Philly Mayor Reacts To LL Cool J Pulling Out Of July 4th Concert Over Strike

LL Cool J pulled out of Philadelphia’s Wawa Welcome America concert scheduled for July 4 on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, citing support for striking city workers and refusing to perform while labor negotiations remain unresolved.

The Hip-Hop icon announced his decision Thursday night via Instagram, just one day before the event, stating that he would not cross a picket line while thousands of municipal employees continued their walkout for better pay and benefits.

“But there’s absolutely no way that I can perform, cross a picket line, and pick up money when I know that people are out there fighting for a living wage. I’m not doing that, you know what I’m saying?” he said in the video.

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The strike, led by AFSCME District Council 33, began July 1 and marks Philadelphia’s first major municipal labor stoppage since 1986.

More than 9,000 workers—including sanitation crews, 911 dispatchers and water department staff—have walked off the job, disrupting essential services across the city.

Mayor Cherelle Parker responded to LL Cool J’s announcement, expressing appreciation for his stance while acknowledging the city’s ongoing challenges.

“I am aware that LL Cool J has decided not to perform at WAWA Welcome America’s July 4th Concert tomorrow evening on the Parkway. I spoke personally with LL Cool J today. I respect his decision and understand his desire to see the city unified. He is always welcome in Philadelphia,” Parker said in a statement.

The strike has already led to trash pileups, delays in morgue operations and heightened tensions between city officials and union leaders. The union leaders rejected the city’s offer of an 8% raise over three years, calling it inadequate given the rising cost of living.

LL Cool J added that he still plans to be in Philadelphia in case a deal is reached.

“I hope that the mayor and the city can make a deal; I hope it works out. I’m still going to come to Philly in case it works out. I’m going to be in town, y’all. I’m just letting you know I’m not going to cross a picket line and perform for money when people are hurt.”