I traveled from New York City by bus to visit them. Spending time with my grandparents changed my perspective on life and prepared me for the world. Family is everything. I learned from them, and they sent me to the moon. For me, their wisdom, love, and ways were far better than anything I learned in school.

I got my superpowers by learning how to survive at a very early age. I let my imagination flow and grow to new heights. I practiced drawing when I wasn’t playing sports. I just worked on all my skills.

I grew up in a neighborhood with plenty of different kinds of people. Even as a kid, you had to be quick. You tried not to be outsmarted easily or tricked into throwing your life away. It was a very dangerous environment. I learned quickly about the truth of my surroundings and learned not to be afraid to be myself.

I got the feedback I needed, and I used it inform where and how to attack the next record. I caught people completely off guard and even saw imitation. Things were moving and changing because of what I had done. Even though they were not my whole songs—it was just a verse—I saw my potential.

I never wanted to give it up. There were times when I felt there was nothing else to say musically. In my twenties, I felt like the business was boring and too cutthroat. And I felt I was the best at what I did. I watched fellow artists succumb to violence. I saw the art form dominated by people who didn’t love the art form. Instead of quitting, I got reenergized and gave people what I felt with my album Hip Hop Is Dead. I forced people to think about that and prove me wrong—at least, I got them talking.

If I could give my younger self advice, it would be, “You have it all together. Keep doing what you’re doing and focus. People hear you. Say more. Do more. Keep helping people around you. And make sure you know it’s great for you to enjoy it all. And take more vacations.”

I realize being a Black man is being a part of an incredibly hidden lineage. There is so much more of myself to give to the world.

LL COOL J Presents The Streets Win: 50 Years of Hip-Hop Greatness is in stores now.