LL Cool J, the legendary New York rapper and hip-hop icon, has navigated an extraordinary career since stepping onto the music scene as a 16-year-old nearly four decades ago.
Over the years, LL has made waves in the music industry, launched a successful acting career, and amassed a collection of accolades.
Yet, it’s his influence beyond traditional entertainment that has left a lasting mark on pop culture, with a legacy that perhaps even he didn’t fully anticipate.
While promoting his first album in over a decade, “The FORCE” (Frequencies of Real Creative Energy), LL reflected on his journey and his motivations for returning to the studio after such a long hiatus.
Despite being occupied with a flourishing acting career, most notably in his role as Special Agent Sam Hanna on “NCIS: Los Angeles,” LL felt a pull to reconnect with his roots in music.
“You can’t be an artist in your spare time,” he shared, emphasizing his desire to avoid the perception of being a “part-time artist.”
For LL, the creative drive never quite flickered out, even during his years away from music. “The pilot light was always on,” he explained, adding that he often found himself in the studio experimenting with beats and lyrics.
Produced by Q-Tip of A Tribe Called Quest, “The FORCE” sees LL back with Def Jam Recordings, where he first began his musical career in 1984.
Despite a departure from the label in 2008 due to creative differences, LL now feels reinvigorated by Def Jam’s renewed energy, which currently supports artists like Rihanna, Big Sean, and Justin Bieber.
The release of “The FORCE” symbolizes a return to form for the artist, reaffirming his commitment to hip-hop.
Through the years, LL has managed to weave a dual identity as both an artist and a cultural figure, balancing acting and business ventures with music.
Reflecting on his career, LL admits he’s considered stepping back from the industry, but he remains driven by his enduring passion for music.
“As long as I’m inspired, I will always want to record and release more music,” he said, affirming his commitment to creativity.
One aspect of his legacy that he never expected to flourish is a phrase that has now transcended music entirely.
In 2000, he released his eighth studio album, “G.O.A.T.” (Greatest of All Time), featuring the term that would become a cultural staple.
Initially inspired by Muhammad Ali’s declaration “I am the greatest” and basketball legend Earl ‘The Goat’ Manigault, LL combined these references to coin the phrase “G.O.A.T.”
Little did he know, his creation would become a meme, universally used to describe icons across disciplines, from Simone Biles in gymnastics to Beyoncé in music.
“There’s no question I came up with that!” LL said, recalling his pride in the term. “I had no idea it was gonna become a worldwide phrase and statement.”
While he sometimes wishes he’d trademarked “G.O.A.T.,” LL remains optimistic about its influence, viewing it as motivation for future projects.
“To be able to touch the world through my art like that is pretty dope,” he remarked, adding, “It says to me that I can do more creatively… if I’m capable of creating terminology for the entire globe, I can do some big things.”
Featured Image Credit: (Facebook/ @LL COOL J)
