LL Cool J has announced "Rock the Bells: The Residency", his first-ever Las Vegas residency. The hip-hop pioneer will perform 11 shows at Dolby Live at Park MGM, running from May through July 2027. For a refresher on his journey from Queens to global stardom, read our LL Cool J biography.
The run makes him the latest hip-hop heavyweight to take over the Strip. Built as an all-star celebration of hip-hop history, the production pairs his iconic hits with immersive storytelling and special guest performances. All 11 dates begin at 8 p.m., split across two legs in May and July 2027.
Residency Details
Artist: LL Cool J
Residency: Rock the Bells: The Residency
Venue: Dolby Live at Park MGM, Las Vegas
Dates: May 15, 16, 19, 21, 22 and July 9, 10, 11, 14, 16, 17, 2027
Showtime: 8 p.m.
Concept: An all-star celebration of hip-hop history — iconic hits, immersive storytelling and special guest performances (per reports).
Tickets & Presale Dates
Per Hypebeast and JustJared reporting, the Citi/AAdvantage cardmember presale began on October 30, 2026 at 10 a.m. PT. Artist-fan, MGM Rewards, Live Nation and Ticketmaster presales follow on October 31 at 10 a.m. PT, ahead of the general public on sale on Monday, November 2 at 10 a.m. PT via Ticketmaster.
What to Expect
The shows are expected to blend career-spanning hits with immersive storytelling, and special guests are set to be announced in the coming weeks, per uDiscoverMusic. LL Cool J described the run as a collective celebration rather than a solo showcase: "This isn't me doing a show in Vegas. It's all of us." He added, "Hip-Hop started in a few neighborhoods in New York, and now it belongs to the whole world." His Vegas arrival continues a run of blockbuster Strip residencies — Mary J. Blige's Las Vegas residency recently made headlines as well.
Chris Baldizan, MGM Resorts' EVP of Entertainment, welcomed the announcement, calling LL Cool J "a true hip-hop icon" and the residency "a groundbreaking, new concept," per PEOPLE and Essence. For more on another rap heavyweight of his era, see our 50 Cent biography.
Watch the Official Video
Below is the official "Mama Said Knock You Out" video by LL Cool J, via LLCoolJVEVO — please note this is not residency footage:
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the residency announced?
LL Cool J announced "Rock the Bells: The Residency" in late October 2026, with presales opening on October 30, 2026.
How many shows are there, and when?
The residency includes 11 shows: May 15, 16, 19, 21 and 22, plus July 9, 10, 11, 14, 16 and 17, 2027. Every show starts at 8 p.m.
Where do tickets go on sale?
General public tickets go on sale Monday, November 2 at 10 a.m. PT via Ticketmaster, following presales for Citi/AAdvantage cardmembers, artist fans, MGM Rewards members, Live Nation and Ticketmaster customers.
Who are the special guests?
No guest names have been revealed yet. Additional performers are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.
Planning your 2027 concert calendar? DIIV's 2027 world tour is another major live music story to keep an eye on.
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