LL Cool J Hopes Breakdancing Returns to the Olympics “Better and Stronger”

When thinking of classic Hip-Hop, LL COOL J is one of the first pioneers that come to mind — so it’s only right that he give his opinion on the 2024 Paris Olympics debuting break dancing as a sport.

While appearing on SiriusXM’s CTRL, ALT, D-Stroy with host D-Stroy, the Queens-bred MC gave an optimistic opinion on the cultural movement, with hopes that it returns to the Olympics in 2028.

“I seen all the elements man. You got FUTURA with the graffiti. Got the DJs rocking a lot of classics,” D-Stroy began, before LL added, “The boombox … I saw judges with Kangols which I felt, I did feel like I was part of it. Whenever I see the boombox radio obviously.”

When asked if the “Mama Said Knock You Out” icon felt connected to the vintage audio player because of a time he made an entrance onstage via boombox, he responded, “Yeah that kind of, and my first album radio,” referring to the cover art of his 1985 debut.

“It personifies that. So it’s like when I see that I always think about you know my music and my contribution to Hip-Hop, so it was amazing man,” he continued. “Like look I’m so happy about Hip-Hop culture. I hope that they reconsider bringing back breaking for the 2028 games.”

“I do know that the breakers will be even better in the 2028 games. There were a lot of great ones out there, don’t get me wrong, but I think that it will only get better and stronger. You just have to give it some time and I feel good about it man. I love this culture. I love Hip-Hop, man. I love it,” he added.

As exciting as breaking may be, the complex spectacle couldn’t catch a break, as critics had much to say about the performers — especially Rachel “Raygun” Gunn. The Australian B-Girl’s routine seemed more comical than that of traditional break dance moves.

Even legendary B-boy Crazy Legs, of The Rock Steady Crew, shared his opinion on her viral routine.

“I’ve been getting a lot of pressure and a lot of questions about Bgirl Raygun from Australia and out of respect for those who value my opinion, here it is,” he wrote on Instagram on Sunday (Aug 11).

In a video he added, “My personal opinion is that she should’ve never been on that stage. Do I think she deserves the amount of criticism that she’s getting? Nah. Homegirl’s been dragged globally, dragged hardcore. People should ease up because the focus at this point should be all the good that came out of it.”

In response to all of the backlash, the 36-year-old breaker told ESPN , “I was never going to beat these girls on what they do best — their power moves. What I bring is creativity. All of my moves are original. Creativity is really important to me. I go out there, and I show my artistry. Sometimes it speaks to the judges, and sometimes it doesn’t. I do my thing, and it represents art. That is what it is about.”