This iconic New York rapper, who began his career at the young age of 16, has had an incredible journey as hip-hop’s first significant solo star.
Alongside his acclaimed music career, LL has achieved success in film and television, accumulating numerous platinum records, several awards, and a noteworthy list of acting roles.
In addition to these accomplishments, he is a thriving businessman, a philanthropist, and a dedicated husband and father to four children.
And that’s not everything—he is also credited with inventing one of the most popular meme phrases in history.
LL Cool J recently chatted with Metro about his first new album in more than 11 years.
After a significant pause since his last album, ‘Authentic’ (2013), LL (whose real name is James Todd Smith) felt it was the right moment to make a comeback in music.
What drove him was his desire to stay connected with his fans and avoid being labeled a ‘part-time artist.’
“You can’t be an artist in your spare time,” he explained during a Zoom interview from New York, noting that while he never truly stopped creating, his music had taken a back seat.
“Musically, the pilot light was always on. I’d always be going in the studio and touching things here and there.”
The pivotal moment came when his long-running CBS action series NCIS: Los Angeles, in which LL played Special Agent Sam Hanna, began to wrap up its final season in May 2023.
With extra time available, he returned to the studio and concentrated on recording.
The result is his newest album, ‘The FORCE’ (which stands for Frequencies of Real Creative Energy), featuring 14 tracks produced entirely by Q-Tip from A Tribe Called Quest.
This album was released through Def Jam Recordings, the legendary hip-hop label on which LL launched his career in 1984.
LL left Def Jam after his 12th studio album, ‘Exit 13’ (2008), due to creative disagreements with the label’s executives.
However, he has now re-signed, attracted by what he perceives as a renewed energy at the label, which currently represents artists such as Rihanna, Justin Bieber, Big Sean, Coco Jones, and Jhené Aiko.
In addition to his music, LL COOL J has built an impressive acting career with over 35 credits, featuring roles in films like Any Given Sunday, S.W.A.T., Charlie’s Angels, In Too Deep, and Deep Blue Sea, along with his famous part in NCIS: Los Angeles.
Even though he enjoys acting, LL acknowledges that his real passion lies in making music.
“I just love the music,” he says. “I don’t limit myself. I do enjoy doing these films and television shows, but I just love music more.”
Throughout the years, he has thought about retiring but ultimately finds himself pulled back into the studio. He explains that as long as he feels creatively inspired, he will continue to record.
“As long as I’m inspired, I will always want to record and release more music.”
Among his numerous contributions to hip-hop, LL is recognized for creating one of the most well-known meme phrases in history!
LL coined the term ‘G.O.A.T.’ (Greatest of All Time), which is now widely used to refer to top athletes, entertainers, and iconic figures.
He explains that the phrase was inspired by Muhammad Ali’s famous declaration, “I am the greatest,” along with a nod to street basketball legend Earl ‘The Goat’ Manigault.
He first introduced the acronym in the title of his 2000 album, ‘G.O.A.T. Featuring James T. Smith: The Greatest of All Time,’ which achieved the top spot on the Billboard 200 chart.
Reflecting on the term’s cultural significance, he says, “I had no idea it was gonna become a worldwide phrase and statement.”
While he wishes he had trademarked the term, LL chooses to focus on the positive aspects, viewing its success as a reminder of his potential for future creative influence.
“To be able to touch the world through my art like that is pretty dope. What it says to me is that I can do more creatively. It says to me, if I’m capable of creating terminology for the entire globe, I can do some big things.”
