Following years of comparisons, LL Cool J has discussed Drake in a new interview and says he paved the way for him.
LL Cool J began his career in the mid-80s and hip-hop fans will remember his hits like “I Need Love”, “Hey Lover” and “Hush” that showcased masculinity in a new light.
In contrast to the violent and often misogynistic themes of traditional gangsta rap that highlighted promiscuity and emotionally detached sexual encounters as aspirational, tracks like Cool J’s 1987 release “I Need Love” flipped the script and showed LL Cool J as vulnerable, emotional and romantic.
Today, the aforementioned qualities can be found in the music of a plethora of rappers but this was rare in LL’s era as “lyricists” and “real MC’s” rarely touched on such subjects.
In a recent interview with Complex News, LL Cool J said, “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.”
LL Cool J also named Jadakiss, Fabolous and 50 Cent as artists that have been able to make romantic rap tracks thanks to his early innovation.
Take in the full interview below.
For more Drake news, listen to Dark Lane Demo Tapes and then listen to the new tracks Drake teased on Instagram Live.