Emotions ran high at the 2023 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony as LL Cool J paid a heartfelt tribute to DJ Kool Herc, who received the Musical Influence Award. The legendary rapper described DJ Kool Herc, born Clive Campbell, as “one of the great founders of hip-hop” and celebrated his pivotal role in shaping the genre.
During his speech, LL Cool J reminisced about the historic party that Kool Herc DJ’d in 1973, organized to help his sister, Cindy Campbell, raise money for back-to-school clothes. The party charged 25 cents for women and 50 cents for men to enter. LL Cool J emphasized the significance of that event, stating, “We don’t know how much money Cindy managed to raise that day or what clothes she managed to buy, but we know she changed the course of history, of music history. That party has come to be known as the birthplace of hip-hop.”
LL Cool J, DJ Kool Herc & Cindy Campbell
LL, real name Todd Smith who was himself inducted and presented the Musical Excellence Award at the Rock And Roll Hall of Fame two years ago commended Herc for taking his record collection and transforming it into a new form of music that has left an indelible impact on the world. He referred to Kool Herc as “larger than life” and acknowledged how he molded the culture of hip-hop, which has changed the lives of millions of people, including his own.
As Kool Herc ascended the stage with his sister, he was visibly moved, and LL Cool J provided support to help him find his place in front of the microphone. Overwhelmed with emotion, Kool Herc thanked the audience and paid tribute to individuals who were no longer alive, such as James Brown and Harry Belafonte. He also expressed gratitude to his parents, Keith and Nettie Campbell, and allowed his sister, Cindy, to address the audience. Cindy extended her appreciation to LL Cool J and congratulated her brother, DJ Kool Herc, for persevering on his path to success.
Kool Herc’s induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2023 is particularly significant as it coincides with hip-hop’s 50th anniversary. The story of Kool Herc’s role in the birth of hip-hop revolves around a legendary party held in the rec room of his apartment complex on August 11, 1973. As LL Cool J highlighted, this date is now celebrated as the official birthday of hip-hop.
At the event, Kool Herc skillfully spun funk records on two turntables, with a keen focus on drum breaks, all while infusing his love of reggae and toasting with shoutouts to his friends. This momentous gathering marked the convergence of core elements that define hip-hop.
Although the party has solidified its place in music history, Kool Herc himself admitted that his recollections of the event are somewhat hazy. “I remember the equipment, the turntables,” he reflected, adding, “We weren’t a band. But we’re DJs. We’re rock stars now.”
In addition to DJ Kool Herc, this year’s Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Musical Influence Award recipient was the late surf rock legend Link Wray. The event also honored Chaka Khan, Al Kooper, and Bernie Taupin with the Musical Excellence Award, while Don Cornelius received the Ahmet Ertegun Award. The Performer category inductees for 2023 include Kate Bush, Sheryl Crow, Missy Elliott, George Michael, Willie Nelson, Rage Against the Machine, and the Spinners.
Rap legend LL Cool J and Cindy Campbell presented the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame award to Jamaican born founder of Hip Hop DJ Kool Herc onstage during 38th Annual Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame Induction Ceremony at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn New York City on Nov 4, 2023.
