LL Cool J Shares Michael Jackson’s Advice and Opens Up About Being Compared To Drake: “We’re Very Different Artists”

LL Cool J recently held a virtual interview with Complex News 360, where he discussed an array of topics including being compared to Drake and the advice he received from Michael Jackson.

In terms of the Drake comparisons that have long lingered since Drake first stepped on the scene, LL said that his diversity in music helped to create much of the sound that is heard today.

“I put that love and that female, that vibe in there that gives dudes a lane. People compare me to Drake all the time, but we’re very different artists because I have a lot of hard records. I’m very diverse, but in that aspect of my career, it paved the way for guys like that, which I’m happy for. I like a lot of his music too,” he said.

The 52-year-old also recalled flying on a jet with Michael Jackson and the legendary pop star giving him the advice to, “No matter what you do, never limit yourself. Never ever limit yourself.” LL even revealed that MJ named his album “Bad” after the Queen’s rapper’s “I’m Bad” single.

To many fans’ surprise, LL also said that he and rap mogul 50 Cent had crossed paths in Queens by way of a mutual friend long before the two made it to Hollywood.

“Before 50 did his first stuff, we met.” He added, “Before he was making music, just when we was in the hood.”

The “I Need Love” MC recently inked a deal with Def Jam to release new music and said that the challenges to make new music are more profound in this new era.

“I definitely did a deal with Def Jam to do a record. The question is, ‘what would it sound like?’ ‘what’s it gonna be?’ ‘can I do it?’ You know, It’s like learning to rap again.”