In the House’s Best Tupac Moments
It is no secret that hip-hop pioneer LL Cool J is a fan of the legendary artist Tupac Shakur, as Tupac was the same. Shakur name-checks LL in “Old School,” a song that pays homage to New York MCs who laid down the foundation for him to pursue a career in hip hop. LL Cool J also mentions Tupac twice, once during her lifetime — on his album 1995 album Mr. Smith — in “I Shot Ya” where he references “Old School” stating, “Baby boys reminiscin’ old school shit.” The second time he name-checks Tupac is after he died in 1997 in the hit “Phenonomon” with a line that says, “Said she love 2Pac but hates some LL…”
Yes, the two MC-turned-actors indeed had an abbreviated period of disagreement and misunderstandings, but love and admiration trumped everything, especially when music entered the fold. The admiration spilled into the hit In the House starting with LL Cool J, as it filled with subtle nods to Shakur and concepts surrounding his career.
One: The use of the name “Marion” is a nod to Death Row co-founder Suge Knight.
If you all recall. LL Cool J’ played an ex-football player for the Raiders by the name of Marion James Hill. I find it no conscience that part of Suge Knight’s, co-founder of Death Row Records, government name was used as a connection point between television and hip hop culture for their targeted audience. The buff build and attitude of Marion exude the characteristics of the 1990s hip-hop label executive. Suge was clearly a point of inspiration at the writer’s table mostly likely due to his prevalence in Black culture at the time.
Two: LL Cool J showcased tattoos on screen.
At the top of season four of In the House, LL Cool J displays two noticeably new tattoos on his right bicep of a microphone and a left leg of symbols from Ghana and Cote d’Ivoire cultures. With his athletic character’s signature rolled-up pants leg and constantly exposed toned arms, it is clear that Cool J made an effect for them to be a part of Marion’s image since they were a part of him.
Tupac is popularly known as the first hip-hop artist to showcase multiple tattoos on his person publically. It was not a trend to have tattoo art in hip-hop culture until the late 90s after the legendary MCs’ death. LL Cool J, who appeared tattooless during the previous season, most likely drew inspiration from the ink trend the late great MC set forward as most hip hop artists did in 1997.
Three: “California Love” gets some love.
In season three, episode three, entitled “I Only Have You for Eyes,” the Tupac and Dr. Dre hit “California Love” from the double album All Eyez On Me makes an appearance while Marion (LL Cool J) in an L.A. club on a triple date with Tonia (Kim Wayans), and Maxwell (Alfonso Ribeiro).
Four: LL Cool J’s character mentions Tupac as his favorite rapper.
In the fifth and final season of In the House, Tupac is mentioned again in the second episode, “There’s Something About Tiffany.” While being interrogated by Valerie’s (Kenya Moore) inquisitive daughter Brianna, Marion (LL Cool J) is asked who his favorite rapper is, to which he answers Tupac.
Five: The show was executive produced by Quincy Jones, Tupac’s once-future father-in-law.
Quincy Jone was known for making rap stars into actors during the 1990s and providing a large platform for hip hop with VIBE magazine. It was not a shock to see him transfer to LL Cool J just as he did with Will Smith in The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. Naturally, Jones had also planned to do the same with Tupac, who was already an established double threat. By the third season of In the House, Quincy Jones was set to be the future father-in-law of Shakur by way of his daughter, Kidada Jones (who was also a former girlfriend of LL Cool J). Additionally, Quincy Jones’ son, QD3 (Quincy Jones III), was a composer for In the House and The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, but also a producer for Tupac in 1996. As you can see, there are deep connections between Jones, LL Cool J, and Tupac Shakur.
