Rapper LL Cool J extended an immense level of gratitude and humility on Saturday night as he was inducted and presented the Musical Excellence Award at the Rock And Roll Hall of Fame.
Dr. Dre welcomed the Rock The Bells rapper at the 2021 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony.
In redefining his “LL” moniker Dre referred to the “Momma Said Know You Out” rapper as a “living legend” and recalled stories of an early ‘LL’ who was the first act to be signed to Def Jam records in 1984.
At 17 years old LL released his first song “I Need a Beat”.
“LL Cool J gave us 13 studio albums over three decades, when I reflect on his legacy the first thing i think about is his incredible range” Dre said to resounding applause.
In accepting his induction he acklowledged his mother and thank Jennifer Lopez and Eminem who joined him in performance on Saturday Night.
After the event at the press conference he continued his thanks and showed appreciation for Rock And Roll music.
“Jimi Hendrix was crazy, like, I was listening to Hey Joe consistently. Guys like Billy Squire with that one song I Got The Big Beat was one of the most important records in the whole hood…we love the genre. It’s just that there were portions of the records and portions of the lyrics that we liked more. We’re Black, Latino (and) we responded to the drums more so we incorporated that vibe into what we do. But, we appreciate Rock & Roll, like, we’re not against Rock & Roll— we’re not anti- Rock & Roll at all… the guys (Rock & Roll artistes) should know that we love them, we know they love us. I know they grew (up) listening to some LL and Dr. Dre. It’s all love,”
he said while speaking to the press after the ceremony.
The 53-year-old has been delayed an induction into the Hall of Fame 6 times before being inducted this year.
The night’s celebration was also centered around Jay Z, who was inducted on his first year of eligibility unlike his fellowe honouree..
In his acceptance speech, Jay noted that the honour was a surreal moment for him when he reflected on his journey.
“…And you know, growing up, we didn’t think we could be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. We were told that hip-hop was a fad. Much like punk rock, it gave us this anti-culture, this sub-genre, and there were heroes in it” He said.
“when I was thinking about what I was going to say tonight, these heroes just kept coming to my mind, Rakim and Big Daddy Kane and KRS-One and Chuck D, and, of course, a fellow inductee, LL Cool J. I watch these guys, and they have big gold chains and leather and sometimes even the red, black, green medallions and whatever they wore, everybody would wear the next day. I was like, ‘That’s what I want to do. I want to be like those guys.’ And so I set out on my journey…”
he said to the approval of hundreds of screaming audience members at the event in Cleveland.
He gave a shout out to his mother Dr. Gloria Carter and his sister who he took time to acknowledge her ‘rock and roll’ hat.
In thanking his original business partners who helped him start Rocafella records he said,
“Shout out to Dame, I know we don’t see eye to eye but I can never erase your accomplishments and I appreciate you and thank you for that, shout out to Biggs one of the most honorable people I have met, we created something that probably will never be duplicated”
After the show Jay – Z took to twitter to thank JAZ-O who was the hometown rapper that first helped the superstar to make an entry into the music business.
“In my excitement , I failed to prize, and acknowledge JAZ-O, he was the hometown hero that made the dream tangible . Thank you good man… ok let me lose this password for another year or so . Thank you all again , incredibly humbled by your love.” he tweeted
The ‘Jigga Man’ inducted by comedian Dave Chappelle and former President of the United States Barack Obama.
“I’ve turned to Jay-Z’s words at different points in my life, whether I was brushing dirt off my shoulder on the campaign trail, or sampling his lyrics on the Edmund Pettus Bridge on the 50th anniversary of the Selma march to Montgomery”- former President Barack Obama
In 2019, the 51-year-old became Hip Hop’s first billionaire thanks to multiple investments in music, the fashion industry and sports. Earlier this year he sold a 50% stake in his Armand de Brignac champagne brand also known as Ace Of Spades to LVMH. Shortly after he announce a sale of his streaming company Tidal to Square for a reported 350 million dollars.
Among the other people inducted into the Hall Of Fame on Saturday night include
Performer Category:
- Tina Turner
- Carole King
- The Go-Go’s
- Foo Fighters
- Todd Rundgren
Early Influence Award:
- Kraftwerk
- Charley Patton
- Gil Scott-Heron
Musical Excellence Award:
- Billy Preston
- Randy Rhoads
Ahmet Ertegun Award:
- Clarence Avant
The 2021 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony will air November 20 on HBO and stream on HBO Max alongside a radio simulcast on SiriusXM Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Radio and VOLUME.
The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame was established in 1983 to highlight some of the most influential bands, musicians and producers who have had great impact on the industry. Some of the other notable inductees include James Brown, Sam Cooke, Elvis Presley, Marvin Gaye, Elton John, Al Green, the Jackson 5, Janet Jackson and Whitney Houston.
