LL Cool J clears up unflattering rumors, revisits his Canibus beef, details a life-or-death home invasion, and more on #DrinkChamps [VIDEO]
LL Cool J Breaks Down His Journey in Exclusive Drink Champs Interview
In an electrifying appearance on Drink Champs, LL Cool J, one of hip-hop’s most influential and enduring icons, sat down with hosts N.O.R.E. and DJ EFN to unpack decades of cultural impact, music industry moves, and personal anecdotes that showcased his irreplaceable role in shaping the genre.
The King of Queens and His Lasting Impact
N.O.R.E., with palpable admiration, dubbed LL Cool J “the King of Queens,” a title well-earned given his monumental contributions as one of the pioneers of hip-hop. As a trailblazer from Queens, LL Cool J’s rise to fame set the stage for a legacy of artists from the same borough. N.O.R.E. highlighted LL’s pivotal role, noting that he opened the door for heavyweights like Nas and Mobb Deep while also influencing today’s hitmakers, such as Drake. LL humbly accepted the praise, reflecting on the pressures of being an innovator. “Hip-hop is a complex thing,” LL shared. “You gotta have courage to do what you love and believe in, even if people don’t immediately get it.”
The impact of LL Cool J’s early years, from battling in basement clubs to dominating stages worldwide, was profound. His songs, ranging from street anthems to romantic ballads, have become timeless. LL emphasized that, while many try to categorize his music, his diversity has always been intentional, and his catalog remains unmatched.
Balancing Hard and Love Records
LL Cool J’s versatility has always been his hallmark. On Drink Champs, he opened up about breaking into the hip-hop world as a “good-looking guy,” which, he explained, made him a target and necessitated constantly proving himself. Tracks like “I Need Love” showcased his vulnerability, while “Mama Said Knock You Out” reminded everyone of his lyrical ferocity. “It takes balls to do what you want,” he emphasized. “I did hard records, love records, and everything in between.” This ability to traverse multiple sounds set LL apart, giving fans a comprehensive view of who he is both as an artist and a person.
“Mama Said Knock You Out” became an anthem, embodying LL’s defiance and hunger to prove himself. “When I recorded that, I was on a mission,” LL shared. “I wanted the world to know I was still here, still hungry, and not backing down from anyone.” Conversely, songs like “Around the Way Girl” illustrated his knack for storytelling and celebrating the everyday women he admired.
The Mystery Behind ‘Pink Cookies in a Plastic Bag’
One of the most surreal and hilarious moments of the episode was when N.O.R.E. pressed LL for the meaning behind the cryptic lyric: “Pink cookies in a plastic bag getting crushed by a building.” Fans have speculated about its meaning for years. LL’s explanation? A spontaneous, weed-influenced comment during a casual phone call. “I was just talking, and it became a song,” he laughed, noting that the randomness somehow resonated with fans and became legendary. This moment highlighted LL’s ability to create memorable lyrics, even when inspiration struck in the most unpredictable ways.
The Canibus Controversy: A Serious Reflection
The conversation took a more intense turn when N.O.R.E. broached the subject of LL’s infamous feud with Canibus. LL Cool J candidly addressed the rivalry, sharing how a simple misunderstanding over a compliment about a tattoo spiraled into one of hip-hop’s most talked-about beefs. Canibus, who was rising in the industry, included a reference in his verse that LL found offensive. “When I heard his bars, I just couldn’t understand it,” LL explained. “So I responded.” This led to a series of diss tracks, with LL’s retaliatory bars hitting hard enough to derail Canibus’s momentum. Reflecting on the feud, LL recognized the power he wielded at the time. “You step on my toes, you’re messing with my pockets,” he said. “I had to defend myself, but I also know how it impacted him.”
Despite the fallout, LL expressed no lingering animosity. “It’s a part of the game,” he added, acknowledging the competitive nature of hip-hop while recognizing the beef’s lasting legacy in the culture.
Diversifying His Legacy: Acting, Business, and Beyond
LL Cool J’s evolution extends far beyond music. His foray into acting, with roles in films like “Deep Blue Sea” and TV shows like “NCIS: Los Angeles,” proved his versatility. He explained how opportunities in Hollywood allowed him to reinvent himself while still honoring his hip-hop roots. “Dreams don’t have deadlines,” he wisely remarked. His global success with Lip Sync Battle is a testament to his ability to stay relevant and engage new audiences. “You’ve got to be willing to pivot and seize opportunities,” he said, underscoring the importance of adaptability in an ever-changing industry.
A Frightening Night: The Home Invasion Story
A particularly gripping moment in the interview came when LL recounted a terrifying experience—a home invasion that could have ended disastrously. “It was 1 a.m., and there he was, all dressed in black,” LL said, describing the intruder who had broken into his home. Acting purely on instinct, LL subdued the man until the police arrived. “Fighting for your life is different,” he admitted. “There’s no script for that.” The ordeal, though harrowing, demonstrated LL’s toughness beyond the music industry, a quality that has defined his entire career.
Honoring Chris Lighty: A Heartfelt Tribute
The late Chris Lighty, a legendary manager and figure in hip-hop, held a special place in LL Cool J’s heart. Reflecting on their relationship, LL shared stories that shed light on Chris’s loyalty and impact. “Chris was a real one,” LL said, recalling how Lighty managed him differently, knowing LL was already a well-established artist. The anecdotes painted a vivid picture of a man who shaped the careers of many, leaving a void that still lingers in the hip-hop community.
Closing With Respect for Hip-Hop Legends
True to Drink Champs tradition, the interview ended on a note of reverence. N.O.R.E. showered LL Cool J with flowers, metaphorically speaking, recognizing his foundational role in hip-hop. “If it wasn’t for you, there wouldn’t be a Nas, there wouldn’t be a Mobb Deep,” N.O.R.E. declared passionately. LL, ever the gracious legend, offered parting words that encapsulated his journey. “I’m in Hollywood, but I never went Hollywood,” he said, reminding viewers of his unwavering connection to the culture.
The Drink Champs episode served as a compelling reminder of LL Cool J’s indomitable influence, blending humor, vulnerability, and wisdom. It’s clear that his story is far from over; rather, it’s a legacy still being written, one groundbreaking chapter at a time.