The latest episode of the Baller Alert Show, hosted by Ferrari Simmons, BT, and Jojo Alonso, featured the legendary rapper and actor LL Cool J. The discussion ranged from LL’s hands-on approach to social media to his thoughts on the evolution of hip-hop and maintaining fitness.
Managing Social Media
One of the surprising revelations was that LL Cool J manages all his social media pages himself. When asked why, he said, “I’m a nerd, you know? I want to be able to know what’s going on and I want people to hear from me directly.” He explained that having someone else manage his accounts wouldn’t capture his authentic voice.
Origin of LL Cool J
LL Cool J, whose real name is James Todd Smith, shared the story behind his iconic name. “I was 16, and I was in a crew where all the dudes had names that applied to going after females,” he explained. “So, LL was Ladies Love Cool James.”
Early Days with Def Jam
He also talked about being the first artist on Def Jam, a label he helped to start at just 16 years old. “Def Jam was a production company, and we turned it into a label. I sent in a demo, and we started the label with Russell Simmons and Rick Rubin,” LL recounted. He noted that Def Jam was initially independent before signing a major distribution deal with CBS.
Hip-Hop Then and Now
Reflecting on the changes in hip-hop, LL acknowledged the democratization brought by the internet. “Now, everybody can play in the NBA of hip-hop,” he said. “When I first started, you couldn’t play unless you had a certain skill set. The internet changed that.”
Staying Relevant and Evolving
When asked about staying relevant, LL emphasized authenticity. “You can’t fake create. You have to do what you love,” he said. He stressed the importance of understanding the current mindset to make music that resonates with people. “If you don’t know that people are still smelling pissy elevators or sleeping on the floor to avoid gunshots, you’re not going to make music that matters.”
Fitness and Longevity
The conversation also touched on fitness, with LL sharing his routine. “I work out a minimum of four to five times a week, focusing on stamina,” he said. LL highlighted the importance of listening to your body and maintaining a balanced diet. “Right now, I’m not eating meat and chicken, just fish and shrimp,” he noted.
Legacy and Impact
On the topic of legacy, LL Cool J was humble. “Nobody gets to correct their tombstone. It’s about being in the moment and planting seeds,” he said. He advised against getting too caught up in comparing oneself to others, which can lead to a negative mindset.
Parting Wisdom
The episode concluded with LL’s pep talk, offering words of motivation: “You can do anything you put your mind to. Be open to receiving what you want and go for it wholeheartedly. And remember, to be a winner, you have to be comfortable with the idea that you might lose.”
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