LL Cool J Recalls Persuading Kobe Bryant Not To Release His ‘Gangsta Rap Album’

As friends, fans and loved ones continue to mourn the sudden deaths of Kobe Bryant and his 13-year-old daughter Gianna, LL Cool J sat down with Entertainment Tonight to discuss his relationship with the late L.A. Laker.

During the interview, Mr. Ladies Love Cool James — wearing his Rock The Bells jacket — recalled discouraging Bryant to release a gangsta rap album.

“We talked about rap,” LL said. “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 [laughs].’ He had a gangsta 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?’”

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A month ago I was sitting in a restaurant talking about how great you were. Now although you’re physically gone, your spirit lives on. You meant so much to so many people worldwide. We watched you grow from boy to family man. We watched you overcome adversity. We watched you tap in to your GOD given talents and potential. You inspired us to dig deeper and strive to go higher. You showed us metaphorically what was possible. And although I always move in the spirit of humility; there aren’t many men who could inspire me to write these words. You truly represented greatness to me. Although I’m sure you would have preferred that you all lived. I’m also sure you would have preferred to be there with your child at the end of her life; rather than to have her transition alone. I believe that deep in my heart. Real men and women understand that. So I salute you my brother. And I pray that you, your daughter, and the other victims reside peacefully in the next dimension. God bless you 8/24 !!! You’re forever great!!! Vanessa, you and your girls stay prayerful and as strong as you can. May God bless you ??

A post shared by LLCOOLJ (@llcoolj) on Jan 31, 2020 at 7:24pm PST

Although Bryant managed to drop one single from the project, “K.O.B.E.” featuring Tyra Banks, he ultimately took the Def Jam legend’s advice.

But LL still got a chance to see Bryant perform “K.O.B.E.” at the 2000 All-Star Game.

“Yeah, we’re not gonna pretend like we wasn’t laughing,” LL recalled. “Like yeah yeah yeah the world was laughing, that was not — but you know, he took his shot. He took his shot.”

Elsewhere in the interview, the NCIS: Los Angeles star talked about the last time he saw Bryant and what he represented.

“I always respected Kobe and I’ve always been a friend/associate,” he said. “But I really didn’t realize how much he touched me, to be honest with you. I didn’t realize how much I really liked the guy. It’s mind-blowing, man. It really is tough. It’s been a long time since I wept. So, it’s tough.

“I just thought about what he met. I thought about what he accomplished. I thought about the example he set. He was just the right kind of guy for people to look up to.”