LL Cool J | Questlove Supreme
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- Опубликовано: 6 июл 2024
- Years in the making, LL COOL J sits down with Questlove Supreme for a career-spanning comprehensive interview. The discuss LL's earliest rapping days, his first three albums, and the life and times behind one of Hip-Hop's first superstars. From far-reaching questions about lyrics, acting roles, and chapstick, this is one of the best QLS conversations ever. LL COOL J holds court with charisma, passion, and incredible stories about his past, present, and future.
Original Air Date: November 22, 2023
0:00 - Questlove Supreme with LL COOL J rollcall and catch-up
5:30 - Questlove introduces LL COOL J and why he waited years for the conversation - even after The F.O.R.C.E. Tour
9:30 - What was LL COOL J’s life like a year before fame, in 1983?
11:00 - LL COOL J talks about his time in North Babylon, Long Island when he was dividing his time between there and Queens
12:30 - LL COOL J started writing raps as a child, especially by 11 or 12
14:40 - LL COOL J on battling somebody who inspired him, in Kool Moe Dee
15:25 - LL COOL J’s grandfather bought him his first equipment; he can DJ. He is also heavily influenced by Jazz due to his musical family
19:40 - LL COOL J nearly quit rapping after he could not get signed - Sugar Hill Records was among the labels that passed on him
21:00 - LL COOL J’s “I Need A Beat’ was on his demo; he describes making it as an adolescent
22:30 - LL COOL J’s demo contained something that the Beastie Boys used later during Licensed To Ill
23:00 - LL COOL J named the legendary Chung King Studios; he recalls making initial Def Jam demos with Rick Rubin and those early days
29:00 - LL COOL J trusts his producers as a collaborator
31:30 - Rick Rubin did not like “I Need Love” and LL COOL J explains why - and why he asserted for that song. LL also reveals that “I Want You” was initially made to an Isley Brothers classic that Biggie Smalls later used
35:50 - Def Jam Records executives were unsure about “Around The Way Girl” and “Doin’ In”
37:40 - Questlove asks about the beat history involving with Bob James’ “Take Me To The Mardi Gras,” LL COOL J’s “Rock The Bells,” and Run-DMC’s “Peter Piper”
40:00 - What does Rap stardom look like in 1985?
43:40 - How did LL COOL J avoid the Bridge Wars between the Juice Crew and Boogie Down Productions? And why he never responded to MC Shan’s “Beat Biter”
46:30 - Some more context about the disses at Kool Moe Dee and Ice-T back in the day, and the difference between competition and beef
51:00 - LL COOL J plays his album cuts on tour. Blame Questlove and DJ Z-Trip
52:00 - LL COOL J expanding his sound and collaborators with Bigger And Deffer
54:00 - What was an album recording budget for LL COOL J like in the 1980s?
55:30 - LL COOL J still owns his grandmother’s house. He describes why he writes songs there
58:30 - Walking With A Panther Questlove’s favorite LL COOL J album. LL remembers working with the Stop The Violence Movement by writing for MC Lyte and working with EPMD
1:01:30 - LL COOL J’s father used to manage him
1:03:00 - LL COOL J pivoted the acting, and he took it very seriously
1:04:20 - The role LL COOL J turned down in New Jack City
1:06:20 - LL COOL J remembers the Latin Quarter, a place he was in OFTEN
1:09:40 - LL COOL J on connecting with Marley Marl and the comeback aspect of Mama Said Knock You Out
1:11:00 - The public criticism of Walking With A Panther was deeper than music
1:13:30 - LL COOL J talks about performing his catalog without Pro Tools
1:17:00 - Some lip balm comic relief
1:18:30 - What is LL COOL J’s fountain of youth?
1:20:10 - A funny story involving Questlove and LL COOL J and a landmark chicken restaurant, and another bonus story
1:23:35 - LL COOL J reflects the Mr. Smith album, revealing that he scrapped an earlier version after getting with Chris Lighty, Trackmasters, and Chris Lighty
1:27:00 - LL COOL J talks about his upcoming album produced by Q-Tip
1:27:45 - Why Rock The Bells as a radio station and a company is so important; why Hip Hop is treated very differently than Rock & Roll
1:34:10 - Some Canibus 4,3,2,1 reflections
1:36:30 - Remembering the Phenomenon album and Authentic
1:38:30 - LL COOL J explains what he was trying to do with Brad Paisley collaboration Accident Racist
1:40:50 - LL COOL J revisits some classic songs from over the years
1:43:35 - What is in the LL COOL J vault? He reveals a Dr. Dre beat that was originally his
1:46:30 - Some unforgettable rapid fire questions involving Michael Jackson, The Bomb Squad, the upcoming F.O.R.C.E. album, and some relationship advice
2:02:30 - Flowers and gratitude for LL COOL J
"Thanks LL's mom for making that deal!!!" Hip hop thanks you!!
Required watching for anyone who wants to do anything at all. LL is like "come get these gems" and I am here thinking- Where can I get the "People think success is like hitting the lottery. It's not." t-shirt! I am forever shook up, shook down shook out on that LL vibe!
Word up!
Not really. This method is outdated and useless. This is how it was in the 80’s before internet and now digital streaming. You don’t need A&R’s to blow up now. This is just his story.
One of the best interviews ever! LL is one of favorites. B.A.D. album shaped my esteem as a 6-7 yr old kid in the hood
perfectly put. my lil bro had MJs bad album. i told my mom i needed the *other* bad album.
Wow. Powerful words. Thank you!
Radio. The album that insisted on me falling in love with Hip Hop. Salute LL COOL J
Indeed
i LOVE LL. Going to watch his interviews no matter who's platform he's on.
"Ask Russell Simmons who put 'em up in that skyscraper.
Ask my dogs up at Fubu, who made them major.
LL N___a
Now who's next that need a favor"
True bars from LL.. one of legends..
I love that song.lyrics by LL is hard
One of the best interviews i've heard. Fortunate to have seen LL in 87 in Amsterdam, the MC with the livest stage show, imo. 👊Saw The Roots around 2000 in The Hague. Blew me away ❤. Best memories.
Thanks for this show 🙏 Peace One
Great compliment, thanks for the words. If regarding The Roots, you are welcome to elaborate/send here, based on volume of queries. If referring to LL, perhaps look through RTB.
@@theblendwithin Deleted? Not by us. Could you check again. Seeing the whole thread right now...
I have always loved
Mr. James Todd Smith/ LL Cool J.
I love his talent, he' has always been one of my top favorites!!❤
1st of foremost thank you to all QLS team for such a iconic interview. I teach my kids the History of Hip Hop and LL Cool J is hip hop dictionary I cannot wait the album I'm gonna buy two🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉 please we need part 2
We hope to get a Part 2 someday. Thank you for that... "iconic," indeed
Woooooow #2! The Chung King studio story is an absolute Hip-Hop classic quiz question 😅
Never knew it was LL that coined it... until this convo.
Those Intros Are Golden And LL Rocked It For Us For Decades And Always Delivered Us That New Flavor And Was As Close To A Flagship As It Gets For Hip Hop For A Long Time
🌏🇺🇸☕️🦾↕️🔄↕️🦾🗣️🪞🫵🏽🌈🫵🏽👂🏾👁️🏡👁️👂🏾☕️2024.I’m just saying 🙏🏾. let’s make this make some sense 🗳️🗣️🌈🗣️🦾🦾🌊🌊🌊🌊🗝️20👁️🫵🏽👁️24🌊🌊🌊🌊🦾🦾🦾🦾🦾🦾🦾🦾🦾🦾.
This interview is crazy LL is definitely the GOAT when he said sponney G he took it back. 💪🏾
I honestly can not imagine Hip Hop with out 40 years of LL Cool J! And just to let Y'all know, auto correct on my phone automatically spells Cool J after two LL's 😎! That says how much this one icon 😳 has impacted the world 🌎!!!!👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿
Word up!
Love the podcast. From its inception. Roll calllllllllll....
Still cant believe there's a LL album produced by Q Tip 🤯 that has to be crazy
Have you heard the first single? "F.O.R.C.E." It is out
Delightful, the only part that’s surprising is how this doesn’t happen as often as it should. Hip hop would be in a way better state.
Single has been out for over a year now. Is there a release date for the album? Obviously didn't get a release, fall last yea,maybe this summer?
The Goat 🐐 👑!!!
Wow, thanks guys. I was always curious about the pants leg and if it had anything to do with cycling and his role as a fitness evangelist. It was interesting that it came from seeing bike messengers but he didn't seem to understand that they do it for safety to keep their pants from catching on the chain. Also, if you check the pictures, he always had his left pant leg up. The chain is on the right side of the bicycle! So many questions. Still, great interview. I hope you have him back to clear this up.
Glad to see LL up here! Great conversation & stories. Love the humility he shows to his fans & friends!
He's a Hip Hop Hero.
This was a very good interview wit the G.O.A.T
Thank you
Goat LL
I have ALWAYS looooved LL…even more when I read his book in my 20’s. He is brilliant!! But, finding out he loves GO-GO just took me to the next level with him!! LL is theeee one, and he’s so humble!!! Much love and respect!!
🙏🏾🎤🖤🙏🏾🎤🖤🙏🏾
The 🐐
That’s Drake 🦉.
Wooooow! Peace to LL's momz. Every young male needs that type of support when they have a dream.
Excellent comment. Well-said
We don't have to be talking...LL....is SO RIGHT marriage/ relationship wise...After 24 years of marriage myself that is the TRUTH
LL has no equal!
The GOAT… the original. 16-56. Come on. Think about that. Think about how many eras he survived, thrived and went through. Think about all the artists on Def Jam that came because of him.
Great point.
@tonybravado8231 Exactly L.L. always the first Emcees I thought no one was better than, plus those who doubt listen to I Need a Beat written by a 16 years old L.L. as for lyricism The Original Rock The Bells at 17 years old. That's while he was in his teens
@@YakThaWiseman72 Most definitely 💯
💯
Thank you.
Arguably, one of the greatest drummers of all time and the goat together,wow 0:18
Word up!
LL Cool J. Hip Hop Legend in the flesh.
Thank you for such an informative podcast. LL is the GOAT
Incredible!! I love what he said at the end! 💯🐐🤩💪🏾🎶
Right!?
Woooooow #3. EVERY DJ in here is about to mix "I Want You" and "In Between the Sheets"😅
If you see it out there... shoot us a link... if we don't do it first...
One of the best interviews I've watched in years!!! Thank you
Uncle L 🔥 great interview
Used to run into LL all the time in Queens, and he was cool. He kicked it with us when he had the Porsche 911, no security.
We were side by side buying sneakers at VIM in 89... That was when that Walking with A Panther album was out. That album was and still is fiyaaahhhhh!!
LL is the Michael Jordan of Rap ! This guy figured it out ! LL is the blue print !!!
LL the G.O.A.T.
GOAT
So good he's dose great job on this interview 💜🦋
His Q-Tip album has been hyped for a while. Just drop it already.
LL has always been that type of guy since "85". No big pun intended. Lol!😂
Mr. Goodbar classic joint one of my favorite
LL is too funny in this interview 😂😂
Mr. Charisma...
Another Legend in Hip-Hop, Shoutout to Questlove and the Crew for this interview!!!!!
Shoutouts right back ...
“You can’t be afraid of silence” with the hand shifting… I hear you L! 😂😂😂
I lub, yes lub...me some him. LL, what up B?
This was one of the best hip-hop interviews ever of LL he is the definition when you stand for something you won’t fall for anything👑🎤🔥💨
Excellent interview!!! Some much heritage and culture when James Todd is in the building. 🔥🔥🔥
Hip Hop Heroism.
Nice 👍
Good to hear GO GO mentioned...DMV stand UP
here here
This was dooope 🙏🏼
FINALLY the question is answered that I have always wanted to know. “What kind of turntables did LL’s grandparents get him?” I swear I’ve been wanting to know this for decades. The mixer LL is referring to was probably Realistic Mixer without the crossfader.
Ahhhhh. One of the best comments to read. The Realistic (Radio Shack) jawns...
L.L. Cool J's reason at one, all Emcees wanted to be on Def Jam.
Great interview! I always wish we could hear a snippet of a song when it's referenced. Been playing Flava in ya ear since finishing this. LL is 100% GOAT!
Dope interview y’all
LL and Hit-Boy would be a dope record
This needs a part 2
Here's hoping someday...
love the go-go shout out ❤
Ahhhh. Salute. It all connects...
i loved walking with a panther "im that type of guy"
WORD.
lol I ❤ it.
Peace from New Zealand, Amazing interview!! Been a fan since 87!
cool j 👑
Phonte.....I'm proud of you.....Rep that and you know that
Phontigallo is a king
gets right to it !!! classic episode.
Thank you. We tried to cover all the bases
Woooooow #4. "Explosive"!?!?!...40 joints with Dr. Dre😮
Right!? Here's hoping...
Gratitude
❤️❤️❤️
Uncle L said it without saying it. He gave the next generation of hip hop the blueprint after making the album, "Walking With A Panther!!!" Uncle L Iz My Top 5, Dead or Alive!!!
and that's EXACTLY how it went down..we never did figure out how to program that damn drum machine🤣
Spin Master Finesse this you🧐🧐???
@@ahmadmoore4737
YESSIR..THE ONE THE ONLY
SPINMASTER FINESSE✊🏽❤️
@@ahmadmoore4737
YESSIR THE ONE & ONLY
THE ORIGINAL SPINMASTER FINESSE✊🏽❤️
@@ahmadmoore4737
YESSIR..I am the ORIGINAL TURNTABLE TERRORIST SPINMASTER FINESSE
@@ahmadmoore4737
YESSIR..I AM THE ONE & ONLY ORIGINAL DJ SPINMASTER FINESSE😌
Doo Wop was my favorite song off Bigger And Deffer
Great song
2:03:30 on so heavy and inspiring
Listen Everybody..... If you Really Wanna Know about Music History.....Quest Love Supreme is it. Guess what, a job is what 8 hours a day, listen to 3-5 of these Interviews which are 2-3 hours long. Your work day is done while being Very Educated.
Damn... that's a good job!
LL has a lot of hits on the pop chart. Ironically, his biggest hit on that chart, "Mama Said Knock You Out" is his least pop sounding single.
Hardcore Marley Marl production
@@QLSProducerDj Bobcat production
Let me see you back that bumper kit up
PHONTE IS A FOOL!!!😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂 1:06:32 🕺🏽🕺🏽🕺🏽
Comic relief every time... right on time...
L the god
I love how he keeps it real about Canibus . That battle was crazy
It was, but appears to have a positive ending...
This Interview is dope. Can someone tell me what the Sister said around 50:26. It was something to do with Ice T and it sounds like she said two two something I'm not sure if she's referring to the area Ice T grew up in.
Also what does Phonte's Hoodie say" Thank God for......"
I met LL Cool J many years ago for the second time when he was on Tour for the Ice cream summer fest. Him, Joe, Dru Hill, Monica, Ginuwine and I believe SWV were there too.
One of the most humble and down to Earth Legends in Hip Hop. Looking forward to the new album with Q Tip from A Tribe called Quest my favorite Hip Hop group.
She's referencing the character he plays in Law & Order Fin Tutuola. Cause now days a lot of people know him as that character more than him being a rapper.
I think it says "Thank God For Music" but i could be wrong
Interested to hear peoples perspective on different albums. Quest said that was his favorite album. I remember that summer of 89 that Panther album LL fell off and went commercial. I'm the type of guy song was awful. Summer of 89 Kool Moe Dee came out with the classic Knowledge is King.
Beautiful girl, I need love 💕
I am not a huge quest fan in a somewhat personal matter, I met him twice and was turned off… I’m from Philly. But shit can’t deny an incredible insightful intelligent person that know history and music. He has incredible albums with roots, incredible books.. I have all of them… and yes it’s the best podcast. Go quest… and walking with a panther is the most important rap album ever. Not the best per se, but the most important. Thanks for good questions. These podcasts ask dumb ask questions
Thank you for the honest commentary. We hope your next interaction is a better one... the objective compliment on the podcast means a lot.
Have we asked everything? No. "Pink Cookies in a Plastic Bag" remix lyrics deserved its own segment..
Ha
Come on, man.
Nasir been killing over decades
Who's the bad boy from ny, Dennis Rodman
she should use the microphone tho
Tell me Quest doesn’t look like Barry White!
I love my big bro LL he’s my favorite mc but i disagree with one thing. The run nas has been on has not been done specially from that 80s 90 era. I hope this new force album is a classic and adds to LL already storied career.
Man, most the time is taken up by Questlove asking the questions. HAHAHAHA
bring devante swing out of hiding.
Only Kath Bigelow and David Alan Grier………..are the funniest ones EVER!!!! Even Paul……………
Worst "Tales from the Latin Quarter" ever. 😂 You know he had some good ones.
Haaa. You didn't like those accounts?
That white boy with the hat, was either bored or listening attentively. Lol😅
Suga Steve is a precise listener...
Quest Love? You’re not in the house.
The real reason he didn't do Self Destruction was because he was hanging with All the Drug dealers like Alpo at the time, he was doing coke, he didn't mess with Kool Moe Dee and KRS1 and he was a superstar he didn't want this to be his first time back to the public.
that lady is goofy af
Bet you can’t count how many “you know’s” are said…
Horrible interview they don’t ask the right questions
that intro was awful. no disrespect but talent and skill are not the same. the roots are adept but talent is lacking. moving on.
False. They are clearly just playing around and that isn't The Roots, that's just Quest by himself. The rest of them aren't even a part of the Roots. And that dude Phonte is a better rapper than most of that artists on your all time lists
@@popeye697 kid, do you know who I am? I know that isn't the roots. but everyone at the table except LL like the roots, which means they don't understand themselves or music as a whole. you clearly aren't old enough to have even existed when the best music came out. notice how you assumed I thought the table was the roots? read it again. literacy involves clearly understanding context. its your responsibility to do so before replying. otherwise, you end up making a fool out of yourself. further, you have been triggered by my pointing out how music you have been brainwashed to "enjoy" and voluntarily extrapolated your depth of delusion. that delusion; you are capable of or have some god-given right to condescend to people whom you have never met, weaponizing your faulty opinion
47:04 Look up the song What Cha Hood Like by LL. He mentions Kool Moe Dee Kicking him out the studio
ruclips.net/video/hL2KsZoXgyU/видео.htmlsi=Pdjm07nCoUnEUnfC
Ahhh. Great connection.
Yeah I had a cd I put together with that joint and a few more unreleased LL joints a while back
@@1CHOZN7 He has a bunch of unreleased joints. It’s crazy how big his Underground catalog is.
@@curtis75black facts
Unc dropped several gems✊🏿