LL COOL J has called out rap veterans who now only make sporadic appearances in the Hip Hop space — and many fans think he was referring to JAY-Z.
During a Friday (August 25) performance of his F.O.R.C.E Tour in Houston, LL took a minute to bring attention to MCs who have eased into their legacy by becoming inactive as performers and recording artists.
“Let me shout it out to all you rappers trying to play mystery man: stop fuckin’ up your legacy,” he said without saying any names. “Get on this goddamn stage, man.”
It wasn’t long before fans began speculating that the comment was aimed at JAY-Z, who he has had a complicated relationship with dating back to Hov’s days as an executive at Def Jam.
“LL is arguably more important to Hip Hop than Jay z ever was,” one social media user commented under the TikTok of the brief rant, while another took a different stance and wrote: “Jay Z doesn’t have to do anything but take care of himself and his wonderful family.”
Some fans even pointed out that the clip’s caption is a reach, with one saying: “Did I miss the part where he called out Jay ?”
@charlesminor79 Ll cool jay calls out jay z for thinking hes too good to rap anymore #fyp#jayz #illuminati #freemasons #hiphop50
Whereas LL COOL J has spent most of 2023 celebrating the 50-year anniversary of Hip Hop, JAY-Z hasn’t participated in any event to honor the craft that shot him into space. Instead, he launched his “Book of HOV” exhibition at the Brooklyn Public Library in mid-July.
The sprawling display is one of the largest of its kind dedicated to a single Hip Hop artist, featuring “thousands of archived objects, including original recording masters, never-before-seen photos, iconic stage wear, prestigious awards and recognitions, as well as videos and artifacts from every facet of JAY-Z’s professional life.”
Though LL and Jay have both denied rumors of there being an overt beef between them, their relationship isn’t entirely regular either. Things really heated up when 50 Cent dropped “I Get Money (Forbes 1, 2, 3 Remix)” in 2007, on which Jigga raps: “I’m already the G.O.A.T. next stop is the billy.”
Soon after, LL appeared on BlokTV and addressed the bar: “I don’t even know why you did that to yourself, instead of doing that verse; you should’ve been doing your job.”
During a listening party for his album, American Gangster, Jay reiterated that the line in question was never meant to be a shot at LL.
“He’s a legend,” Jay said. “I’m not doing that. That type of shit comes back to you …I believe in karma. He’s upset, not me. If he wanna work it out, I’m more than willing to do that.”
I don’t know if he’s talking about Jay or not. But LL is one of the greatest rappers and greatest performers of all time. I don’t agree with everything he has to say but he does make great points. Jay doesn’t have to perform but with the platform that he has which is massive he could have honored or put the spotlight on some rappers that paved the way. Not only was this a chance to celebrate them it was also a chance to help them reap some of the benefits financially. But big ups to Cool J for putting on shows and showing other legends love. Rock The Bells and The F.O.R.C.E tour are some of the best concert series ever!!
U gotta remember, Jay’s in his mid 50’s. There’s not many guys rapping that age and dropping albums every year
You’re talking like Jay-Z is still dropping a Albums and LL Cool J is older than Jay-Z, so there’s no excuse
Jay z is all about money. He became whst he is because of hip hop. Know he think he is above hip hop. Ll cool j would always be the people champion. LL can can always go back to where he came with no security. I can’t say the same thing for jay z.
I agree with you, Jay wants hip hop to be commercialized but only if he benefits from it financially. He pretends to care about the hip hop community, but he is only concerned about his financial gains or status gain. I’ve always been amazed at some many people falling for his game, including fans, artist. I was so surprised when all the vets starting signing to Roc Nation, all of them were doing it based off the influence of Jay, not understanding that he was just trying to sign everybody in order to used them as leverage. Also Tidal was supposed to be this big platform for artist to take control of streaming and counter the big techs from nickel and diming the artist with the streaming numbers etc but it was just once again Jay looking out for Jay. So I’m well aware of Jay Z style. I also remember when Jay was put in charge of Def Jam and it was clear he was put in charge of to flush out real authentic rap and hip hop.
It has nothing to do with dropping albums, everything to do with using your platform and popularity to uplift others that have came before and after you. Look at what LL is doing The F.O.R.C.E tour has some of the biggest legends on it and fans are coming and showing big time love. He’s got Queen Latifa, Common, Rakim, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, Ice T, MC Lyte, Meth and Redman, Slick Rick and Dougie Fresh, Juvenile, Jadakiss
@Z – Nas is still dropping incredible albums.
What’s the proof that he’s talking about Jay-Z or is the media just overly obsessed with GCM think no matter what rapper does it’s always gotta be a way to insert. Jay-Z in the conversation. Why not ask the man
LL would take Jay Z out if they did Verzuz trust me.
Stop your BS
“LL COOL JAY” is pure disrespect.
Jay-Z is a good businessman and a terribly wack rapper with no taste and no flow. LL is a legend. End of the story.
You’re wack yourself for saying some dumb shit like that.
If LL was talking about Jay, I’d expect him to call him out by name. Point blank and not play childish games.
Some of y’all are so lame, Jay doesn’t owe any of y’all 💩
Marcy me
Jay is still rapping and he will be back on a stage soon believe that LL WHERE IS YOUR MUSIC CAUSE WHILE YOU WERE MAKING MOVIES JAY WAS MAKING MUSIC
LL is an ICON.