Some would say that the song “I Need Love” made it cool for rappers to create music exposing their vulnerable thoughts and emotions. Who knew that James Todd Smith would inspire so many reincarnations of his pseudo Ladies Love Cool James with the 1988 street classic in the form of a rapping and singing Ja Rule, 50 Cent, Drake, Lil Wayne, and an entire generation of rappers?
The flagship artist of Def Jam Records has been deemed the G.O.A.T. of hip hop and part of the second coming of the hip hop founding fathers. Now a multi-faucet recording artist, thespian, and curator of the Rock The Bells movement, LL Cool J didn’t churn out 13 studio albums, star as lead on his very own TV show, In the House, and later NCIS: Los Angeles, and become the go-to celeb for award show hosting duties without a few lessons along the way.
In an interview with Gillie and Wallo of Million Dollaz Worth of Game, LL Cool J discusses his journey from his beginnings as a 16-year-old aspiring rapper from Queens, New York to a respected hip hop legend upholding the origins of the culture 50 years after its introduction.
Here are a few gems the “Mama Said Knock You Out” rapper dropped in the insightful interview.
LL Cool J On Evolving
At one point in LL’s career, he was “putting on” clothing brands by wearing them during music videos, public appearances, and cover stories, but he wasn’t receiving any equity in the brands that he was publicizing. As time passed, he improved his business acumen and was able to secure equity in the popular ‘90s streetwear brand known as F.U.B.U., an acronym that means For Us By Us. That lesson made him a better businessman when it was his turn to provide opportunities. When he created Rock The Bells, he made sure that the pioneers of hip hop obtained equity in the company.
“One thing about deal-making, you got to understand the dynamics of the situation and act accordingly. When the rabbit sticks its head out the hole, the hawk strikes.” -LL Cool J
LL Cool J On Being A Gentleman
A major lesson that people of today need to hear is how to conduct themselves if they choose to be in the streets. The aggressive bravado and machismo behavior of modern hip hop culture may serve in the capacity of views and clout online, but in the real world it can lead to destruction and death. LL recommends that people move with more tact and awareness. It just might save your life.
“Just interacting with guys, what you learn is that it’s always better to be a gentleman. There are dudes in the street that are cowboys, but that don’t last long…The real vibe is to be a gentleman.” -LL Cool J
LL Cool J On Increasing Your Market Value
To LL, diversifying your skill sets increases your worth. As an entertainer, his transition to television and film came out of a stagnating moment in his music career. It was the best thing that could happen to him because it led him to more streams of income, eventually giving him a better asking price as his value grew.
“A smart rabbit has more than one hole. You got to give yourself options. So, if I quote a number, it’s a real number. I’m not bluffing…I definitely want that market value.” -LL Cool J
LL Cool J On Putting In The Work
Humble beginnings are just the introduction to the story you’re writing with your life. LL has learned that doing your best even when others fail to recognize you in that space will pay off, even if it’s in another capacity. His advice is to always do the work.
“Put all of your energy into what you do because people will recognize it. And also, no ego. Take the job! Don’t worry about the neighborhood. Don’t worry about how people are looking at you…Take the job and turn it into something amazing…It’s just a matter of finding your niche and believing in yourself.” -LL Cool J
LL Cool J On Making Your Dreams Happen
If it’s not apparent by now, LL leads his life with positive affirming beliefs that build him up. It’s the very reason why he’s maintained the same confidence and hunger that he’s had since a jit. He utilizes a combination of things to make his dreams happen, including his faith in God and generosity towards others.
“You got to believe that it’s possible first…You always make sure your objectives match your strategic capabilities… You got to believe in the beauty of your dreams. You got to believe in yourself. You got to write your goals down and you got to take action, go after it, and everyday whatever you do should be getting you one step closer to what your dream is.” -LL Cool J
The Million Dollaz Worth Of Game interview can be accessed on YouTube. Information about the Rock The Bells Festival is available at RockTheBells.com.
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