KRS-One was noticeably absent from the Grammy Academy’s most recent Hip Hip 50 show – and that was very intentional.

In a new interview published on Tuesday (December 12), the legendary MC explained he turned down a personal invite from LL COOL J himself as he feels the Grammys hadn’t shown love to the culture until Hip Hop 50 celebrations began.

“I was asked about two months ago; they asked me to do it and I turned them down,” he said. “With all due respect, LL COOL J himself called me, spoke to my wife and pretty much begged for me to be on the show but we turned him down. And reason being is because I know people don’t understand this — and I say this respectfully. KRS-One is a Hip Hop extremist. I’m not violent, a violent extremist. I’m insane with this culture. I know I must have lost my mind in this.”