An evening with LL Cool J

A life lesson hits while celebrating 50 years of hip-hop.

Before we got to our seats, before we even made the trek to the nosebleeds, bamboo earrings and Kangol bucket hats surrounded us.

Adidas track suits and gold Dookie rope chains weren’t far behind.

Of course, I was draped in Money Talks merch. But I was in the spirit, along with my lady friend Triest and many more inside the United Center on Sunday. We all were there for a night of nostalgia, to celebrate 50 years of hip-hop and to rock with royalty on The F.O.R.C.E Tour, headlined by LL Cool J.

It was our third concert this summer, and it included legends who had been on my bucket list to see. The lineup: Common, Bone-Thugs-N-Harmony, Doug E. Fresh and Slick Rick. The Roots served as hosts. DJ Jazzy Jeff and DJ Z-Trip were on the turntables.

The evening was billed as “hip-hop’s most unforgettable celebration.” And it just might have been.

I never was a huge LL Cool J fan. I never bought or owned any of his 13 albums. I clearly wasn’t part of his target audience given his stage name, “Ladies Love Cool J,” and the fact that a good chunk of his music is designed for and dedicated to women.

Nevertheless, it’s undeniable how LL’s catalog is filled with classics. I always had great respect for his talent and his storied career. His body of work rightfully landed him in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with the Award for Musical Excellence in 2021.

Truthfully, I was more looking forward to other acts. Just last year, I vowed to see Doug E. Fresh, the “Human Beat Box,” in concert before he stopped performing. When I learned he would be part of the lineup, I jumped at the opportunity.

I also really wanted to see Rakim, another hip-hop pioneer. He’s widely considered one of the greatest lyricists and most respected MCs of all time. Unlike LL’s music, I actually bought Rakim’s album. His solo debut, The 18th Letter, got me through my sophomore year of high school.

And seeing artists perform in their hometowns always feels special. I had seen Common perform (and I interviewed him three years ago) but never in Chicago. The energy with which he delivered some of his many classics gave me goosebumps.

Bone-Thugs-N-Harmony is a group that was a childhood favorite of mine. But three decades later, I didn’t need to see them in concert. Still, I enjoyed them performing “Thuggish Ruggish Bone,” “1st of Tha Month” and “Notorious Thugs.”

The best part of their set, however, came when they dimmed the house lights and instructed the crowd to illuminate the arena with their cell phones before performing their Grammy-winning hit, “Tha Crossroads.” My mother loves the song and has long desired for it to be played at her homegoing service. I happily filmed a 2 minute, 12 second video solely to share with her. It put a smile on her face Wednesday afternoon.

The concert’s format, meanwhile, was a welcome change. First and foremost, I appreciated that it started on time. We entered at 8:15 for the 8 p.m. show. By the time we took our seats, the concert had already started. Better yet, The Roots remained on stage, playing between acts, so there was no break between artists. Six minutes after the previous performer finished, the next act was on stage. It made for an efficient night, although it was impossible for the packed lineup, outside of LL, to go too deep into their catalogs.

That was the only drawback to Doug E. Fresh and Slick Rick. I might never see those two share a stage again. I wish they had a longer set. Both had truncated performances. I could have listened to Doug E. Fresh entertain us all night. Instead, he stood in the spotlight for only 23 minutes. Slick Rick lasted only 17 minutes. But both have still got it.

I paid $98.15 for two seats in the 300-level back on May 20. I booked an Uber to shuttle us to the United Center for $10.98. Triest kindly paid for the return trip.

One of my worst money moves of August occurred Sunday night. I bought two drinks that totaled $34.02. It was exactly what I didn’t want to do. My plan was to buy a bottle of liquor the day before to enjoy it Saturday night and Sunday before and after the show. Only I didn’t feel like leaving the house Saturday. I should have. I enjoyed the start of the show so much I wanted to enhance the experience with a drink. A whole bottle, though, would have been the equivalent of our two drinks.

All things considered, I think we got great value for the $143.15 I spent for a memorable evening.

After our third concert, I’m also learning that it’s not so bad being a planner and allowing anticipation to build for a fun-filled event. I’ve long been a spontaneous soul, doing whatever I wanted, whenever I chose. But that’s changed. I’ve become more disciplined and strategic. I even bought a calendar this year — and I use it!

It’s pretty cool having things to look forward to rather than settling for instant gratification.

But my biggest takeaway from Sunday centered on longevity.

Eleven of the night’s 14 primary performers were 50 or older. Bizzy Bone was the youngest among them at 46. Slick Rick and DJ Jazzy Jeff tied for the oldest at 58. But all are still going, and I barely could believe how vibrant each artist remains.

It was inspiring to witness their staying power in person. It reminded me to keep pushing and to always give it my all.

Greatness doesn’t happen by accident.