The New York rapper also disclosed that he has been listening to Young Nudy, Cordae, and GloRilla lately.BY Malcolm Trapp/9.6.2024

LL COOL J has been in the business for nearly four decades, and while many of his colleagues may be less receptive of newcomers, the New York icon says he’s still listening. In an interview with “The Breakfast Club” on Friday (September 6), he praised today’s generation of rappers.

“I like everything. “I was listening to Young Nudy today,” the creator of “I’m Bad” told hosts DJ Envy and Charlamagne Tha God. “I appreciate the Lil Durk stuff, but I prefer the Cordae. You can completely reverse it. I enjoy some of GloRilla’s work, including the records she’s released.”

“I enjoy Hip Hop culture. People believe I go home, stand in a corner, melt into the wall, and have no idea what the hell is going on in the world, but I’m genuinely paying attention,” he added.Later in the chat, LL was asked about his decision to collaborate with Saweetie, who is often ignored as a lyricist in compared to her colleagues. “I liked her in ‘Best Friend’ with [Doja Cat], and I thought she was cool. I liked her name and thought it was cool. I was like, ‘Yo, let’s put her on [Proclivities],’ and that was all,” he said. “At the end of the day, it was an opportunity for her to improve, so she took her time and focused on that project. If anyone else wants to be on it, good luck!”

The FORCE, LL’s 14th studio album, debuted on streaming platforms at midnight. The 14-song project included “Murdergram Deaux” starring Eminem, the Rick Ross and Fat Joe-assisted “Saturday Night Special,” and others. Other guests include Snoop Dogg, Busta Rhymes, Nas, and Sona Jobarteh, among others.