Don’t call it a comeback! Hip-hop legend LL COOL J is going back to Philly, Philly, Philly, for some unfinished business on New Year’s Eve.
LL will headline a free concert on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway on Wednesday, Dec. 31, the city of Philadelphia announced on Friday, Dec. 12. Special guests will include legendary DJ and Philly native DJ Jazzy Jeff, Grammy-Award winning musician Adam Blackstone, and hard rock band Dorothy.
“Philadelphia is thrilled to welcome everyone to our vibrant city as we celebrate New Year’s Eve and kick off the 250th anniversary of our nation’s independence. This free concert and fireworks showcase the incredible spirit of our community and the cultural legacy that Philadelphia embodies,” Mayor Cherelle Parker said. “We are honored to have LL COOL J as our headliner, bringing his unmatched talent and energy to The Parkway, with special guests DJ Jazzy Jeff, Adam Blackstone and Dorothy. Join us for Philly’s first ever New Year’s Eve outdoor concert as we kick off 2026 in America’s Birthplace—this is truly the place to start our celebration of this historic anniversary!”
Gates will open on Dec. 31 at 6 p.m. and the concert is scheduled to begin at 8 p.m. that night. A fireworks show will then take place over the Benjamin Franklin Parkway at midnight.
“Philly, don’t call it a comeback. We’ve got unfinished business. Shout out to the Mayor for the invitation! Meet me on the Oval this New Year’s Eve as we bring in 2026—live,” LL COOL J said.
LL COOL J was set to headline the 2025 Wawa Welcome America concert on the Parkway on July 4th. However, he dropped out a night before to stand in solidarity with members of the Philadelphia workers union AFSCME District Council 33 who were on strike at the time. Philadelphia soul singer Jazmine Sullivan – who was also scheduled to perform – dropped out as well in support of the union. Ultimately, Álvaro Díaz, JoJo, as well as Mr. HOLLYWOOD DJ, and DJ Ghost & Friends performed at the concert.
AFSCME DC 33 – which represents around 9,000 Philadelphia municipal workers – later reached a deal with the city on a new contract and ended the strike, which impacted trash pickup and other services.
Born James Todd Smith and based in Queens, New York City, LL COOL J – which stands for Ladies Love Cool James – is considered by many to be one of the greatest and most influential hip-hop artists of all time. He was one of the first rappers to achieve commercial success in the 1980s and was one of the premiere artists of the iconic hip-hop label Def Jam. Beginning with his 1984 debut “Radio,” LL COOL J has released 14 studio albums over the span of five decades, with his most recent album, “The Force,” being released in 2025.
One of the few rappers to remain commercially and culturally relevant in the 80s, 90s, and 2000s, LL COOL J has gone platinum or multiplatinum four times and gold four times. His singles have also reached the top 10 in the Billboard hot 100 five times. Known for his versatility as both a battle-tested hardcore hip-hop lyricist as well as a commercially savvy hitmaker, some of LL COOL J’s most iconic songs include “Rock the Bells,” “I’m Bad,” “I Need Love,” “Around the Way Girl,” “Mama Said Knock You Out,” “Hey Lover,” “Doin’ It,” “Loungin,” “Luv U Better,” “Headsprung,” “Hush,” and “Control Myself.”
LL is a two-time Grammy Award winner, was the first rapper to receive the Kennedy Center Honors in 2017 and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2021.
In addition to his incredible career in hip-hop, LL also established a lucrative career in film, appearing in several movies including “Krush Groove,” “Halloween H20,” “Deep Blue Sea,” “In Too Deep,” “Any Given Sunday,” and “SWAT.” LL has also found success in the television world, starring in the 90s sitcom “In the House,” hosting the reality competition series “Lip Sync Battle,” and starring in the popular procedural “NCIS: Los Angeles.”
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