LL COOL J recently appeared on Sway In The Morning to discuss the highly-anticipated Rock The Bells Festival, set to take place on August 5th in Queens, New York. With an incredible lineup that includes Queen Latifah, Ludacris, De La Soul, Slick Rick, Rakim, and many more iconic artists from the golden age of hip hop, LL was understandably excited to share details about the upcoming show. But that wasn’t all he talked about! In this blog post, we’ll break down LL’s interview with Sway, including his comments on the rumors that Biggie dissed him on “Who Shot Ya?” and his upcoming album, ‘The F.O.R.C.E.’.
LL started off the interview by expressing his excitement for the Rock The Bells Festival, which he described as “a movement for the culture”. He explained that the festival was a way to bring back the essence of hip hop from the 80s and 90s and showcase the pioneers who paved the way for the artists of today. LL was especially thrilled to have so many formidable female MCs on the bill, including Queen Latifah, Monie Love, MC Lyte, Roxanne Shanté, and MC Sha-Rock. He emphasized the importance of recognizing the contributions of women in hip hop and giving them the respect they deserve.
Sway also asked LL about the rumors that Biggie had dissed him on the classic track “Who Shot Ya?”. For years, fans had speculated that the song was a subtle jab at LL, but LL put those rumors to rest once and for all. He explained that he and Biggie were actually friends and had never had any beef. LL revealed that he had even spoken to Biggie’s mother, Voletta Wallace, about the rumors and had received her blessing to set the record straight. He reiterated that there was no bad blood between him and Biggie, and that people should focus on the positive relationships in hip hop rather than the drama.
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LL also discussed his upcoming album, ‘The F.O.R.C.E.’, which is being produced exclusively by Q-Tip of A Tribe Called Quest. He described the album as a return to his classic sound. LL said that he wanted to make an album that was timeless and could be played 20 years from now and still be relevant. He credited Q-Tip with helping him achieve that vision by providing a fresh and innovative sound that complemented his lyrical prowess.
In addition to talking about the festival and his new album, LL also shared some insights about his approach to longevity in the music industry. He talked about the importance of staying true to yourself and your craft and not chasing after trends. He encouraged up-and-coming artists to focus on developing their own unique sound and having patience when it comes to building a fanbase. LL emphasized that success in music is a marathon, not a sprint, and that it’s important to stay committed to the long game.
LL COOL J’s appearance on Sway In The Morning was a must-listen for any hip hop fan. He provided fascinating insights into the upcoming Rock The Bells Festival, addressed long-standing rumors about his relationship with Biggie, and gave fans a taste of his upcoming album, ‘The F.O.R.C.E.’. But perhaps most importantly, LL reminded us of the enduring power and influence of the pioneers of hip hop, and the importance of continuing to honor and celebrate their legacy.
