LL Cool J endured a shocking childhood experience involving his father, mother, and a gun.
The 56-year-old, whose real name is James Todd Smith, sat with British podcast label ‘Great Company’ on a press tour following the release of his studio album ‘The FORCE’. The musician also detailed his career and musical life.
During the interview, host Jamie Laing asked the Queens rapper about watching his father harm his mother and the rapper didn’t pull any punches.
“He shot her and he shot my grandfather,” the New York native admitted to the media. “I was only 4 years old but I was there,” he said of the conflict that began with his father’s jealous rage over being separated from his mother.
If that wasn’t shocking enough, the “Headsprung” host revealed that his grandfather – believed to be a veteran – was bleeding on the floor, however, he still tried to tell the future star “go back” to your room.
“I was walking and the bullet hit the refrigerator. Mom was lying right there and he said ‘Go back. Go back,'” he said of the violence unfolding in his kitchen. The star recalls taking the towel and giving it to his grandfather.
The “Mama Said Knock You Out” rapper affirmed that in that moment he soon learned how to follow instructions. “He was very calm and that taught me to be calm,” LL said of his grandfather. “It’s strange but you know you learn early.”
The father of four also humbly declared to the host that one day people will wake up and realize that he is the most important rapper to ever exist.
LL Cool J – short for “Ladies Love Cool James” – has released his 14th studio album, “The FORCE”, nearly 40 years after releasing his debut album “Radio”, which included legendary hits including includes “I Can’t Live”. Don’t Have My Radio,” “Rock The Bells” and “I Can Give You More.”
— Initial report on Enstarz
Tags LL Cool J, Shooting