
Philly’s Fourth of July celebration just hit an unexpected note. Hip-hop icon LL Cool J has announced he will no longer perform at the Wawa Welcome America July 4th concert, citing his support for the ongoing District Council 33 (DC 33) strike, the city’s largest blue-collar workers’ union.
In a heartfelt message shared on Instagram Thursday night, LL COOL J explained his decision:
I never ever want to disappoint my fans, and especially in Philadelphia. Ya’ll mean too much to me, but there’s absolutely no way that I could perform, cross a picking line and pick up money when I know that people are out there fighting for a living wage.
He added that although he’ll still be in town, fans shouldn’t expect to see him on stage:
I’m going to be in town, y’all, but I’m just letting you know, I’m not going to cross a picket line and perform for money when people are hurting.
The Queens-born legend was scheduled to headline the free Parkway concert alongside Philly’s own Jazmine Sullivan, as part of the city’s massive Independence Day celebration.
The rap icon’s decision quickly sparked reactions from city officials and union leadership.
District Council 33 President Greg Boulware praised the move, calling it a powerful gesture of solidarity:
His support underscores the significance of the labor movement and its ongoing fight for justice and equity. We are grateful for his exemplary stance and the impact it has on raising awareness and fostering respect for working people everywhere.
Mayor Cherelle Parker also issued a statement, sharing that she spoke directly to LL COOL J about his decision:
I respect his decision and understand his desire to see the city unified. He is always welcome in Philadelphia.
The strike, which began at midnight on Tuesday, has halted negotiations between the City of Philadelphia and DC 33– a union of nearly 9,000 city workers, including those in sanitation, water services, street repairs, the airport, and even 911 dispatchers.
As the city preps for fireworks and festivals, the absence of LL COOL J is a reminder that Independence Day means different things to different people. Indeed for many Philadelphians, the fight for fair wages is part of that story.