The year of 1987 was spectacular for two reasons – LL Cool J and Michael Jackson. Both were at the top of their game and both released singles proclaiming their badness. Back then, being bad was cool and tough. Both artists were in different genres and under different labels, but shared some of the same audience. LL Cool J recorded I’m Bad on his Bigger and Deffer album for Def Jam Records helmed by Russell Simmons and Rick Rubin. Michael Jackson recorded his version of Bad for Epic Records under the tutelage of Quincy Jones. Both albums are not sleepers.
LL Cool J’s I’m Bad single was released in June 1987, a few months before Michael Jackson. The album cover features LL at night on the hood of a car wearing his signature gold chain and Kangol hat. His version begins with a radio clip of the police issuing a BOLO for him. From there, James Todd Smith begins his sharp wit rap that is smooth, quick, and 100% braggadocious. The video features him doing the wop and going after his kidnapped girlfriend. The only thing LL Cool J really needs is the beat, a mic, and a camera on him and he’s pretty much good to go. What kid didn’t watch the video over and over trying to replicate his jumps and moves? Guys loved him because of his lyrics and girls loved him because…well, he was fine and he liked to rap with his shirt off. Everyone wanted Cool J’s cookies. Michael Jackson’s very different Bad video was also in high rotation.
Michael Jackson’s Bad single was released in September 1987. Bad featured MJ in what would become one of his most signature looks – the matching black jacket and pants with many buckles, snaps, and hooks. The lyrics are of MJ giving a warning to someone that thinks he’s bad, but isn’t. MJ tells him he’s bad and the whole world has to answer if he tells him once again. The video is a short film where the guy MJ is schooling is the one and only Wesley Snipes. Wesley asks him is he bad and Michael Jackson answers the only way Michael knows how. The video features a guy in roller skates, sound effects, a diverse crew, and choreography so smooth, elegant, and Bad. Michael Jackson was in formation at every turn.
Re-visit both versions so you can determine which one was really Bad.