LL Cool J: November 6, 1991
LL Cool J (born 1968 as James Todd Smith; LL Cool J stands for “Ladies Love Cool James”) is a recording artist and actor from Queens, New York. Across his career as a recording artist, LL Cool J has released 14 studio albums, starting with his album Radio in 1985. Before his visit to SUNY Plattsburgh in 1991, LL Cool J released two major studio albums, Walking with a Panther in 1989 and his smash hit Momma Said Knock You Out in 1990. Walking With a Panther was a stylistically diverse album laced with funk beats and social commentary on the black experience in America.
A year after releasing Momma Said Knock You Out, LL Cool J took his “Power of God” Tour to SUNY Plattsburgh. Following the opening act Riff, LL Cool J took the stage wearing a denim outfit accompanied with ‘Power of God’ written on it in sequins. He performed his hit songs such as “Momma Said Knock You Out.” LL Cool J also announced his next album P.O.G, which was never actually released. During his performance, he threw many things such as towels and chapstick to the audience making one fan faint after grabbing one of his items. Other fans threw their clothes on stage. Although his energy and performance had the fans jumping the whole performance, there were many fans who left disappointed due to the short length of the concert and the ignored chants for an encore. Outside of these problems, fans loved the performance, in which he took breaks from songs to give the students of Plattsburgh words of wisdom, while also stepping on the soapbox encouraging peace and love for all people, no matter their race or identity.
LL Cool J takes his New York flair and masterfully mixes it with southern funk to create a diverse musical experience for all to listen to. He truly brought the funk to Plattsburgh during his visit before going onto perform in many more cities on his tour. Today, LL Cool J is an actor with roles on NCIS, NCIS: Los Angeles, and as the host of Lip Sync Battle.
--James McGarrity ‘20