LL Cool J: Re-Learning to Rap

What does it actually take to stay relevant for four decades without losing yourself?

LL Cool J joins Trevor and Eugene to look back at the journey from a kid riding mini bikes and dreaming big to one of hip-hop’s most enduring stars.

He shares stories about Quincy Jones and Michael Jackson, the family values that kept him grounded, and why real reinvention requires letting go of your ego.

Along the way, LL explains why he believes intuition is God’s voice, why cynicism is cowardice in disguise, and how his grandfather’s belief in him helped turn a teenage dream into Radio.

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0:00 - The Origin of Ladies Love Cool James
1:00 - Defining a Genre & Defying Age
2:40 - Who Gets to Call You Todd?
4:43 - Arrogance Can Be Boring
7:03 - The Software That Programs Us
9:39 - Grandmother's Ultimatum: School or Music
12:37 - Why Hip Hop is Obsessed With Longevity
21:06 - Great Art Stays Great Art
25:42 - Relearning How to Rap
29:56 - Discipline: Do It When No One's Watching
32:26 - LL Cool J Is an Introvert
34:29 - The Art of People Watching
37:17 - Grandfather, Turntables & the Album Radio
39:39 - Trevor's Grandmother Knew He Was Coming
45:34 - Cynicism Is Cowardice
47:41 - Knowing When You're Between Storms
54:24 - I Need Love & Redefining Masculinity
1:08:11 - Rock the Bells: Preserving Hip Hop's Legacy
1:09:04 - Measuring Success Beyond Money
1:13:34 - The Peter Principle
1:23:02 - Surreal Moments With Ali, MJ & Quincy Jones
1:32:37 - Luck, Faith & Surviving the Streets
1:37:10 - Gratitude, Empathy & Wasted Potential
1:44:07 - Trevor's Mother Was Shot: A Story of Forgiveness
1:51:51 - Power, Ingratitude & Closing Thoughts

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