Photo: Kevin Winter
LL COOL J proves he can still bring down the house four decades after he began his iconic music career.
On Friday night, September 19, the rap veteran opened the 2025 iHeartRadio Music Festival at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. It's clear that the Rock The Bells founder wanted love to be the overall theme of his performance. His set began with a video of a young boy who sang Bob Marley's "Three Little Birds." LL COOL J made his grand entrance to the tune of his 1987 classic, "I Need Love," which set the standard for Hip-Hop love songs.
The lovers in the building rocked out as LL COOL J performed his radio hits "Doin' It" and "All I Have." Jennifer Lopez wasn't able to make it, but a video of her vibing to their 2002 collaboration played on the big screen behind him during his set. He continued by performing other hits, including "Farmers," his Eminem-assisted "Murdergram Duex" and "Headsprung."
LL COOL J couldn't leave the stage before delivering energetic renditions of his other hits "Mama Said Knock You Out," "Luv You Better," and "I'm Bad." He closed out by declaring himself "The G.O.A.T." by performing his hit from his 2000 album, G.O.A.T. Featuring James T. Smith The Greatest Of All Time.
The esteemed rapper and actor kicked off the festivities at the 15th annual iHeartRadio Music Festival. The two-night event also features performances by Jelly Roll, BigXthaPlug, GloRilla, Tate McRae, Bryan Adams, and more. In case you missed it, or just want to relive it all again, fans can tune in to an iHeartRadio Music Festival special, including highlights from the music mega weekend, on Hulu on Thursday, October 2nd.