CLEVELAND, Ohio -- LL Cool J was recognized for musical excellence at the 2021 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony.
Backstage, he talked about why hip hop is essential.
“(Hip hop) changed our lives. Me being a kid from Queens, it gave us an opportunity to express ourselves creatively and artistically and to really level up,” he said. “It made me feel empowered. It was the first time I heard kids who looked like me singing something that sounded powerful.”
He continued, “It’s not only for the Black kids. It’s for kids all over the globe. It’s connected us.”
“It’s one of the great forces in culture and music and I’m happy the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame has expanded to include other genres and I definitely love representing hip hop,” he said.
LL Cool J’s induction, which included performances by Eminem and Jennifer Lopez, can be seen when the ceremony airs on HBO on November 20.
COMPLETE ROCK HALL COVERAGE
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame ceremony dazzles with superstar surprises and powerful performances
Jay-Z brings larger than life presence to Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Ceremony
Foo Fighters close out Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Ceremony with Paul McCartney
The Go-Go’s stage an endearing comeback at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Ceremony
Tina Turner owned the crowd at the Rock Hall Ceremony without even being there
Carole King calls Taylor Swift’s Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony performance ‘amazing’
LL Cool J brings Eminem, J.Lo and humility to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Ceremony
Taylor Swift kicks off Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Ceremony with Carole King tribute
See red carpet photos from the 2021 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony in Cleveland
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Ceremony: Live coverage, real-time updates from Cleveland