LL Cool J refl ects on his legacy: ‘The most important rapper that ever existed’

LL Cool J, a hip-hop pioneer whose career spans nearly four decades, recently reflected on his profound impact on music, fashion, and entertainment. Speaking on Apple Music’s “Le Code,” the artist expressed confidence that history will recognize his contributions as foundational to the culture. “I think that one day people are going to wake up and realize LL Cool J is the most important rapper that ever existed,” he said, referring to himself by the stage name that stands for “Ladies Love Cool James.” Born James Todd Smith on January 14, 1968, in Bay Shore, New York, LL grew up in Queens and adopted his moniker as a teenager. In 1984, he became one of the first artists signed to Def Jam Records, a fledgling label co-founded by Russell Simmons and Rick Rubin. His debut single, “I Need a Beat,” sold over 100,000 copies, signaling the start of a career defined by groundbreaking achievements. His debut album, “Radio,” released in 1985, went platinum and featured hits like “I Can’t Live Without My Radio” and “Rock the Bells,” cementing LL’s place in hip-hop’s early canon. LL Cool J recently detailed how he introduced key elements to hip-hop culture. “They’re going to...