LL Cool J statue dubbed “Going Back to the Meadows” got all the locals buzzing. In 2022, Flushing Meadows Corona Park, nestled in the heart of Queens, New York, welcomed a new resident in the form of LL Cool J, the legendary rapper and actor. But this statue is no ordinary hunk of metal – it’s a sustainable marvel that’s built to rock the bells.
Crafted from a combination of bronze, stainless steel, winterstone, resin, and wood, this piece of contemporary art is the brainchild of Trinidad-born but raised in Queens artist Sherwin Banfield. It depicts James Todd Smith, famously known as LL Cool J, in his trademark Kangol bucket hat and sporting a chunky Cuban link chain. In one hand, he holds up a glowing cassette tape of his 1985 debut album, Radio. In the other hand, a giant boombox blasts beats that transport you straight back to the golden age of hip-hop.
But what makes this statue truly extraordinary is its commitment to sustainability. The back of the monument boasts a solar panel with the MC’s name on it, powering the boombox and pumping out his greatest hits for all to hear from noon to 5 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday according to the New York Post.
The statue which was on display until Nov. 2022 not only features the legendary rapper on this masterpiece monument but relief figures on either side show a lion wearing a gold chain and a goat sporting a similarly bling accessory. It’s a playful nod to the rapper’s feline moniker “The G.O.A.T” (Greatest Of All Time) and his frequent use of goat emojis on his social media accounts.
LL Cool J himself was blown away by the statue, paying it a visit and posing with it for a silent, masked selfie video. Billboard reported that the story behind its creation is just as heartwarming – a childhood friend of Todd and his family, Darryl, approached Banfield with the idea of creating a monument for his buddy, one that reflected all the positive things he has done for his community. Banfield was sold on the idea and set to work creating a piece that truly captures the essence of what LL Cool J stands.
The “G.O.A.T. Monument” is a true homage to one of hip-hop’s most influential icons, and a testament to the enduring spirit of the Hip Hop genre.
