LL Cool J and Brad Paisley are still dealing with the fallout from their song "Accidental Racist," which lit up the Internet earlier this week.

The 45-year-old rapper appeared sat down with Jay Leno last night and addressed the controversy.

"You can't fit 300 or 400 years of history into a 3-4 minute song," LL said. "In no way would I ever compare the history of the confederate flag with a du-rag. However, when you think about a kid like Trayvon Martin, and you think of some of the things that happened in society based on clothing, when you put it in its proper context, it makes sense."

He seemed visibly upset, as if shaken by the fact that what he thought was a good idea for race relations in America was taken the wrong way.

"I would never, ever, ever suggest to anyone that we should just forget slavery and act like that didn't happen," he said. "I understand the systemic racism that exists -- I get that -- but if the playing field is unlevel and you feel it's unfair, then maybe putting down some of that baggage will help you make it up that hill a little easier."

LL didn't try to defend the song itself, offering that opinions on art are subjective.

"As long as people are having a conversation, then the art has done its job," he said. "America as a whole, we need to come together. We don't need to be talking about tearing the fabric of society apart. We need to be connecting with each other and becoming closer as human beings and loving one another."

Watch "LL Cool J on Jay Leno" Video

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