LL Cool J returns to old Queens nabe for charity event

LL Cool J palled around with the Harlem Globetrotters at his charity event last weekend. Photo by Austin Donohue.

By Victoria Merlino

From Hollywood to Hollis.

LL Cool J returned to his native Southeast Queens to close out the 15th Annual Jump & Ball Community Camp on Aug. 24 and Aug. 25. 

Created by LL Cool J, or James Todd Smith, in 2005, the camp promotes leadership and life skills through a free basketball program for over 200 kids in Southeast Queens. For the past 15 years, the camp has occurred over a five-week span every Saturday and Sunday through the month of August. 

The closing ceremony also featured music from LL Cool J’s Sirius XM music challenge, as well as an appearance from the Harlem Globetrotters, and free food and haircuts. 

LL Cool J isn’t the only rap legend to spend his formative years in Queens. Run-DMC, Nas, Mobb Deep, A Tribe Called Quest and Nicki Minaj are only some musicians who have made their mark on the borough before hitting the big time.