Beastie Boys' Adrock Kicked Off LL Cool J's Career and Laid the Beat on His Debut

Jimmy checks in with LL Cool J, who chats about programming his SiriusXM Rock the Bells station, reminisces about the Beastie Boys kickstarting his career and cruising the punk scene as a teen and spotlights WHO's COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund.
Subscribe NOW to The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon: bit.ly/1nwT1aN
Watch The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon Weeknights 11:35/10:35c
Get more The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon: www.nbc.com/th...
JIMMY FALLON ON SOCIAL
Follow Jimmy: / jimmyfallon
Like Jimmy: / jimmyfallon
Follow Jimmy: / jimmyfallon
THE TONIGHT SHOW ON SOCIAL
Follow The Tonight Show: / fallontonight
Like The Tonight Show: / fallontonight
Follow The Tonight Show: / fallontonight
Tonight Show Tumblr: / fallontonight
The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon features hilarious highlights from the show, including comedy sketches, music parodies, celebrity interviews, ridiculous games, and, of course, Jimmy's Thank You Notes and hashtags! You'll also find behind the scenes videos and other great web exclusives.
GET MORE NBC
NBC KZbin: bit.ly/1dM1qBH
Like NBC: / nbc
Follow NBC: / nbc
NBC Instagram: / nbc
NBC Tumblr: / nbctv
Beastie Boys' Adrock Kicked Off LL Cool J's Career and Laid the Beat on His Debut
/ fallontonight
#FallonTonight
#LLCoolJ
#JimmyFallon

[@seven92023]

Young people don't know how great LL is. This brother has been quality since 1984 man.

[@terrih8276]

I was there 🥰

[@sarahcampbell8819]

So TRUE !!!! I would love to meet him in person, but would probably pass out if he came through the door.

[@sarahcampbell8819]

@@terrih8276 Jealous of you !!✌

[@jacobahtone220]

I loved when they played I'm Bad on the Last Dance episode 2, when Jordan dropped 63 on the Celtics!! That gave me chills and goosebumps when I watched it!!!

[@edski8536]

He evolved imo...bcuz his 1st 2 albums were 🗑...Mama said KYO was it!!

[@DWish808]

Ad Rock, much love! The Beasties' had a lot more influence than most people realize. RIP! Much love for the B.Boys!

[@nalinvikram]

Bro Ad Rock is still alive! It was MCA who died.

[@DWish808]

@@nalinvikram lol, Yep. To be fair though it was late and I was intoxicated.

[@liIacs]

😂😂😂

[@oregonhighroller5178]

@@DWish808 lol

[@sheldontaylor2002]

no way no influence at all

[@mattmatthews3909]

LL is the real deal. Humble, honest, ✌️

[@waynebrooks880]

Facts

[@christiandavis9031]

Hold up, whiteboy, Cool J is NOT known for being humble. Maybe nowadays but...... Aww wtf do white people know?

[@dustinsaidtoney2547]

@@christiandavis9031 That's kinda what I was thinking, too. Check out the brother's discography starting with Radio (1985) Bad (1987) and on. LL' s skill and contribution to hip hop is monumental, and we (hip hop people) love him, but he's not know for being a super humble guy.

[@freakboy40]

@@christiandavis9031 I grew up with these guys went to college with parish of epmd who toured with LL and I know that hip hop scene very well and all the players. LL Cool J actually is very humble. You see what you need to understand is the hip hop genre is one that is built on a lot of bravado long before LL Cool J came on the scene. Thats just part of that scene but everyone that knows James Todd Smith will tell you he is actually a very humble person. Very talented, smart and ambitious. His hip hop music is one thing. Who he is would be another.

[@XcubeStation621]

Cool j and beastie boys doesn’t get better than that

[@OdariArt]

Hip Hop at it's finest my friend. I miss those days.

[@regularguyfixes3142]

Yep, and DEF JAM didn't pay the Beastie Boys for all that hard work which is sad. We cudda got two more great albums from that era had they not bounced like Ice Cube from NWA after realizing they were being ripped off. Yo MTV raps interviewed Cube when NWA blew up and he was still having to live with his MAMA he was so broke. Beasties did nothing for two years moved to LA and put out Paul's Boutique with Capital Records which flopped. The sound was to much of a dramatic change. I rem getting the CD and playing it and was like what is this crap. It was all 70s and Funk. Which I didn't dig at the time. I played the CD many years later and liked it but wudda loved more of the L2ill flavor back then as a kid.

[@jonathanvillalobos7994]

@@regularguyfixes3142 We could of had,three more Beastie Boys albums before Pauls Boutique. #1.License to ill part 2. #2. Scared Stupid soundtrack. #3.White House album. Not to mention the Jerry Lewis single.which was never released.

[@christianburk7309]

@@regularguyfixes3142that’s why the beastie boys are soooooo great and ahead of their time. They didn’t do a License to Ill 2.0 but instead made their greatest album which was sooooo different.

[@saz19s8]

Rock The Bells still a banger to this day!!!

[@nicky1682]

I dance to it while being quartined...

[@gcaceresii]

Brought that go-go beat to New York

[@OdariArt]

I'm a big fan of LL. The first albums I ever bought were Beastie Boys - Licensed to Ill, Run-D.M.C. - Raising Hell, and LL Cool J - Radio. When I first saw Krush Groove and LL came in the studio and said "Box" I lost my mind.

[@ramo2165]

That's awesome. Those were my childhood albums too. Except we had Bigger and Deffer

[@derekwalker4622]

I go back before LL, to the days of Grand Master Melle Mel & Grand Master Flash and the Furious Five, Curtis Blow, Sugar Hill Gang, Whodini, UTFO, back before NWA and all the new age rap, and what ever the crap they're trying to push today.

[@commercialrealestatecoach]

5:00 Cool J's ig Cool Down connection with fans is genuine. I had the pleasure of meeting J backstage 2013 on his Kings of the Mic tour with De La & Public Enemy. James Todd Smith was incredibly humble, genuine and attentive. A kind soul who strengthens humanity thru his positive energy. Thank you, Prince of Rap.

[@eea1119]

LL always such a positive energy

[@deymontaylor386]

LL mentions that in his book he released back in the 90's and he talks about how it was back then with Russell & Rick in college and a box full of demos. Ad Rock grabs one and puts it in the deck and plays it.................and the rest is history!!! Much props and much thanks to LL & The Beastie Boys for opening those doors for people like us. I've been listening to both since "Krush Groove" and haven't stopped since💯(RIP MCA)

[@loveforeignaccents]

Aww, love LL doing his thing on Instagram, how sweet... and he definitely is "Cool"!!

[@1hayes1]

LL Cool J and Ad-rock getting down in 1984 - ultimate fantasy mix

[@GOSPEL_4U]

WHO ELSE THINKS, THAT THIS HOME ADITION IS MORE ENTERTAINING THAN THE ONES IN THE STUDIO?🙂 PS. started to record music for u on my channel..also home edition:)

[@AnnieWarbux]

I am stuck in between. Maybe a lil bit of both when they get back to business?! I know humans like to gather and share good experiences. It is a treat to see guests appear and sometimes be put on their toes. And new comics that do their stints need to have audience feedback, for sure. I really do miss the band music..

[@CrayzMark]

More personal setting and just feels more authentic imo, definitely do miss hearing the Roots though

[@estieglandwr]

Watching in the UK, didn't rate the TV version, this is much better! Sorry to all the production teams 😮

[@jomontanee]

Donna Peroche Why you need to trash her? She did nothing wrong expressing her opinions!!!! You bully her! Uncool, so uncool!

[@MYEVILTWIIN]

I just love the fact that the dicks that have spent $1000.00s on hidef tv’s are now sitting watching their fave shows filmed what looks like a fucking Nokia 3210 (yeah duh I know 3210’s didn’t have a camera)just thought I’d get that in there before all the special needs kids have a bitch fit and their carers need to spend an hour or 2 trying to calm them down

[@alexmargoulis439]

That Aung San Suu Kyi poster didn't age well.

[@Angie-Pants]

Jimmy is a true Beastie fan and it's kind of adorable.

[@zibbybone]

"I Need A Beat" is an Oberheim DMX and not a Roland TR-808. Both drum machines are featured heavily on LL's debut LP "Radio". "You'll Rock" is probably my favorite track from that album with that boomin' 808.

[@ThanhMaiOFFICIAL]

We need some new music from LL right about now. Loungin’, Doin’ It, Mama Said Knock U Out are all classics but we need something fresh especially during this time 🙌💯😎🎤

[@DanYeLL2003]

Thanh Mai Loungin’ was my jam! I miss Total.

[@ThanhMaiOFFICIAL]

Danielle Martinos that’s a real throwback joint 🙌💯

[@XeviousvSBlackmanta]

I'm Bad. Classic track, LL is f'ing timeless man.

[@jacobahtone220]

@@XeviousvSBlackmanta Did you see the Last Dance episode 2 when they used I'm Bad!!??

[@XeviousvSBlackmanta]

@@jacobahtone220 Yep. I loved all the classic rap they used in those episodes. It's turning out to be a great series my man. 😁👍

[@beeboy6967]

I'm remember back in 84 /85 cutting my dad's friends lawn, he giving me $20 & then buying "Radio" on vinyl. LL Cool J is hard as hell, Battle anybody i don't care you tell !

[@cathleenbaldwinmaggi2252]

That was so inspiring to hear. I absolutely LOVE LL and to hear what he is doing is huge.

[@trina4205]

Oh I feel so bad, I haven’t watched NCIS LA since season four. I thought the show was over. But now I have something to binge!! Love you LL and Chris, yummmmy!!! 🥰🥰

[@loveforeignaccents]

And another new room... how in the heck do you not get lost in this place, Jimmy?! So many different rooms; it must be gigantic.

[@fat420cracker]

And this is why the Ladies Love Cool James

[@Jude74]

Well this lady certainly does! 😍

[@PopCultureGraveyard]

LL is so damn likable! Such a chill vibe and positive energy. Big thanks to Ad Rock for cracking the door open!

[@NewMessage]

You could say he let the beat mmm drop!

[@CrayzMark]

💯🤣 hell yeah

[@terrillmaxwell3862]

Bars

[@darthvaderunderwears9556]

It’s funny how they put this on KZbin before they put it on television 📺

[@lirinzobagby6121]

L.L. COOL J. I'm a fan just want to thank you for the great entertainment thru out the years. I Salute "THE G.O.A.T.#PEACE&LOVE

[@lubbucs546]

LL Cool J is hard as HELL!

[@ryanm4319]

Oldddd school, man time flies. Ad and JRock that’s my team, step up to the party disrupt the whole scene.

[@tyreclarke2248]

There's an old interview of LL when he first went on tour with The Beastie Boys, Complaining about how wild they were 😂😂😂 it really made him look soft.

[@dustieclipz2996]

He was complaining about the new laws made about what you can or cant do on stage after the Beastie Boys went on tour tearing everything up from the stage to the hotels. Leads to LL Cool J and Nwa getting arrested for petty things they did on stage.

[@kingsports1113]

LL cool j was only 17

[@SourDoughBill]

I wish Jimmy had asked LL Cool J why he still has a poster of Aung San Suu Kyi on display.

[@Bdimb]

This a thousand times over. WTF???

[@upfrown68]

Well, it's clear that he is a fan/collector of Shepard Fairey (OBEY) and collects his work.

[@lewisblank9475]

It’s clearly an open piece can see a whole wall of them

[@orangemancometh]

All rulers are murderers. I'd ask why he has a poster of Obama if he had one - but I'd know why: he is a basic bitch like _all_ you statists.

[@SourDoughBill]

@@orangemancometh, thus spoketh the troll.

[@djboomshot]

I like how LL has got all that Shepard Fairey art up on his wall

[@jasonpedro8292]

Not to take anything from ll But any true beastie fan knows the story.adrock was ditching school and hanging at rick rubins dorm room at nyu.and listing to demo tapes when he came across lls and told rr to listen to it.iam 50 yrs old and ive known this story since i was 18

[@ChrisinEC]

Right, this aint news......

[@oaktree1626]

Yeah, he just said exactly that.

[@FertilityTV]

LL Cool J was one of the coolest rappers in the '90s. Do you agree?

[@terrih8276]

80's thru 90's

[@jacobahtone220]

Don't forget the 80's!!!

[@terrillmaxwell3862]

80, 90s, 2000s

[@MK-rk4no]

80's he was cool, 90's he became 'sexy'

[@suryoardi7109]

He is 80's. One of breakdancing hip hop era. At 90's is different generation again. At 90's hip hop more have violation stigma, because gangsta Rap become mainstream at 90's.

[@boricuadelight]

LL Cool J just seems like a good human being. ♡

[@starsweeper11]

I love you LL Cool J, but it's time to take the Aung San Suu Kyi poster down. She has betrayed all the people who supported her by not stepping up and protecting the Rohingya.

[@cryptozoomauler5505]

Where can we find out more about this?

[@cadillacman2141]

LL talks like he's rappin

[@vwym]

No one's commenting on that Obey wall???? Damnnnn 🔥🔥

[@AnnieWarbux]

My daughter would ask things like what is Vinyl? Why do you call people McFly? One day she asked for permission to buy a New CD from a New Band that had no parental controls and wasn't sold at Walmart. (as a busy single Mom, I insisted on Walmart because I didnt know ALL of the new Rap) She begged and claimed that "all the other kids have it!" I warned her that if I didn't like it she could not return it and it would get pitched! "Who is the band?" I asked. She laughed and said, "Nobody you would know, Mom. They are called the Beastie Boys!" I was like "whaaaaa? A "New" album from the Beastie boys? Like as in No Sleep, til Brooklyn!!"??? She got mad and asked "How did you know?" I explained to her that I grew up on the Beastie Boys when I was her age. Then she cried, "You mean they're OLD PEOPLE??? Aw maaaan!! That SUCKS!!" That lil sh*t!! Needless to say, she no longer wanted the CD... it was the Best of the Beastie Boys that they had released..

[@o.b.7217]

Ah, yes...the small triumphs, we as parents have...when our offspring thinks they know more than we do - and then we sink them. 😎 Had a few of those, myself.

[@bert3163]

LL gestures when he talks on cam, just like when he's rapping. LMAO! I guess we are who we are.

[@truecrimestories4369]

*Coffee Time Entertainment* LL's been entertaining us for decades.

[@rubenalfaro4097]

This interview van only make you happy. Shouts to LL . Ad. Beasties por vida

[@manguy2000]

Cmon LL drop the photo of Aung San Suu Kyi on the wall. Her own human rights abuses need to be accounted for.

[@christiandavis9031]

Whiteboy bullshyt talk. Brothers don't care about that bullshyt you're stressing. NO REPARATIONS, NO VOTE. That's all we care about.

[@edgardner3395]

The best part of the show is you, your daughters, and your wife! And thank you for keeping it clean. The Tonight Show at Home - the best!

[@FacheChanteDeux]

Love LL & the B.Boys. I grew up on their music,when rap was good.

[@krylesangerbeaver]

"That's my wife, Nancy" *Glassy stare from LL Cool J* "Uh, yeah, cool. Tell her I say hi" Sounds like he had no idea who she was lol

[@mrwest5552]

Props Ricky's Theme, oh we got U on the west coast, oh yeah 👍

[@111RAMONES]

Nice Shepard Fairey art!

[@rustyjames8138]

I certainly hope everybody knows what he‘s sayin‘ ;)

[@juliansymonds]

BEST GUEST YET

[@eddiekane24]

One of the best lyricist hands down Mr James Todd Smith A.K.A Ladies Love Cool James

[@taratharp9296]

LL has amazing artwork behind him!! Lots of a Shepard Fairey! Love it!!!

[@CapnBlood]

LL, I know you like Shepard Fairey but that Freedom to Lead poster in back of you is of Aung San Suu Kyi who has not stopped the genocide in Myanmar. "Myanmar’s military stands accused by UN investigators of genocide against Rohingya Muslims, almost a million of whom have fled the country to escape campaigns of murder, rape, and arson over the past two years. They accused Aung San Suu Kyi herself of having 'contributed to the commission of atrocity crimes'. In the past year, a major British trade union, the London School of Economics, the US Holocaust Museum, Dublin and at least four UK cities have withdrawn major honours from Aung San Suu Kyi while condemning her failure to protect the Rohingya minority."

[@Peem_pom]

Important to mention. Fairey does a lot of uninformed art that takes south asian influences, icons, motifs and leaders. Fairey should read up more on what he appropriates

[@jomontanee]

So refreshing when 2 music geeks talk passionately about music together. Lol.

[@sunnyvanlife6320]

LL!!

[@kingofcannolis6580]

Ny represent

[@saifhasan4481]

LL cool J one of the greatest

[@LetsGoMetsGo33]

LL was watching some NYHC at CBGB… and was inspired. That’s awesome to know.

[@adamboozer5215]

LL has a sweet Shepard Fairey collection!

[@adoxartist1258]

0:00 DAMN! Made me jump! 😂

[@stevemartin9998]

ll cool j is one of the most VERSATILE rappers in rap music. He can go HARD. He can go SOFT. He can go smooth. His very UNDER-RATED but very CHARISMATIC. One of my very rappers of all time.

[@suede100s]

Shouts to m.c. Silverfox for bringing the masses cool j

[@RCHyperRacing]

I remember seeing LL and Beastie Boys in Krush Groove! One of my favorite hip hop movies of all time.

[@johntaylor9381]

Read “Hip Hop Family Tree”. All this is in there.

[@kennethsalter9998]

Yo-L--Walking with a Panther album!!...Dude -that is just fire of the times!!!-Much love...Hey I got My Jordans and my bomber jacket -Jacked at your Im Bad tour in Seattle ...U need 2 get back at me!! We can negotiate ...LOL!!

[@1CHOZN7]

Facts! I just bought that album for a the 4th time.

[@111RAMONES]

Rick Rubin and Martha Quinn are in the Going back to Cali video!

[@shaheddanielle7452]

Legend of hip hop 👌👌✌️✌️

[@aloebeara]

"I'm not the only MC keepin' it real" - KRS-One

[@FacheChanteDeux]

Just want to give a well deserved shout out to Grandmaster Flash and Kurtis Blow, the true OG's. LL would certainly agree.

[@issacking6277]

As much of a legend LL is, he's real, he always gives props where its due. Never forgot where he came from. True.

[@garybacica5709]

I dig J's art on the wall.

[@TheKlokan44]

Just nice to see the Obama Hope poster in the back of LL Cool J room....Let's hope this mess in the US is over soon 8^)

[@eddiekane24]

Facts

[@rogerpace3749]

wow i didn't know that the beastie boys helped ll cool j kick off his career, props to the beastie boys.

[@ministermadden]

A True Hip Hop Legend The Greatest Ever

[@mrthomas0dt]

When I was trying to get a Deal,I'd call the dorm room & spoke to Ad-Rock he was a real nice guy,the I late met Rick at N.Y. Club Dancanteria. Nice guy,Later Russell. Hmmmmmmm😂he was O.K. I was16 and was told not to speak to L because my boy had beef with him.L only had one single I congratulated him,My other boy said what's up.he was real cool. Those are the days he was rumored to be arrogant too.🎤🎤🎤🎤🎤

[@tombrady7753]

Ladies Love; still a class act

[@danielmarquis5258]

LL Cool J will forever be my favorite talent in the Rap Game. So interesting that he mentioned CBGBs because I am into that Music too (mostly post punk/new wave).

[@MeZaVeRoNiCa]

👍🏻 THUMBS UP BEFORE WATCHING 👍🏻

[@4321tim]

Uncle L, living legend

[@raheimspells2606]

The G.O.A.T

[@jonathanvillalobos7994]

@Fau Q LL COOL J the G.O.A.T.!!

[@jonathanvillalobos7994]

@Fau Q So then who's the goat, in your opinion?let me guess,you're gonna say Jay Z

[@Augmuse]

Talented in music and great acting on TV too

[@timeones]

I don't think I've ever seen such a large personal Shepard " obey" fairey collection.

[@SilverTemples]

Clicked just to check out LL's Obey collection

[@Mrpiraterias]

In a divided America we're being forced to unite I understand some feel the same type of way over it. To everybody out there take a deep breath.

[@Jude74]

He’s just so marvelous. 😍

[@netdog713]

Ladies love cool James and so does everyone else

[@tonyfernandez1710]

Crazy respect and love to LL cool J giving AdRoc credit for his fame.

[@benhenderson8952]

*MAMA SAID KNOCK YOU OUT* *DAMAGE, DAMAGE*

[@telikaandfam]

wait you mean ll cool j wasnt discovered by breaking into an audition by run dmc with his boom box rapping my radio???😉

[@lizashman6829]

Deep.blue sea!

[@FumikoNobuoka]

I love that he is a Sheperd Fairey fan.

[@pearlejam7115]

Always love LL!

[@shawngregory5904]

I had so many great rappers when I was a kid. Now we have Travis Scott, Lil pump and other terrible artists. So sad. Everyone needs to show their kids real music.

[@tianapitesr8553]

Was just thinking about him in the shower! Not a coincidence?

[@acdnintheusa]

There is some different and special about this conversation with Jimmy and LL Cool J. It felt authentic. Hey +Jimmy Fallon, Have you considered a long format interview video-cast? I think you’d be great at it. You strike me as someone who is a “student” of your industry. You’re also a great storyteller. I still clearly remember your recounting of the Prince ping pong game at Susan Sarandon’s spot. (As an example)

[@terrimonell7961]

So I have been watching your Tonight Show being filmed from your home for over a month now and they have all kept me sane and entertained. Being a teacher in the classroom for over 20 years and privately tutoring for the past 11 years, I have now found myself without an audience! So, I decided to do what I love and put it into videos uploaded onto KZbin! I don't really know what I am doing but have found kids and adults willing to watch! There are four of you who qualify so I would like to share with you my videos to help with the sheltering in madness! Go to Grandma's Corner 2020 and maybe you will find a few ideas to do with your girls! Thanks for helping us cope!!!!

[@suryoardi7109]

Very interesting listen one of greatest MC of hip hop talk about CBGB and punk scene back then. It prove hip hop artist have good relationship with punk scene back to 80's

[@99MUZIK]

LL needs to come out with one last “ retiree” album he should name it “ You know what I’m sayin!!

[@kimla46]

👏👏💜💜

[@jenniferbates2811]

Love LL.!💖

[@endocry]

Even though it was the Beasties that got LL's career started, I think if it wasn't for Legends like Chuck D and LL always giving crazy props to the Beastie Boys their legacy would benefit less than it is today. There are a lot of people in the hip hop community that don't want a white rapper or group to have legendary status. I guess I'm just a white dude that wants to see a little of myself in the culture of hip hop because I love it along with just about every other genre of music. And also as a pretty average white guy we are definitely grateful for the the black artists that gave us blues and rock, which have by now evolved into many genres. I suppose what I'm trying to say is the amazing musical cultures we have in America are a testament to a crazy, often horrible history that created a unique melting pot of people. I hope one day we can all get along a appreciate each other's cultures and history.

[@Treevors30]

My mind is now blown something that I did not know so basically the Beastie Boys discovered LL Cool J what the more I look the more my mind gets blown like someone else was saying something about I don't know if this is just an opinion or not but the Beastie Boys were inspired by The Ramones that kind of blew my mind as well all in one day