LL Cool J says he talked Kobe Bryant out of dropping a gangster rap album
LL Cool J reminisces on Kobe Bryant’s rap career.
LL Cool J is remembering the good times he had with the late Kobe Bryant. In an interview with ET’s Kevin Frazier, the “NCIS: Los Angeles” star talked about Bryant’s short-lived rap career.
Bryant signed a record deal for his first rap album in 1999. The album’s lead single “K.O.B.E.” was released in 2000, but the actual album was never released.
“We talked about rap. He played me this album, this gangsta rap album and I was like, ‘Kobe,’ I said, ‘Come on, dog. That’s not what you need to be doing,’” LL said. “He had a gangster rap album. He played me that album, we’re sitting in a parking lot. I was confused, I was sittin’ there like, ‘What are we doing? You got endorsements, what are you doing?’ It had to be the funniest moment of my life, listening to him do gangster rap.”
LL also talked about a time when Bryant performed his lead single “K.O.B.E.” at the 2000 All-Star Game.
“Yeah, we’re not gonna pretend like we wasn’t laughing,” LL said. “Like yeah yeah yeah the world was laughing, that was not — but you know, he took his shot. He took his shot.”
Last month, Bryant, his 13-year-old daughter Gianna, and seven others were tragically killed in a helicopter crash. LL took to social media to send his condolences.
“You left a legacy that will never be forgotten. I Remember us hanging out on set when you were a rookie. Rest In Peace & power great one,” he wrote. “This one was NOT easy for any of us who loved you brother. But GOD has you now; and your inspiration and work ethic will inspire future generations for years to come. May the almighty embrace you, your daughter GiGi, and all the other souls that were on board. 🙏🏾”
Check out LL Cool J’s interview with ET here.