LL Cool J explains the link between rappers and money: “It’s just cooler”
Over the years, hip-hop has become highly materialistic, and many older heads are uncomfortable with it. Many don’t understand it, but some newer artists have issues with the direction of their travel, too. However, LL Cool J identified the reason why a long time ago.
Although the incredibly ostentatious way MCs behave nowadays is far beyond anything seen previously, golden-age MCs are just as guilty, except dissenting voices were heard and in far greater numbers. From Questlove to KRS-One, certain lyricists with a particular set of values always had an issue with this unique element of rap music.
Still, the chorus of voices opposing the showy way some rappers dress has settled, although in recent memory, Kid Cudi has spoken about it. In 2014, during an appearance on the Arsenio Hall Show, he addressed the braggadocious nature of his counterparts and expressed how he was tired of hearing the same subjects surrounding money, stating, “I think the money cash hoes thing needs to be deaded.”
He added, “I feel like that’s holding us back as a culture, as black people, it doesn’t advance us in any way, shape or form. We been doing that same thing for years, for four decades, and I feel like if you’re gonna be an artist, there’s a time where you gotta embrace the responsibility and understand that the power of music is so special.”
However, LL Cool J addressed why the culture around showing you have money will always pervade in black culture, regardless of the genre. During a 1987 interview, he explained why it exists despite his hate of talking about race. The ‘Rock The Bells’ legend began, “Look, I hate speaking about this racism stuff, and I don’t even have all the answers. But the way I see it, the majority, not all, but a lot of white people are middle-and upper-middle class.”
He then addressed the crux of the matter, continuing, “They have money, and because so many in their class dress up, it’s cooler to dress down. A lot of black people are seen to be lower-middle class and even poor, and it’s just cooler for them to dress up.”
In LL Cool J’s analysis, MCs have an innate desire to wear designer clothes and buy jewellery as it is (most likely) something that they hadn’t been able to do before becoming famous and acquiring money. The ‘I Need A Beat’ emcee then drew comparisons with white rockstars, stating, “It makes things even. You go to a high school where it’s half black and half white, and the white kids wear jeans with holes in them, while the black kids dress up. Everything evens out.”
Although Kid Cudi’s efforts were admirable and resonated with some people, it is safe to say that it didn’t stop the culture in the slightest, and people still continue to show their wealth. That said, it is not as bad as some people would have you believe.
MCs such as Kendrick Lamar, J Cole, Tyler The Creator and others continue to remain popular without the need for grills, huge chains and bling.