LL Cool J recently revisited his roots in the St. Albans neighborhood of Queens, New York, reflecting on his enduring connection to the area that shaped his career. “I love this hood, man,” he expressed. “Love this neighborhood. Love everything about it. Love the energy. I made a name for myself rappin’ around here.”
Four decades after his debut, LL Cool J remains a significant figure in hip-hop history. At the MTV Video Music Awards last week, he was honored for his remarkable career achievements. Despite his iconic status, LL Cool J shows no signs of slowing down.
When asked about the secret to his lasting appeal, LL Cool J attributed it to his passion for music. “I just continuously do what I love,” he said. “An apple tree keeps giving fruit, an orange tree keeps giving fruit, until it’s gone. So, I just keep giving.”
His career began in the basement of his grandmother’s house in Queens, where he crafted some of his greatest hits. “You’re in the museum,” he said. “You in Graceland, baby.” LL Cool J still cherishes the old demo tapes and handwritten rhymes from those formative years, noting that he wrote classics like “Rock The Bells,” “I Need Love,” and “I’m Bad” in that very space.
