Hollis Native LL Cool J Honored At Forest Hills Stadium

FOREST HILLS, NY — All summer long Forest Hills Stadium has brought thousands of people to Queens to listen to a variety of artists from different genres and this past weekend was no exception as Rock The Bells, a hip hop music festival, founded by LL Cool J, touched down.

LL Cool J, born James Todd Smith in Hollis, was honored for his decades-long contribution to music at the festival by Council Speaker Adrienne Adams during the festivities.

“As a fellow Hollis native, I was personally honored to share the stage and present a New York City Council Proclamation to LL Cool J, a Queens legend and hip hop icon,” Adams told Patch via email. “We are filled with pride to see him not only rise to the top of the industry, but also remember his roots in the World’s Borough.

“Proceeds from Rock The Bells were donated to the Universal Hip Hop Museum, which will benefit our city for generations. I thank LL Cool J and all of the artists who helped make Rock The Bells a successful and wonderful community event.”

Rappers Ice Cube, Rick Ross, Trina and Lil’ Kim were among the more than 20 artists who performed Saturday at the stadium.

The Universal Hip Hop Museum, which is dedicated to the preservation and celebration of hip hop, is at the Bronx Terminal Market located at 610 Exterior St.

Queens Borough President Donovan Richards presented LL Cool J the Key to Queens.

“Honored to join this legend on stage yesterday at [Rock The Bells] to present him with the Key to Queens and declare it LL Cool J Day in his home borough,” Richards posted on Instagram Sunday. “Stay making Southeast Queens proud, Big L!”