What happened with LL Cool J and Jay Z? Beef explored as rapper opens up on rap battle ahead of new album launch

LL Cool J and Jay-Z have had issues with each other for around 17 years. Meanwhile, the former has recently opened up on his reported beef with Jay as he appeared for a conversation with Charlamagne tha God. Notably, the dispute emerged when Jay-Z served as the President of Def Jam Recordings in 2004, and LL was not satisfied with his way of handling things.

In his latest interview, LL Cool J addressed the rumors stating that he used a portion of the single Funkadelic Relic during a rap battle with Jay at a parking space. However, the Caught Up star denied the same by saying:

"What did happen, though, is I see the guy, he's in the club trying to flash money to get my attention, and I'm looking like, okay. And then his man Sauce [Money] came up to me and was rappin'. So, I had a couple of rhymes… remember, I'm albums in now."

Also known as James Todd Smith, LL Cool J revealed that he then rapped a few verses from his song, Ain't No Stopping This. He added that Jay continued rapping, and he did not have any more "rhymes" left. He addressed the same in the interview and stated:

"Was I finished rapping? Abso-f*cking-lutely. Was it their peanut gallery? Absolutely. But do you really wanna get into some of that sh*t with LL? You really want that? You dudes want those problems, or it's just a nice story to have?"

The 56-year-old's latest album, The Force, is scheduled to be released on September 6, 2024. The soundtrack has also been revealed on July 12, and features 14 tracks, including particular themes such as racial injustice and more.

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LL Cool J was unhappy with Jay-Z's work at Def Jam Recordings: Beef and other details explained

Jay-Z and LL Cool J's dispute has been a major topic in the headlines for many years. While the latter has already addressed the feud in the latest interview, the problems date back to 2004 when Jay joined Def Jam Recordings as the President. The rappers were close friends before problems emerged between them.

As mentioned, Todd Smith was not satisfied with Jay's work in the record label's management. He addressed the same while appearing on Behind the Music in VH1 in 2007, saying that his music was not given better attention compared to other artists. Todd Smith described the experience by saying:

"That hurt. That was painful, and that created a lot of bruised blood in my spirit."

A year before LL Cool J gave the interview, Jay-Z exited the company and decided not to work with them anymore. He released an album titled Exit 13 in 2008, marking his final collaboration with the company. The project reached the 9th spot on the US Billboard 200.

However, LL Cool J later spoke up on the reports of his problems with Jay-Z in 2020, saying that misunderstandings are common between people. He even recalled the time he used to laugh at Jay-Z's rap when they were young. He continued:

"I have no malice. I'm like, it's all love from me, and I mean that sincerely, like I don't have no type of ill-feelings, no type of weird vibes. Like, I wish everybody success. I want to see everybody succeed, Joe. So, you know, it's a little tricky and dicey."

Although there is no clarity on whether the beef still exists between both, LL Cool J and Jay-Z have been spotted together on different occasions, sharing some happy moments.