Hip-Hop legend LL Cool J is no stranger to proclaiming himself a “G.O.A.T.” (Greatest of All Time), and now he’s adding another feather to his cap, claiming he pioneered the introduction of Michael Jordan’s iconic Air Jordans into Hip-Hop culture. In a recent interview with Big Boy’s Off Air series, LL Cool J shared a bold statement, asserting he was the first rapper to wear Air Jordans on an album cover.
Making Sneaker History
Reflecting on his debut album Radio, released in November 1985, the Queens native revealed that he sported a pair of Air Jordans on the cover—a time when basketball legend Michael Jordan was still a rookie in the NBA. “My first album cover, I had the Jordan sneakers on when he was a rookie. I was the first person with the Jordans on in the Radio album cover,” LL Cool J explained.
The rapper-turned-actor highlighted how, at the time, brands like Adidas and Puma dominated the sneaker game. But LL Cool J’s early adoption of the now-iconic Air Jordans showcased his foresight and fashion-forward thinking. “Michael Jordan was a rookie when I did that. Everyone was wearing Adidas and Puma, bro,” LL added. “I put the Jordans on. He ain’t even have no championships.”
This claim underscores LL Cool J’s role as a trailblazer, not only in music but also in bridging the worlds of fashion, sports, and Hip-Hop culture.
A Nostalgic Love for Sneakers
On social media, LL doubled down on his statements, further emphasizing his passion for stylish footwear. “I wore the very first pair of Jordan’s on my very first album. I’m talking when Jordan was a rookie,” he wrote on X (formerly Twitter). “I’m not hating on sneakerheads. Don’t get offended—I like sneakers!!!!”
For LL, his love for sneakers goes beyond trends or accolades. It’s about personal expression, something he’s always infused into his music and style.
Michael Jordan and LL Cool J’s Shared Rise
Michael Jordan’s debut in the NBA in 1984 was quickly followed by the release of the first Air Jordan sneakers on April 1, 1985. LL Cool J’s timeline aligns closely with Jordan’s, as Radio was released just months later, on November 18, 1985. It’s likely that LL’s album photoshoot occurred earlier that year, cementing his claim of being one of the first prominent figures to showcase Jordans in the Hip-Hop world.
As a cultural touchstone, Air Jordans have since become synonymous with both basketball and Hip-Hop, cementing a legacy that LL Cool J claims to have helped ignite.
Celebrating the Legacy
Now 56 years old, LL Cool J continues to remind fans of his role as a pioneer. During the Off Air interview, he credited his bold choices—not just in music but also in style—for shaping his legacy. Whether or not his claim as the first rapper to wear Jordans will spark debates among sneakerheads, it’s clear that LL Cool J’s contributions to Hip-Hop culture go far beyond his music.
The rapper-turned-actor’s enduring relevance was evident during his recent appearances, including his attendance at events like the Superfan Series Premiere Watch Party in Times Square and A GRAMMY Salute to 50 Years of Hip-Hop. His energy and influence continue to bridge generations.
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