In a recent interview, legendary rapper LL Cool J made a bold claim - that he was the first rapper to wear Air Jordan sneakers, even before Michael Jordan had won any championships.
LL revealed that on the cover of his debut album "Radio" in 1985, he was rocking the iconic black and red Air Jordan 1s. This was during Michael Jordan's rookie season, before he had become a global superstar.
"Michael Jordan was a rookie when I did that. Everyone was wearing Adidas and Puma, bro. I put the Jordans on. He ain't even have no championships. He was just a rookie. I liked the sneakers," LL told Big Boy.
This revelation sheds new light on the early crossover between hip-hop and basketball culture. While Air Jordans are now synonymous with rap, LL was apparently ahead of the curve in embracing the sneakers.
The "Rock the Bells" rapper also admitted that he never got paid for helping to popularize the Jordans in the music industry. "He never cut me a check. But you know what? I just loved it," LL said on a past appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live.
LL Cool J's influence on hip-hop fashion and style is undeniable. As one of the genre's true pioneers, this latest claim only adds to his storied legacy. It's a testament to LL's keen eye for trends and his ability to set the tone for the culture.
While Michael Jordan's sneakers have long been a staple in rap, it's fascinating to learn that LL Cool J was rocking them even before MJ became a global icon. This little-known fact offers a unique glimpse into the early intersections of basketball and hip-hop.
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