A car used in one of LL Cool J's first music videos is getting a second life after the hip hop legend made an epic donation.
The Queens native was one of several music icons to receive their well-deserved spots in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame over the weekend, accepting the honor alongside JAY-Z, Tina Turner, and more. Though the ceremony ended and his place in music history secure, LL Cool J decided to donate a piece of his music career to the Hall of Fame.
According to TMZ, LL spent a year restoring the ruby red Audi 5000 featured on his 1987 Bigger and Deffer album cover and in his music video for his hit single "I'm Bad." To get the car cleaned up, the rapper sought out the help of NYC-based body shop Unique Rides.
The story behind the car makes LL's donation even more special: The once brand-new whip was one of LL Cool J's first major purchases after signing with Def Jam, which explains why he's kept it all these years. Apparently it was kept safe at his grandmother's house and was put back into commission to be donated to the Hall of Fame.
The car underwent an extreme makeover, getting a fresh coat of paint, body work, a new custom leather interior, and even a cassette deck, and more.
The work cost a reported $35,000 to complete and was donated by the rapper straight to the Hall of Fame.
Check out LL's performance at the Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony below.
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