The Covid-19 pandemic continues to run riot across the globe, and with a new, more transmissible variant, even more of our favourite hip hop heroes are struggling to avoid the illness. LL Cool J is the latest rapper to be struck down after testing positive for Covid-19.
The diagnosis has confirmed that LL Cool J will no longer appear at his scheduled headlining slot for Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest. ABC have confirmed that singer Chlöe will take his place.
The rapper has released a statement, “I know it’s disappointing to the millions of fans, but my test came back positive for COVID, which means I’ll no longer be able to perform as scheduled at NYRE.”
“We were ready,” he continued, “and I was really looking forward to ringing in 2022 in my hometown in a special way, but for now, I wish everyone a healthy and happy New Year. The best is yet to come!”
As infection rates continue to skyrocket, the fear surrounding such large-scale events is palpable. ABC confirmed that it would be taking a ‘wait-and-see-approach’ to whether the event will go ahead, deferring to guidance from New York City as to whether they proceed.
The performance was supposed to be a crowning moment for LL Cool J, having been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame earlier this year. Instead, the ‘radio’ rapper will spend his New Year’s Eve watching the show as opposed to starring in it.
