The Truth About Eminem And LL Cool J's Relationship
When legendary rapper, LL Cool J started his career in 1984, he had no idea how big he would become. Between 1984 and now, the rapper has released 13 studio albums, has received several award nominations, won two Grammys, been named one of the greatest artists of all time, and gotten inducted into the hall.
Eminem on the other hand who started gaining recognition in the late 90s has also done incredibly well for himself over the years. Since the release of his debut album in 1999, Eminem has proved himself to be one of the best in the rap game. Today, he is ranked one of the best-selling artists and songwriters of all time. With 15 Grammy Awards, 17 Billboard Music Awards, eight American Music Awards, and many more, there is no denying that Eminem has come a long way in his career. What then is his relationship with LL Cool J like? Take a look!
6 LL Cool J Inspired Eminem To Start Rapping
Eminem had a lot of influences growing up but the most prominent and talked about remains LL Cool J. In a video released in July 2021, the 48-year-old rapper recalled watching the music video to LL Cool J's 1987 track I'm Bad video and ascribed his decision to become a rapper to that video. He said:
"When I saw the “Bad” video, I was like, “the fuck?!” He had the whole package — the look, the swag, the chain, everything! You know, you just wanted to be LL Cool J. He was like the first rockstar of rap. I’m like, “Yo, I wanted that”. That is what actually made me want to rap."
Back in 2018, Eminem also admitted to studying LL Cool J's songwriting skills and obsessing over his diversity as a rapper. With how exemplary he has turned out as a rapper, it is safe to say Eminem's obsession turned out to be good after all.
5 Meeting LL Cool J Was A Dream Come True
Seeing that LL Cool J was an inspiration to Eminem, it comes as no surprise that their first meeting was nothing void of excitement for the younger rapper. The duo first met in 1999, shortly after the release of Eminem's debut Slim Shady and if Eminem's words are anything to go by, it was an intense experience for him. Even more mind-blowing for him was LL Cool J quoting lyrics from one of Eminem's songs. Speaking to LL Cool J on Rock the Bells talk show, Eminem said:
"You quoted a lyric back to me. You said, ‘Yo, how can I be white I don’t even exist.’ You quoting that lyric back to me, was like, I think I s**t myself.”
4 They Are Both Multi-Talented
Best known for his fast-paced rap and vulgar lyrics, Eminem is ranked one of the best-selling artists of all time. But while he is no doubt a god in his own right, Eminem does not restrict himself to music alone. His songwriting skills and acting skills have also come to play in the years since he broke into the entertainment industry. Similarly, LL Cool J has also proved himself to be a multi-talented act. From rapping to acting to record producing and entrepreneurship, he has proved himself to be a force to reckon with in the entertainment industry.
3 They Exchange Gifts...Sometimes
After watching the I'm Bad music video, Eminem had two things on his mind...rap and the chain LL Cool J wore. And he wanted the two just as bad. Since they had not met in person at the time, Eminem's only option was to tell a mutual friend to ask LL Cool J where he got his chains from. In the end, he got gifted the exact chains by LL Cool J. In a documentary series for MTV's Behind The Scenes, Eminem relayed the story saying:
"Since I was a little kid, I always wanted a chain. I was recording with Rick Rubin, and I was like, “Yo, can you ask LL where he got his chains from?” So he had these made and sent them to me. These are the same two chains he’s wearing in the “[I’m] Bad” video. When I saw the “Bad” video, I was like, “What the fuck?!” He had the whole package — the look, the swag, the chain, everything!"
2 They Are Very Supportive Of Each Other
Over the course of their individual careers, Eminem and LL Cool J have been highly supportive of each other. From Eminem knowing even the most uncommon of LL Cool J's songs to willfully appearing on his podcast, these two have proved to fans that their friendship is one built on love and commitment to each other.
1 They Are Teaming Up For A Collaboration
For years now, there have been reports of a brewing collaboration between Eminem and LL Cool J but to date, the highly anticipated feature is yet to be released. Speaking on the delay, LL Cool J said it was for the best, adding that their collaboration would be the best of its kind. The iconic rapper told fans to expect their A-game. Holding them to their words, we can't wait to see what these two have in store for music lovers around the world. Talk about two legends!
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