American rapper LL Cool J’s Covid status has forced him to pull out of his New Year’s Day show.
“I know it’s terrible for the millions of fans, but my COVID test came back positive, which means I won’t be able to perform as scheduled at NYRE,” the artist stated in a statement to PEOPLE.
This statement comes hours after the rapper tested positive for COVID-19.
The musician was set to appear on Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest, which airs on ABC on Friday.
“We were prepared, and I was looking forward to ringing in 2022 in a particular way in my hometown, but for now, I wish everyone a healthy and happy New Year. The most exciting part is still to come!” He continued.
Chlöe, an R&B artist, has also cancelled her presence on ABC’s Times Square event, which will still include Journey and Karol G on stage in New York City.
LL Cool J was a significant contributor to the genre since he demonstrated how successful a hip hop musician could be to music labels that did not believe hip hop was profitable to them.
He was also one of the first successful rappers to pursue a career in Hollywood.
