Veteran rapper LL Cool J has been making headlines recently. After releasing his single “Saturday Night Special” and sparking discussions with his comments on Andre 3000’s flute playing, he turned his attention to one of the most talked-about topics in hip-hop today: the Drake vs. Kendrick Lamar battle. During an interview with Hot 97’s TT Torrez, LL Cool J shared his thoughts on the rivalry, providing an insightful perspective from someone who has experienced his share of rap beefs.
In the interview, LL Cool J unequivocally declared Kendrick Lamar the victor in the battle, a sentiment widely accepted among hip-hop enthusiasts. “Kendrick won the battle. I mean, come on,” he stated. “That’s obvious. That’s a no-brainer. And listen, I like Drake. I love his music, he’s a cool dude. We don’t know each other but I like his music. I’m happy for him and everything.” However, the comment that grabbed the most attention was his critique of Drake’s decision to engage with Lamar. “Kendrick… that might have been a bad choice,” he added. “I like him but Kendrick did his thing.”
LL Cool J, often credited as a precursor to Drake’s R&B-infused sound, expanded on the topic, situating both artists within the broader context of rap history. He emphasized the significance of their clash for hip-hop culture. “It was great for Hip Hop culture, don’t get it twisted,” LL noted. “Both of their names will be etched in history because of it.” He also acknowledged the quality of Drake’s disses, even though they were overshadowed by Lamar’s performance. “Even us just talking about it now is etching it into history,” he concluded. “Both of them are super talented, they both did great. It ain’t like Drake completely and utterly played himself.”
LL Cool J’s passionate defense of hip-hop culture comes at a pivotal moment. The rapper-turned-actor is preparing to release his first album since 2013, produced by another hip-hop legend, Q-Tip. The album, set to drop in the fall, features Rick Ross, one of the many rappers who has had conflicts with Drake. Given the ubiquity of Drake’s feuds, it’s almost inevitable to encounter artists who haven’t crossed paths with him.