"Doin' It": LL Cool J's NYC Classic

“Doin’ It” is a steamy rap classic from 1995, brought to life by hip-hop legends LL Cool J and LeShaun. The track captures New York’s unique mix of culture, raw energy, and charm at the height of the ‘90s.

LL represents Queens, LeShaun brings the Brooklyn edge, and together, they created a bold, unforgettable track that helped shape a new chapter in hip-hop.

Released in 1995 on his sixth album Mr. Smith, “Doin’ It” stands out as one of LL Cool J’s most unforgettable songs. Built around a sample of Grace Jones’ “My Jamaican Guy,” it carries a smooth Caribbean-infused groove. The track pulses with sexual energy, featuring a raw, playful, and unfiltered exchange between LL and LeShaun. It climbed to No. 9 on the Billboard Hot 100, and chances are you still catch it blasting from car speakers or late night party playlists. It’s more than just a hit, it’s a moment.

With both LL Cool J and LeShaun being from New York City, it was only fitting that “Doin’ It” was released by Def Jam, the iconic NYC-based record label. The music video was filmed in Brooklyn, further grounding the song in the city’s culture. The track’s blend of grit and polish perfectly reflects New York’s rap scene at the time. Even the sample of Grace Jones, a New York icon in the music and art world, adds another layer of NYC heritage.