Akademiks had some bold sentiments he wanted to share about some of hip hop’s OG’s. Of course, his statements were in the course of an entire conversation on money moves and the music industry. But regardless, he went there and said what he felt at the moment with complete honesty. And from his statements, it was apparent he could care less about any blowback. However, rule number one is one can never underestimate an OG. Rule number 2 when you come for pioneers, be prepared to be schooled.
Akademiks Spits Some Disrespect
Akademiks recently made some disrespectful statements on Twitch regarding the OG’s of hip-hop. The Dj stated (16;24),
“Them old rappers, man. Have you seen any of these old rappers who be like, yo, they are the foundation of hip-hop really living well? Them niggas be looking dusty.”
However, one OG wasn’t having the disrespect. LL Cool J, aka James Todd Smith, made it his business and addressed the off-the-cuff statement.
LL Cool J Bonafide OG
LL Cool J earned his industry respect beginning his career in hip-hop in 1984 at 16 when he signed with Def Jam. And since he more than solidified his success with a music career spanning almost three decades. With thirteen albums under his belt, two Grammy’s, and several other awards, Ladies Love Cool James has more than paid his dues. So, when addressing disrespect, if anyone, LL is the man to do it.
LL’s Preface
LL saw Akademik’s comments as more than a little skewed. According to the artist, the shade Akademiks threw seemed to be the type that only targets one group of performers, rap artists. Smith (Cool J) prefaced his clap back by saying,
“No one discusses Miles Davis’s bank account. We don’t talk about John Coltrane’s bank account or even rock musicians.”
And admittedly, LL makes a viable point. But given the context of Akademik’s comments, that doesn’t seem like something he would even care about.
Defining Things Clearly
LL took it a step further than addressing the one-sidedness of such a statement. Smith also addressed the underlying vanity issue and misinformation of such a blanket statement.
“So just because they didn’t get rich or weren’t able to pile up millions or billions of dollars, does not mean they didn’t contribute to this culture. They created an industry we all ate off of. They created an industry you eat off of.”
No matter what one’s perspective may be, Smith’s response is the unadulterated truth. Contribution is about what you put into something, not what you get out of it. And frankly, some of the most significant contributions can’t be quantified.
Summing Things Up
Despite LL’s response, the question is whether Akademiks will take the time to hear anything the OG has to say. As per some of Akademik’s last statements, it doesn’t seem likely.
“And none of y’all try to come for me because I don’t fuck with y’all niggas either.”
The good thing is that is only one perspective. Even if the DJ refuses to listen to anything Smith says, others will more than pick up what LL is putting down.
Written By: Renae Richardson
