LL Cool J caused a mild but noticeable stir on Twitter last week after he launched a series of tweets that criticized the new crop of rappers and songs floating around the industry (and internet).
One of the most surprising sentiments was the fact that many people felt the “I’m Bad” MC had no place to comment on the current state of Hip Hop.
Considering LL’s history in the game and the groundwork he’s laid for many millennial rap acts, it’s hard to believe people wouldn’t stand in his corner. So, what gives him such authority in the game?
For those who don’t know, Mr. Ladies Love Cool James was one of the first acts signed to a then-independent start-up label, Def Jam Recordings. Alongside acts like Kurtis Blow and Run DMC, he helped to usher rap into the mainstream spotlight.
He’s also arguably the forefather of the rap-pop movement that many artists we’ve all co-signed and enjoyed have spun into multi-million dollar careers. It could be said that his classic single, “I Need Love,” proved butter-soft love songs in Hip Hop had commercial viability.
He has a track record of going bar for bar with legends, both in a friendly and competitive way, too. It’s easy to forget he had a verse on the classic remix of Craig Mack’s “Flavor In Ya Ear” alongside Notorious B.I.G. and Busta Rhymes (among others). Or that he dropped a 16 on the chart-topping “Monstars Anthem,” which was the lead single off the Space Jam soundtrack.
Then, there are his classic battles. He went toe-to-toe with longtime rival Kool Moe Dee, even dedicating several bars on early ’90s album cuts to the Treacherous Three rapper. He also openly dissed Ice-T (“a brother with a perm deserves to get burned”) on “To Da Break Of Dawn” and went at the super-hyped freestyle spitter Canibus on “4, 3, 2, 1,” which featured the (then) blossoming rapper.
https://youtu.be/H59HshM1lig?t=3m36s
On top of all of this — coupled with the strength of straight up golden era respect and mainstream success — he was a driving force behind TROOP clothing, had a prime time television show and boasts an impressive filmography. Much like Snoop Dogg, Queen Latifah, and others in that lane, he managed to be one of the earliest acts to rise to a level where they transcended the genre and became recognizable pop-culture figures.
This is all pre-millennium. And again — he did it all with bars.
To date, LL has released 13 studio albums and is armed with a rare ability to grow and morph with Hip Hop culture in a way that never really seems forced. From Kangol hats and velour suits to more contemporary styles, he always manages to usher in a warm reception.
This impressive resume is why LL’s word holds so much weight. He was a Platinum-selling artist long before a lot of these younger acts were born and has helped shape Hip Hop culture, so put some “respekt” on his name and try to understand his point of view.
G.O.A.T. 2 coming soon — hopefully.
TL;DR: He can judge because he’s a legend.
My response: Doesn’t mean his shit is any good. The man isn’t wrong, but with his vague statement and his recent music it comes off as Old Head Talk.
Well I have to say, I agree with LL and I am glad he is speaking up. I think Nas did this with Hip Hip is dead and Jay Z with the record death of the auto tunes. I like when older rappers push their boundaries and say enough is enough. I am with LL all the way because the shit out here stinks real bad! I do not turn on the radio anymore because it is that sad! He pave the way for most single hip hop artist. Yes, he has every right because Hip Hop is Dead!
He made Accidental Racist. It’s LLL Cool J now.
LL’s catalog between 85-97 alone gives him the right to say what the fuck he wants. Y’all dissin him only know his 2000s music and Lip Sync show. All he is saying is what many upon many think about this wack shit y’all think is hip hop.
LL helped lay groundwork paid his dues never went to prison married baby mama and has a few coins in the bank…Yeah he can say whatever he wants…Oh and he’s still here
The machine is too big LL – all it takes is labels to wave a advance in front of these fake hustling rappers faces and they will do anything like a puppet. Like the donky chasing the carrot. A rapper that never saw bread before standing up to a label and turning down a cheque?? Probably not gonna happen in this day. That’s why the 90s was so powerful – Mc’s had control and there was a bond. Now with the internet you have media outlets posting anything for clicks and fueling the fire – vicious cycle
That’s right COOL J. he laid foundation. He can say what the fuck he wants … 33 years and going is too impressive. and he’s right … Most are garbage … even the so called mainstream ones… horrible. Our culture can’t grow like this… Please Nas, Jay-Z, LL, EPMD, Ghost, Wu, REmy MA, Pap, Jadakiss, Styles P, Common… Rick Ross, and a few others.. please put out a LP all at once… it would help this … BIg Bio (outkast I’m waiting on 6/16… HELPPPPPP
It’s corny if an OG/Legend ONLY calls out the newer generation for its flaws especially if they’re not giving the newer generation game on how to become better…it just feels like hate! And being that LL hasn’t broken a new artist of his own EVER,speaking on other artists shouldn’t be his lane. Greats like Queen Latifah&Snoop actually helped others get into hip hop and prosper so you value their opinion,L isn’t on that level musically.
And ‘2 Da Break Of Dawn’ is wack Google it!
So does Picasso and Divinchi need to be brought back from the dead so new artists can learn how to paint from them??? NO!!!! Any new artist who wants to learn to paint studys the art that has been left to the world and then makes it his own. He respects the artists that came before him and appreciates their work. Why should music be any different. That shit you said is not only weak as fuck but it is stupid as hell. The problem is none of these young guys are willing to put in the work and effort to create something unique and of quality. Dont blame the guys who showed the world how to be a great hip-hop artist. Pussy ass bitch!
Only problem I have with the new generation is the lame lyrics the whole cross dressing thing is sick, the beats are ok but until they can deliver some diversity in the rap game today its forever stuck in the garbage , I give props to J Cole and Kendrick Lamar these are the only artist today that appear to be in control of what they are dropping out here , The others are str8 Clowns !!!!!!!!
Only problem I have is they”re a bunch of cry baby bitches that want everything handed to them without having to lift a finger.
Because he has a mouth and a brain
If u don’t agree with everything this sensitive ass generation puts out then ur called a hater. There was a time when hip-hop was about lyrics and dressing fresh, dope beats,etc. It was more of a feeling…a style. Music 2day is just sad..and it’s not just hiphop! Where are the modern day Marvin Gaye, Prince, Luther… Who will this generation have to look back on when they’re older? To me music as a whole is dead. Can’t remember the last time I listened to the radio…i do remember that it was bad. LL is a legend… nothing can change that
If anyone thinks LL is soft go and google the break in that happened at his house a few years back. Also anyone saying that he and other old heads arent showing new artist how to be better is straight up bullshit. The guys that paved the way left a catalog, an almanac, a blueprint, a diagram, and an outline for anyone to follow that takes the time to pull their head out of their ass and study the art. Thats like blaming picasso or divinchi for not showing new artists how to paint. Fuck out of here with that sniveling bullshit. These young kids need to grow some nuts for fucks sake. They want everything handed to them. This generation is nothing but straight pussy.
King Hov murdered his old ass and now he does some crappy CIS show to makes ends meet. Remind me when he’s done something relevant? Is he doing collabos with Justin Timberlake or DJ Khaled?
One of the highest paid shows on tv
When did Jay Z Murder LL Cool J on the Microphone? lol They never had Beef. if Jigga was Battling Cool J i’d put my Money on Mr Smith any day. For all those sleeping on James Todd Smith or who are talking trash. Check his Catalog of Classics and go through the list of Emcee’s he’s bodied “Jack The Ripper” (Kool Moe Dee), “Break a Dawn” (Ice T, MC Hammer and Kool Moe Dee), “The Ripper Strikes Back” (Wyclef and Canibus), “4.3.2.1” (Canibus) to name a few. People need to give the Man his props and if you don’t have LL Cool J in your top 5 Emcee’s of all time, you have a lot to learn about Hip Hop. Too many youngsters today seem to think they know what Hip Hop is and they don’t. Some of the new Trap Rappers got some catchy stuff sure but it’s not going to be bumped 20 years from now like LL’s stuff. When you have as much Classics as LL Cool J you can say whatever you want about today’s Rap Game. When he drops “GOAT 2” you new School Rappers will see how it’s done. And much props to Jay Z I’m a Fan but he’s not in my top 5 like LL is
Peace to all the real Hip Hop Heads World wide that know that time it is
production needed: DJ Premier, Rick Rubin, Dr. Dre