LL Cool J Reflects on 'Accidental Racist': A Lesson in Good Intentions Gone Wrong

WEST HOLLYWOOD, CA – AUGUST 10: Actor/rapper LL Cool J arrives at the CBS, CW, Showtime Summer TCA Party at Pacific Design Center on August 10, 2016 in West Hollywood, California. (Photo by Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images)

LL Cool J recently shared his thoughts on the song “Accidental Racist,” his 2013 collaboration with Brad Paisley. The track was meant to open a conversation about race, but it didn’t come across as intended. LL Cool J admitted he feels he missed the mark, saying, “I completely blew that one.”

He described his disappointment by comparing the situation to serving a vegan a steak—something that completely misses the point. LL Cool J confessed that despite his good intentions, the song didn’t have the positive impact he hoped for.

This raises an important question: How can we make sure that our efforts to address important issues really hit the mark?