Watch LL Cool J Recall Bizarre 1980s Meeting With Paul Simon

In 1987, when LL Cool J was merely “first album famous,” the emerging rapper spent a charming afternoon bonding with folk-rock legend/fellow Queens native Paul Simon for a New York Times profile. Reminiscing Thursday on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, the Lip Sync Battle host recalled hanging out with the singer-songwriter in his grandmother’s basement.

“We were doing some kind of interview, and [Simon] just wanted to come by,” the rapper said. “I remember we went to a high school or junior high school. And I remember saying, ‘I’m not sure they’re gonna know who Paul is.'” But when LL introduced Simon to the young, all-black audience, their excitement swelled…