LL COOL J Opens Up About His Mistakes and Connection to André 3000
LL COOL J, the iconic rap legend, recently appeared on LeBron James’ The Shop and openly discussed his career and discography. During the conversation with fellow guest Lena Waithe, LL Cool J admitted that he has made some “bad albums” over the years, alongside some extremely impactful and innovative work.
Reflecting on his creative process, LL Cool J shared, “I’m a little bit of a weirdo, B. Sometimes I make records in a vacuum just because it’s for me and then sometimes I make albums for the culture. I’m very different in that regard, so you can’t really gauge my albums like that ’cause I don’t make all my records for the culture.” This candid admission showcases his unique approach to music-making and the diversity within his discography.
The conversation then shifted to André 3000, another legendary artist who took a bold step in his career by releasing an entirely instrumental album, “New Blue Sun.” LL Cool J drew parallels between his own artistic choices and André 3000’s shift towards showcasing his woodwind skills through the flute, theorizing that both artists have used their music as a form of personal expression, regardless of mainstream expectations.
André 3000’s solo project “New Blue Sun” garnered mixed reactions from fans and critics alike. Some listeners expressed disappointment over the ambient instrumental tracks, especially after a 17-year gap since his last full-length album with OutKast. Despite this, André 3000 remained introspective, acknowledging both the polarizing responses from fans and his own evolution as an artist.
During an interview, André 3000 addressed the criticisms, stating, “Even on the artwork it says, ‘No bars,’ so if you’re disappointed, man, I don’t know what else I could do. I don’t like that people are upset a little bit about it.” He emphasized the importance of artistic growth and authenticity, even if it means deviating from fans’ expectations.
Reflecting on his past as a dedicated rapper, André 3000 shared, “I don’t sit and try to rap every day like when I was younger, and that’s all I did. I miss those times a lot, but life changes, life moves on.” This sentiment highlights the inevitable evolution and exploration that artists undergo throughout their careers.
Despite the diverse reactions to “New Blue Sun,” LL Cool J’s comments offer a fresh perspective on the importance of artistic freedom and self-expression in the music industry. By embracing experimentation and staying true to their creative instincts, both LL Cool J and André 3000 exemplify the transformative power of music beyond conventional boundaries.
As fans and critics continue to dissect and debate the significance of André 3000’s instrumental project, it becomes evident that true artistry transcends expectations and challenges conventional norms. With LL Cool J’s candid reflections and André 3000’s innovative musical choices, the boundary-pushing nature of hip-hop and rap remains as vibrant and dynamic as ever.
