When LL Cool J took the stage at the 2010 BET Hip Hop Awards to accept his “I Am Hip-Hop Award,” it wasn’t just a moment—it was a reminder. A reminder of a career that has spanned four decades, influenced generations, and laid the foundation for what hip-hop has become today. If hip-hop is a tree, LL Cool J is one of its strongest, deepest roots. And while debates rage on about the “greatest” rapper, the “best lyricist,” or the “most influential,” there’s one title LL Cool J undeniably owns: the most important rapper that ever existed.
And he rightfully claimed that “GOAT” status during a recent appearance on Apple Music’s podcast, “Le Code.”
“I’m going to say this humbly, but I really mean it: I think that one day people are going to wake up and realize LL Cool J is the most important rapper that ever existed,” the LL said. “I truly believe one-day people will say that.”
He continued, “They’re going to look and say, ‘Wow when it comes to the jewelry, this is the guy that introduced all the ice and the jewelry and the champagne”. “They’re going to say when it comes to the love songs, they’re going to say, ‘This is the guy that introduced the love songs and all the love shit.’”
The Pioneer of Longevity
In 1984, a 16-year-old James Todd Smith dropped “I Need a Beat,” signaling the arrival of a new kind of rap star—young, hungry, and polished. At a time when rap was still finding its footing as a viable genre, LL Cool J showed the world it wasn’t just a passing trend. His debut album, Radio (1985), produced by Rick Rubin, was both raw and revolutionary, blending booming beats with radio-friendly hooks. It went platinum, proving rap could dominate commercially while staying true to its street origins.
LL was the blueprint for what a long-lasting hip-hop career could look like. He was the first rapper to release 10 consecutive platinum albums, a feat unmatched to this day. He transcended the early “five-year career” curse that plagued so many of his contemporaries. His ability to adapt to changing tastes while maintaining his essence—whether battling in Mama Said Knock You Out or crooning love ballads like “I Need Love”—is nothing short of genius.
LL Cool J as the First Crossover Superstar
Before hip-hop took over global charts, LL Cool J showed it could thrive across audiences. While he maintained street credibility with tracks like “Rock the Bells” and “Around the Way Girl,” he had an unparalleled ability to tap into vulnerability—something unheard of for a rapper in the hyper-masculine 1980s. “I Need Love” paved the way for the romantic subgenre of rap, and without it, there would likely be no Drake, Ja Rule, or even J. Cole.
LL was also one of the first rappers to fully embrace the entertainment industry’s possibilities. His charm and charisma turned him into a household name beyond music, with TV shows (In the House), movies (Deep Blue Sea, Any Given Sunday), and a long-standing role on NCIS: Los Angeles. His career is proof that a rapper could transcend the genre while staying authentic—a balance artists today strive for.
The Father of Rap Battles
LL Cool J is also one of the architects of the rap battle culture we celebrate today. His legendary feuds with Kool Moe Dee and Canibus cemented his place as one of the most fearless lyricists of his time. LL taught a generation of rappers the art of the comeback and the importance of lyrical dominance. His diss tracks weren’t just about clever insults—they were masterclasses in storytelling, rhythm, and wordplay.
An Advocate for Hip-Hop’s Legacy
In recent years, LL Cool J has become a guardian of hip-hop culture. His creation of Rock the Bells Radio is a love letter to the genre, preserving its history while giving a platform to artists who helped shape it. At a time when rap often feels hyper-commercialized, LL has taken it upon himself to remind us of its roots, its pioneers, and its purpose.
Why LL Cool J’s Legacy Matters
Calling LL Cool J the most important rapper ever isn’t about comparing him to Tupac, Jay-Z, or Kendrick Lamar. It’s about recognizing that without LL, many of those artists wouldn’t have had a framework for their success. He proved rappers could be mainstream superstars. He showed the genre how to have staying power. He blended toughness with tenderness, street with sophistication, and business acumen with artistic integrity.
Forty years after he first picked up the mic, LL Cool J remains a symbol of everything hip-hop can be—timeless, transformative, and boundary-breaking. So, as we celebrate the 50th anniversary of hip-hop, let’s also celebrate the man who not only helped build it but who continues to uplift it. LL Cool J isn’t just a pioneer; he’s the bridge between rap’s past, present, and future.
He’s the most important rapper that ever existed.
