LL Cool J, once set to perform at Philadelphia's Fourth of July event, has made a sudden U-turn and will now headline a free New Year's Eve concert on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. The rapper had dropped out of the previous event in support of striking city workers six months ago, citing his inability to cross the picket line.
Since then, it appears LL Cool J has put any past disagreements with Mayor Cherelle Parker behind him, as he released a statement saying "Philly, don't call it a comeback" and expressed his gratitude for the invitation. The rapper will now perform at Eakins Oval on December 31st, bringing in 2026 live.
The concert, which begins at 8 p.m., will be followed by fireworks, with DJ Jazzy Jeff, Adam Blackstone, Dorothy, and Technician also taking to the stage. The event's organizers have touted it as a celebration of the city's cultural legacy, with Mayor Parker describing it as "Philly's first ever New Year's Eve outdoor concert."
The concert marks an interesting twist in Philadelphia's events calendar, which is set to host a range of high-profile events this year, including FIFA World Cup matches and the MLB All-Star Game. The event also coincides with semiquincentennial celebrations honoring the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.
Philadelphia's free New Year's Eve concert promises to be an exciting conclusion to the city's celebration of its historic milestone, and fans can expect a lively performance from LL Cool J and other headlining acts.
Since then, it appears LL Cool J has put any past disagreements with Mayor Cherelle Parker behind him, as he released a statement saying "Philly, don't call it a comeback" and expressed his gratitude for the invitation. The rapper will now perform at Eakins Oval on December 31st, bringing in 2026 live.
The concert, which begins at 8 p.m., will be followed by fireworks, with DJ Jazzy Jeff, Adam Blackstone, Dorothy, and Technician also taking to the stage. The event's organizers have touted it as a celebration of the city's cultural legacy, with Mayor Parker describing it as "Philly's first ever New Year's Eve outdoor concert."
The concert marks an interesting twist in Philadelphia's events calendar, which is set to host a range of high-profile events this year, including FIFA World Cup matches and the MLB All-Star Game. The event also coincides with semiquincentennial celebrations honoring the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.
Philadelphia's free New Year's Eve concert promises to be an exciting conclusion to the city's celebration of its historic milestone, and fans can expect a lively performance from LL Cool J and other headlining acts.
It seems like LL Cool J has made a real change of heart, putting his past disagreements behind him to support the city workers. That's what we call being true to your roots! The fact that he's willing to put himself out there for the people makes this event even more special. Bring it on! 
After seein' what happened with the Fourth of July event, it was a bummer that LL Cool J had to bail. But now he's all about supportin' our great city and its workers! 
He's showin' some serious goodwill vibes by changin' his mind and comin' back to perform at this NYE concert.
The semiquincentennial celebrations are going to be so cool, too - 250 years of independence is no joke! This event is just proof that there's always room for growth and forgiveness, even in the biggest of cities. And who knows, maybe this is the start of a beautiful friendship between LL Cool J and Mayor Parker? 
. I mean, LL Cool J was all about supporting those striking workers back in June, but now he's giving Mayor Parker a shoutout with that "Philly, don't call it a comeback" line... what does that even mean? It means we've got to be open to change and forgiveness, you feel me? Maybe he just realized that standing up for what's right doesn't always have to mean burning bridges. And look at the city, bringing in all these amazing performers for this New Year's Eve concert – it's like a celebration of growth and new beginnings! So yeah, I'm hyped for this event and I think we can all learn from LL Cool J's about turning over a new leaf 