Funk Flex Intervenes After LL Cool J & Akademiks Dispute

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Funk Flex performs during the National CARES Mentoring Movement 4th Annual For The Love Of Our Children Gala at The Ziegfeld Ballroom on February 11, 2019 in New York City. (
LL Cool J issued a response to Akademiks after the media personality called hip-hop pioneers "dusty." `

Hip-hop is still a young genre, though its roots go back decades. However, it was only in recent times that it turned into a multi-billion dollar industry. The work of the forefathers paved the way for the artists of today to reap the benefits and provide for their families. Unfortunately, not everyone has respect for those who had to endure the hardships before record labels showed any interest in rap. Akademiks called out the OGs in the game for not earning their coins during their tenure and described them as dusty.

Funk Flex Intervenes After <a href=

LL Cool J performs at BET Jams Presents: 2018 BET Experience Staples Center Concert, sponsored by Nissan, at L.A. Live on June 21, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Ser Baffo/Getty Images)

LL explained to Akademiks in a video shared on his Instagram page that rappers from the 70s and 80s didn't have the resources rappers have today. Labels, accountants, and managers didn't necessarily have faith in the longevity of the genre but LL said that isn't grounds to dismiss the contributions of the elders.

In response, Funk Flex wants to bring the media personality and hip-hop legend together for a sit-down conversation. He praised Akademiks for being a voice for the culture and applauded LL Cool J for his eloquent response.

"@LLCOOLJ BREAKS DOWN THE CULTURE THEN AND NOW IN AMAZING FORM! PROBABLY ONE OF THE MOST AMAZING WORDS OF THE YEAR," he captioned the post before extending an invitation to both to join him on his show to rectify any issues between them.

"WOULD LOVE TO SEE AN ARTIST LIKE AN LL OR ONE U CHOOSE TO HAVE A GREAT NON-CONFRONTATIONAL CONVO ON YOUR PLATFORM OR MINE! WHICH EVER MAKES U COMFORTABLE… U FROM THE TOWN..
YOUR VERY INFLUENTIAL… CANT HURT.. IF THAT DOESNT WORK FOR U I UNDERSTAND! IF ME AND @WHOISCONWAY CAN ARGEE TO DISAGREE… ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE," he wrote.

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About The Author
Aron A. is a features editor for HotNewHipHop. Beginning his tenure at HotNewHipHop in July 2017, he has comprehensively documented the biggest stories in the culture over the past few years. Throughout his time, Aron’s helped introduce a number of buzzing up-and-coming artists to our audience, identifying regional trends and highlighting hip-hop from across the globe. As a Canadian-based music journalist, he has also made a concerted effort to put spotlights on artists hailing from North of the border as part of Rise &amp; Grind, the weekly interview series that he created and launched in 2021. Aron also broke a number of stories through his extensive interviews with beloved figures in the culture. These include industry vets (Quality Control co-founder Kevin "Coach K" Lee, Wayno Clark), definitive producers (DJ Paul, Hit-Boy, Zaytoven), cultural disruptors (Soulja Boy), lyrical heavyweights (Pusha T, Styles P, Danny Brown), cultural pioneers (Dapper Dan, Big Daddy Kane), and the next generation of stars (Lil Durk, Latto, Fivio Foreign, Denzel Curry). Aron also penned cover stories with the likes of Rick Ross, Central Cee, Moneybagg Yo, Vince Staples, and Bobby Shmurda.
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