hop culture to celebrate. The achievement of this track helped Def Jam Recordings become a powerful company within the industry. It also confirmed the pioneer status of LL Cool J among other artists of such kind. Until now, “I Can’t Live Without My Radio” remains one necessary tune that reflects what was going on in the eighties related to rap music.
2. “Rock The Bells” (1985)
One more song that stands out from Radio is “Rock the Bells,” which shows off LL Cool J’s agility with rhyming and his ability to command a stage. This 1985 release became an iconic moment in his career as it displayed his capacity to weave intricate wordplay. The relentless energy of this track set it apart from other songs released at the same time. Moreover, the innovative production on “Rock the Bells” by Rick Rubin made it unique. He used low-tech methods designed for maximum impact around LL’s voice. Not only did the single do well but it also helped further establish Def Jam Records’ reputation within hip-hop circles. Even now, many years after its initial airing, “Rock the Bells” remains one of those timeless classics that every fan should have in their collection – a true representation of early days hip hop rawness!
3. “Mama Said Knock You Out” (1990)
The title track from his 1990 album Mama Said Knock You Out is arguably LL Cool J’s most iconic song. Produced by Marley Marl, this track marked a triumphant return for LL Cool J, who faced criticism that his career was declining. The song’s powerful and defiant lyrics delivered a message to naysayers and cemented his legacy in hip-hop history. “Mama Said Knock You Out” also received widespread acclaim and won the Grammy Award for Best Rap Solo Performance in 1991. Its success reaffirmed LL Cool J’s relevance in hip-hop and demonstrated his ability to adapt. The track remains a symbol of strength, celebrated for its impact and longevity in the genre.
4. “Doin’ It” (1996) Ft. LeShaun
Released in 1996 on the Mr. Smith album, “Doin’ It” showcased LL Cool J’s smooth, romantic side. Featuring a sultry beat and flirtatious bars, the track became an instant hit and proved LL’s versatility as an artist. With its catchy chorus and seductive vibe, “Doin’ It” stood out in ’90s hip-hop and R&B. Further, the song, featuring LeShaun, became a success, reaching the Top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100. “Doin’ It” displayed LL Cool J’s ability to create crossover hits that appealed to both hip-hop purists and mainstream audiences. Its enduring popularity highlights LL’s knack for crafting memorable, genre-blending tracks that remain beloved by fans.
5. “Headsprung” (2004)
From the 2004 album The DEFinition, “Headsprung” marked LL Cool J’s successful adaptation to the evolving sound of hip-hop in the new millennium. Produced by Timbaland, the track features a futuristic beat and LL’s signature confident flow. “Headsprung” became a club anthem, showcasing LL Cool J’s ability to stay relevant and innovative in a rapidly changing music scene. The song’s energetic production helped it achieve global success, charting on the Billboard Hot 100 and receiving significant radio play. “Headsprung” proved that even after two decades in the industry, LL Cool J could still deliver hits that resonated with both old fans and new listeners. This track emphasizes his enduring influence and adaptability in the ever-evolving world of hip-hop.
“Dirty Feet” by Daly-Wilson Big Band, “Kitty With The Bent Frame” by Quincy Jones, “Jessica” by Herbie Hancock, and “Shook Ones” by Mobb Deep all walk into a bar. The result? One of the greatest rap songs of all time. Moreover, “Shook Ones, Pt. II” by the legendary duo sampled all these cuts and became one of the genre’s most iconic songs ever, especially for the East Coast scene. It’s a legacy that continues to endure to this day, as the LL Cool J-founded rap organization Rock The Bells recently crowned it the best beat of all time. Other competitors in the top five are A Tr*be Called Quest’s “Electric Relaxation,” Craig Mack’s “Flava In Ya Ear,” “Still D.R.E.” by Dr. Dre, and “N.Y. State Of Mind” by Nas.
That’s one heck of a New York bias, right? Jokes aside, this writer can’t help but agree: few tracks encompass the energy, technique, aesthetic, and cultural impact of East Coast rap and hip-hop at large as well as “Shook Ones, Pt. II.” Whether it’s the crisp drum pattern, the wailing sirens, or the most ominous key line you’ll ever hear, this song is legendary for a reason. One half of the Mobb, Havoc, produced this cut, and for those curious, the panel that judged these top 50 beats had DJ Epps, Cool of Cool & Dre, DJ Scratch, and Torae as its make-up. Funnily enough, RapCaviar‘s same list last year had RTB‘s No. 2, “Still D.R.E.,” as No. 1, whereas “Shook Ones, Pt. II,” RTB‘s No. 1, was their second pick. Watch the panel debate the list down below.
Rock The Bells Panel Discusses “Shook Ones, Pt. II” As The Best Hip-Hop Beat Of All Time: Watch
“I just want to say how honored I am to have ‘Shook Ones, Pt. II’ by Mobb Deep produced by myself, voted number one hip-hop beat of all time,” Havoc expressed about the praise. “I remember being in the projects in Queensbridge. Me and Prodigy just being there trying to make something for the world to hear our voice. And here we are this many years later, being saluted and held as the number one beat and hip-hop greatest of all time. But I just want to say thank you to all the hip-hop fans, rest in peace to my brother Prodigy. He would be just excited— as excited as I am, and I just want to thank all y’all fans, man. Salute.”
Meanwhile, the MC and producer recently debunked a myth about this classic. “You know when a myth [takes] a life of its own?” Havoc said on SiriusXM’s WkndWork. “You just be like, f**k it, you don’t wanna hurt nobody’s feelings, so you just agree with the myth? I be like, ‘Alright, f**k it. Yeah, [the hi-hat on ‘Shook Ones, Pt. II’ is] from the stove.’ The truth of the matter is that the hi-hat that I used on the actual track of ‘Shook Ones’ sounds similar to a project stove.” For more news and the latest updates on Mobb Deep, stay logged into HNHH.
Nas discusses the making of his 2006 album, Hip Hop Is Dead, as well as the advice he’d give to his younger self in an excerpt from LL COOL J Presents The Streets Win: 50 Years of Hip-Hop Greatness. Rock The Bells posted the piece from the iconic New York rapper on Friday.
“I never wanted to give it up. There were times when I felt there was nothing else to say musically,” he admitted. “In my twenties, I felt like the business was boring and too cutthroat. And I felt I was the best at what I did. I watched fellow artists succumb to violence. I saw the art form dominated by people who didn’t love the art form. Instead of quitting, I got reenergized and gave people what I felt with my album Hip Hop Is Dead. I forced people to think about that and prove me wrong—at least, I got them talking.”
ATLANTA, GEORGIA – SEPTEMBER 22: Nas performs onstage during the “NY State Of Mind” tour at Cellairis Amphitheatre at Lakewood on September 22, 2022, in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images)
Later, Nas shared the advice he’d give his younger self. “If I could give my younger self advice, it would be, ‘You have it all together. Keep doing what you’re doing and focus. People hear you. Say more. Do more. Keep helping people around you. And make sure you know it’s great for you to enjoy it all. And take more vacations,’” he shared. “I realize being a Black man is being a part of an incredibly hidden lineage. There is so much more of myself to give to the world.”
The except arrives just months after Nas completed his Magic and King’s Disease trilogies with Hit-Boy. The two dropped their sixth and final collaboration back on September 14. It also comes as Nas gears up for the release of his own book, I Am… The Autobiography. That will be dropping on November 24, 2023. Be on the lookout for further updates on the book on HotNewHipHop in the coming weeks.
Swizz Beatz and Timbaland will receive the Rock The Bells Cultural Influence Award at the 2023 BET Hip Hop Awards when the ceremony airs on Tuesday, October 10. LL COOL J, founder of Rock The Bells, will present them with the award. Fat Joe is set to serve as the host for the evening, marking his second straight year doing so.
Additionally, there will be a 30th Anniversary celebration in honor of Jermaine Durpi’s So So Def label. Its members Jermaine Dupri, Bow Wow, Da Brat, and Dem Franchise Boyz will all perform for it. Other performers throughout the night will include Offset, DaBaby, Fivio Foreign, GloRilla, and Sexxy Red.
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA – JULY 23: Timbaland and Swizz Beatz attend day 3 of Rolling Loud Miami at Hard Rock Stadium on July 23, 2023 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Romain Maurice/Getty Images)
The award for Swizz Beatz and Timbaland comes as they continue to prepare for a third season of Verzuz. Timbaland recently confirmed in an interview with AllHipHop that season 3 will kick off by the end of 2023. “Verzuz is still a baby,” he told the outlet in September. “It was something that was built in the pandemic that’s now a household name. Look how you saying it. Now we back open. To make it have the longevity that we need it to have, we have to reorganize the ship.”
He continued: “I believe that we’re gonna drop some good ones before the end of the year. We’re trying to get at least one good one before the end of the year to recalibrate what Verzuz is going to be in the future.” As far as other awards at the 2023 BET Hip Hop Awards, Marley Marl will receive the I Am Hip Hop Award, and LL COOL J and Rakim will team up for a performance in his honor. The BET Hip Hop Awards ceremony will air at 9:00 PM, ET on October 10. Be on the lookout for further updates on the show on HotNewHipHop.
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 […]
LL Cool J still got it and will never lose it. LL COOL J made a special appearance at the SiriusXM studios, joining Sway Calloway on SiriusXM’s Sway In The Morning. During the interview, LL discussed Saturday’s Rock The Bells Festival in Queens, New York. He also shared exciting details about his upcoming tour, THE F.O.R.C.E. (FREQUENCIES OF REAL CREATIVE ENERGY).
Addressing the rumors, LL Cool J discussed his take on whether Biggie dissed him on the track “Who Shot Ya?” Furthermore, he gave fans a sneak peek into his forthcoming album.
As a treat for listeners, LL Cool J showcased his iconic skills by freestyling live on the air, reminding everyone why he is considered one of the greatest in the game. You can hear the entire freestyle and interview with LL below.
Rock The Bells, one of the most highly anticipated Hip-Hop festivals, is set to deliver an unforgettable lineup featuring iconic artists known for their lyrical and instrumental prowess.
The latest addition to the festival is none other than Hip-Hop royalty, Run-D.M.C. Joining the already star-studded lineup, which includes LL COOL J, these Kings of Queens are set to create a historic homecoming moment for Hip-Hop fans.
Adding to the excitement, The Roots will join forces with LL COOL J and Z-Trip to back his performance at the festival. This collaboration is expected to elevate the musical experience to new heights.
Last week LL COOL J said, “I’m doing this for Queens, for NYC, and for the HIP-HOP culture. There’s no better place for me to perform during this moment in Hip-Hop than my hometown. This isn’t just a Festival; it’s a testament to the power of the culture that changed the world. Get ready!! We are impacting history!! It’s time to Rock the Bells!”
In addition to these announcements, Rock The Bells has previously revealed an impressive lineup. The Native Tongues reunion will bring together Queen Latifah, De La Soul, Jungle Brothers, Monie Love, and Black Sheep for a much-anticipated performance. Another highlight of the festival will be a special melody set by Queens of the Mic, featuring MC Lyte, Yo-Yo, Sha Rock, Roxanne Shanté, and Monie Love, paying homage to the influential women of the genre.
The festival will also feature performances by legendary artists Ludacris, Method Man & Redman, Swizz Beatz with special guests, Salt-n-Pepa, Big Daddy Kane, Rakim, Slick Rick, Fabolous, and many more.
Co-presented by Procter & Gamble and Walmart, the Rock The Bells Festival will return to Queens, NY, on Saturday, August 5, 2023, at the iconic Forest Hills Stadium. With last year’s edition selling out, fans can expect a day filled with incredible performances, unforgettable moments, and a celebration of Hip-Hop culture.
LL COOL J was with Big Boy on Big Boy’s Neighborhood and recalled laughing at JAY-Z when he rapped in high school.
LL mentioned that he didn’t have any issues with Hov and barely remembers the moment. But now, he wonders if it could be what led to no invite to the Roc Nation Brunch. “I don’t even remember it! I laughted at you, so now I can’t have no brunch?” LL jokingly asked.
LL will soon be back on the road. Liv Nation Urban has announced a once-in-a-lifetime touring experience and celebration of hip-hop culture. Rock The Bells and Live Nation Urban The Kennedy Center Honoree, two-time Grammy Award winner, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame® Inductee, and Hip-Hop Icon LL COOL J as the headlining act at The F.O.R.C.E. (Frequencies of Real Creative Energy) Live.
For the first time in 30 years, LL COOL J will headline an arena tour with this historic tour. The lineup for this tour was chosen by LL COOL J himself, living true to the phrase F.O.R.C.E. (Frequencies of Real Creative Energy).
All events will feature collaborative live performances with renowned Grammy Award-winning Hip-Hop band The Roots, the famous DJ Jazzy Jeff, and DJ Z-Trip, building on their incredible performance together on the GRAMMY® Awards earlier this year celebrating the 50th Anniversary of Hip-Hop. The evening will be a continual musical mix up with artist performances intertwined into one continuous musical set, contrary to the typical “opening act – headliner” style, supported by The Roots. Salt-N-Pepa, Queen Latifah, Rakim, Common, MC Lyte, Method Man & Redman, Big Boi, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, Ice T, Juvenile, Doug E. Fresh, Slick Rick, De La Soul, Goodie Mob, Jadakiss, Rick Ross, and more are among the legendary performers on the lineup in some cities.
“I’m excited to be on my first Arena tour in 30 years. It’s proof that our culture is more viable than ever,” LL COOl J says of the tour. “Get ready for some non stop beats and rhymes. See you this summer!”
The F.O.R.C.E. Live begins its journey on June 25 at Boston, Massachusetts’ TD Garden, stops in Brooklyn, New York’s Barclays Center on June 27, travels to arenas throughout the United States and Canada, and concludes on September 3 in Los Angeles, California’s Kia Forum.
Verizon will offer customers an exclusive presale for the tour in the U.S. through Verizon Up. Customers will have access to purchase presale tickets for select shows beginning Tuesday, April 25th at 12PM local time through Thursday, April 27th at 10PM local time. For more details visit Verizon Up.
Citi is the official card of the tour. Citi cardmembers will also have access to presale tickets for select shows beginning Tuesday, April 25th at 12PM local time through Thursday, April 27th at 10PM local time through the Citi Entertainment program. For complete presale details visit www.citientertainment.com.
On Thursday, April 27th between 10AM-10PM local time, fans may purchase tickets through either the Live Nation presale, Ticketmaster presale, or local venue and radio presales. General on-sale kicks off Friday, April 28th at 10AM local time.
TOUR DATES
6/25 Boston, MA TD Garden
6/27 Brooklyn, NY Barclays Center
6/28 Newark, NJ Prudential Center
6/29 Toronto, ON Scotiabank Arena
7/1 Baltimore, MD CFG Bank Arena
7/2 Washington, DC Capital One Arena
7/4 Atlanta, GA State Farm Arena
7/6 Hollywood, FL Hard Rock Live at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood
The roster for the next Rock The Bells Festival was revealed today by Rock The Bells, a global organization formed by LL COOL J with the mission of advancing Hip-Hop culture from its beginnings to the present. The festival, which sold out last year, is co-presented by Procter & Gamble and Walmart and will be held in Forest Hills Stadium in Queens, New York, on Saturday, August 5, 2023.
The renowned festival features artists who are celebrating, curating, and promoting the 50-year culture, including Queen Latifah, Ludacris, De La Soul, Method Man & Redman, Swizz Beatz with special guests, Salt-n-Pepa, Big Daddy Kane, The God MC Rakim, Slick Rick, Fabolous, Boot Camp Clik feat. Buckshot and Evil Dee, Smif-N-Wessun, OGC and Rock & Bernadette Price with a Tribute to Sean Price, MC Lyte, Yo-Yo, MC Sha Rock, Roxanne Shanté, Monie Love, The Cold Crush Brothers, and more.
Rock The Bells created and released a “Set It Off”-themed advertising trailer with LL COOL J, Mike Epps, Salt-N-Pepa, Slick Rick, and Yo-Yo in order to imaginatively disclose the festival roster.
Rock The Bells intended to feature musicians from different eras and pay homage to Hip-Hop classics while choosing the lineup, starting with some of the genre’s pioneers like The Cold Crush Brothers. A memorable song honoring the ladies of hip-hop will be performed during the festival by MC Lyte, Yo-Yo, Sha Rock, Roxanne Shanté, and Monie Love. Fans will only have the chance to see this group of icons together during this year’s Rock The Bells Festival.
“We’ve made it a priority to honor Hip-Hop culture! This is a celebration for artists who paved the way and the legions of fans around the world throughout Hip-Hop’s 50th anniversary year,” said James Cuthbert, President of Rock The Bells. “The stage is set for the overdue acknowledgment and celebration of our culture and the fans who live and breathe it! This lineup represents icons and artists from various decades, cities, and styles, ensuring fans have the best Hip-Hop experience possible.”
Procter & Gamble and Walmart executives are collaborating with Rock The Bells because they value and are enthusiastic about commemorating 50 years of Hip-Hop and its influence on culture.
“Walmart is thrilled to sponsor Rock The Bells and celebrate this monumental milestone of Hip-Hop’s 50-year rise to prominence,” said Allison Rand, Associate Director of Brand Experiences and Talent Partnerships at Walmart. “Hip-Hop has helped shape American culture and communities across the U.S., paving the way for new forms of artistic expression. Walmart shares in this commitment to supporting the unrelenting vision and creativity of the Black community by extending a platform to Black artists, entrepreneurs and makers of all kinds.”
“Returning as a presenting sponsor of the Rock The Bells Festival is such an incredible honor for P&G and our brands like My Black Is Beautiful, NOU, Olay Skin, Old Spice, Head & Shoulders, Febreze, and more,” says Eric Austin, Senior Director, Global Brand Building & Media Innovation. “We share the same goal of supporting and investing in Black artists, content creators and their media platforms especially on the 50th anniversary of Hip-Hop. We are thrilled to be celebrating the impact this culture-defining movement has had on the world.”
While we consider the 50th anniversary of the culture and the 100th anniversary of Forest Hills Stadium, the festival will offer immersive experiences highlighting the influence of hip-hop on fashion, art, and cuisine. Fans can anticipate events celebrating the successful singles and debut albums of early Hip-Hop artists, such as The Great Adventures of Slick Rick‘s 35th anniversary.
More details will be shared through the Rock The Bells Newsletter. Fans can access presale VIP packages and general and reserved tickets here.
