LL Cool J and Ben Crump Champion Financial Literacy

LL Cool J Joins DreamFi’s Mission

Hip Hop icon, entrepreneur, and entertainment powerhouse LL Cool J is bringing his voice to a new mission: financial empowerment. DreamFi, the financial technology platform co-founded by renowned civil rights attorney Ben Crump, has announced a new partnership with the award-winning artist aimed at increasing financial literacy and access to financial resources in underserved communities.

The collaboration unites two influential figures whose careers have focused on creating opportunity and expanding access. Together, they hope to address persistent financial education gaps while encouraging individuals and families to take greater control of their financial futures.

A Shared Commitment to Economic Opportunity

For Ben Crump, the initiative represents an extension of decades spent advocating for equity and justice. According to Crump, true justice includes access to financial knowledge, stability, and wealth-building opportunities.

LL Cool J echoed that sentiment, drawing inspiration from his grandfather’s journey from shining shoes to earning an engineering degree. He emphasized that many people learn financial lessons through hardship rather than education and believes DreamFi can help bridge that gap by providing practical tools and resources.

“While I was growing up, I watched my grandfather move from shining shoes to baggage handling and eventually going back to school for an engineering degree to better himself. To me, his shoeshine box was the foundation. It represented the discipline and vision required to build a better life,” said LL Cool J. “Most of us aren’t taught how to manage money early on. We learn through the struggle — and sometimes through avoidable mistakes. DreamFi offers tools, and they provide opportunities, access, and the options people need to succeed.”

Addressing America’s Financial Literacy Gap

The announcement comes at a time when financial education remains a challenge across the United States. According to DreamFi’s Access and Equity Study, only a small percentage of Americans report learning basic financial concepts such as budgeting in school. The study also found growing demand for financial education, particularly among younger and more diverse audiences.

Notably, nearly eight in ten Black respondents reported actively seeking financial education within the previous six months, highlighting a significant appetite for accessible and culturally relevant financial resources.

How DreamFi Supports Communities

DreamFi combines financial technology with educational tools designed to help users build stability and long-term wealth. The platform offers checking accounts, debit card access, surcharge-free ATM networks, telehealth benefits, roadside assistance, and financial education programs grounded in real-world experiences.

The company’s mission focuses on communities that have historically been underserved by traditional financial institutions, providing solutions that help users move from financial survival to financial growth.

Why LL Cool J’s Voice Matters

Throughout his career, LL Cool J has demonstrated the power of discipline, entrepreneurship, and long-term vision. His influence extends far beyond music, making him a compelling advocate for financial literacy initiatives.

DreamFi CEO Don Ross noted that LL Cool J’s story exemplifies what can happen when talent is combined with focus and opportunity. Through digital content, community engagement programs, and educational initiatives, the artist is expected to help make financial education more approachable and relatable.

“LL Cool J has spent his career showing what’s possible when talent is paired with discipline and vision,” said Don Ross, CEO of DreamFi. “He’s uniquely positioned to encourage people to move from just getting by to getting ahead. By bringing his experience and voice to DreamFi, we can make financial education more interesting and accessible — through conversations that meet people where they are.”

Building Wealth Through Education

As families continue navigating rising costs and widening wealth gaps, trusted voices remain critical in helping communities access practical financial information. The DreamFi partnership aims to provide not only education but also actionable tools that support everyday financial decision-making.

By combining Ben Crump’s advocacy, DreamFi’s technology platform, and LL Cool J’s cultural influence, the initiative seeks to create meaningful pathways toward financial confidence and generational wealth.

Visit DreamFi.com to learn more and join the movement.

Disclosures

¹ DreamFi is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services provided by FinWise Bank, Member FDIC.
² The DreamFi Visa® Debit Card is issued by Cottonwood Payments pursuant to a license from Visa USA, Inc. Use of this card is subject to the terms and conditions of the account agreement. Visa is a registered trademark of Visa USA, Inc. All other trademarks and service marks belong to their respective owners.
³ To find a surcharge-free ATM in the Allpoint network, visit the DreamFi app for iOS or Android or allpointnetwork.com
4 Access to 24/7 video or phone visits with U.S.-based board-certified, licensed, and credentialed doctors ready to help with physical and mental health care— with zero copays. (Registration/activation required.) Available for the account holder and their spouse/domestic partner and up to six (6) dependent children age 2 and older. This is NOT insurance.
5 Roadside assistance: Maximum benefit limit is $100 per occurrence and $200 per twelve-month period. Subject to a maximum of two occurrences per twelve-month period.