Hip Hop Awards 2022: Five Things You Probably Didn’t (But Should) Know About LL Cool J
At the 2021 BET Hip Hop Awards, legendary emcee and co-founder LL Cool J presented the Rock the Bell’s “Cultural Influence Award” to trailblazing rapper Tyler, the Creator. The Queens native was one of several Hollywood figures who attended the annual event. This year’s celebration is sure to be filled with plenty more celebrity guest appearances, show stopping performances, and unforgettable winner’s moments.
Ahead of this year’s show, get to know this veteran presenter a little better, and don’t forget to tune into the 2022 BET Hip Hop Awards airing Tuesday, October 4, at 9 PM ET/PT on BET.
He appeared in a film before releasing his debut rap album
Just before the release of his debut studio album, Radio, which featured his breakthrough hit ”I Need a Beat,” the legendary New York emcee scored a cameo 1985 musical comedy-drama film Krush Groove.
The movie also starred several iconic musical figures, including Kurtis Blow, Sheila E., Rev. Run, and many more.
He scraped his first stage name because of a drug reference
Before picking up the moniker Ladies Love Cool James, or simply LL Cool J, the then ambitious emcee went by J-Ski. However, the rising star dropped the tag after the trend of rappers calling themselves something with “Ski” or “Blow” quickly grew. At the time, it was also becoming associated with cocaine culture.
He made history at Def Jam
LL was just 15 years old when he wrote this record, “I Need a Beat,” that would earn him his record deal with the iconic Def Jam. The partnership made the promising entertainer not only the label’s first solo artist but also their youngest.
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He once put his onscreen skills to the test
LL has made an illustrious acting career for himself, having starred in films in authoritative positions, including “S.W.A.T.” and television shows such as NCIS and NCIS: Los Angeles as Special Agent Sam Hanna. However, in 2012, an intruder fell at the hands of the rapper’s fight training after trying to rob the entertainer’s home around two in the morning. LL not only stopped the robbery, but he held the suspect until the police arrived.
He’s quite the author
Some fans may be wondering if there is anything LL can’t do. Aside from rapping, acting, and hosting, the industry veteran has written four books, including 1998's I Make My Own Rules, an autobiography co written with Karen Hunter. His second book was the children-oriented book called, And The Winner Is... published in 2002
Watch the Hip Hop Awards on Tuesday, October 4, at 9 PM ET/PT on BET
