Somewhere someone has a story about James Todd Smith the masses have not yet heard. It is quite possibly an embarrassing anecdote from his past, something that happened before becoming popularly known as LL Cool J (Ladies Love Cool James). Regardless of the details, it’s not likely to tarnish his near 30-year legacy as a multi-platinum-selling, multi-hit-making hip hop recording artist.
At the 2011 BET Awards, Cool J was awarded the coveted I Am Hip Hop Award for his success-filled contribution to the poetic urban genre. There are those, though, who would dare to argue whether LL really deserved this award.
Here is a story: New York-bread rapper LL Cool J signed to upstart hip hop recording imprint Def Jam Records in 1984; he would release 13 albums for the label in the years that followed, selling more than 25 million copies with more than 30 hit singles. His larger-than-life personality lead to an acting career, first with small roles in Krush Groove (1985) and Wildcats (1986). Today he stars on hit CBS procedural drama NCIS: Los Angeles. In 2011 LL added critically acclaimed single “No More” (featuring Ne-Yo) to his resume, dispelling any concerns of whether his rhyme skill had rolled its closing credits. What does the legend have in store for 2012?
In this SoulTrain.com exclusive, we asked a number of recording artists if LL Cool J was truly deserving of the merit he was recently bestowed. Here is what they had to say.
“First of all, LL spans 3 decades. He continued to redefine himself. He came into the game as a super duper bad boy, and his attitude was ‘I’ll out-rap you’! Then he turned into a ladies man, a sex symbol. He represents everything that’s good about Hip Hop. I’ll never forget the first LL Cool J album I bought was Mr. Smith. That was my era in 1995! And I was already a fan from my parents playing his music. So I think he is very deserving of the award.” J. Cole @jcolenc
“LL Cool J is the embodiment of ‘B-BOY’ energy in regard to our global culture of HIP HOP unequivocally in spirit, soul, physical appearance. Everything HIP HOP is intended to be from artistic to entrepreneurial – even I suspect from a personal – standpoint. His legacy is proof he is.” Bahamadia @Bahamadia
“LL has been an icon in the culture since his first record touched down on the radio. Taking into consideration his rhymes, confidence and overall style, it was obvious that LL’s cool was there for b-boys and b-girls.” DJ Dub @deejaydub
“If you know anything about Hip Hop history, Cool J marked a new era of Hip Hop. LL was the first of the new school and one of the first to have a hardcore edge. Uncle L has been on top for the longest; so from actor, sex symbol, major endorsements, to TV, Cool J has been the first MC.” Chilla Pertilla @chillapertilla
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“There is no doubt that LL Cool J deserved the I Am Hip Hop Award. He helped pave the way for many Hip Hop artists from different aspects of the game. Cool J held us brothers down with joints like ‘Momma Said Knock You Out’ while we were on the block with our ‘Radio’ rockin the bells. He also had joints for the “Around The Way Girl” with “I Need Love” and many more. From rapper to actor to mentor, only a hand full of Hip Hop artists still relevant in the rap game achieved this level. In my opinion, we will never see another LL Cool J in our lifetime.” DJ King Shameek @DJ_King_Shameek
“He deserves the award because LL Cool J embodies what being a true MC is. His flow is legendary and his body of work speaks for itself. LL came on the scene and has been killing it from day one, and is not only a music icon but a fashion trendsetter as well. MC, actor, father and activist, and does it all well! You cannot deny his stage presence, and his flow is incomparable. He’s most definitely the Michael Jordan of Hip Hop – one tough act that may be imitated but never will be duplicated! So it is with great confidence that I say LL Cool J is one of the most iconic Hip Hop artists of all time and one of Def Jam’s founders. He’s opened a lot of doors and also introduced a lot of talent as well! I am proud to say, and with great respect, “LL COOL J IS HARD AS HELL!” He inspired me to fall in love with Hip Hop and I haven’t put down my boom box yet. I need a beat!” Cool V A.K.A Mr. Official Whistle @coolvsratednext
“LL Cool J is Hip Hop. All you have to do is study his body of work to see it. He’s faced ups and downs when it’s come to sales, won and lost battles, written love songs and sex anthems, and continually broken new ground as both a businessman and as an actor. LL is truly a legend. I do not place too high of value on any award, but he surely deserves the respect of our culture.” Rick Chyme @rickchyme
“LL’s contribution to Hip Hop is monumental. He has reinvented himself multiple times and withstood so many different style changes. I remember coming home and watching ‘Mama Said Knock You Out’ every day after school and thinking, I need to get more shredded and rap that intense. LL is very deserving of all the accolades he had received over the years.” JEROME @rootedjerome
“LL very much deserved the I Am Hip hop Award if we are looking at what he did for Hip Hop. The list could go on and on as far as being an innovator and trendsetter. For instance, when you think of a Kangol hat you automatically think LL Cool J. How many people in my generation dedicated ‘I Need Love’ to their girlfriends? [Laughs] Plus, his versatility was crazy; he could do the ‘Hey Lover’ or Doin’ It’ songs, then turn around and beat Canibus in a crazy battle and make songs like ‘4, 3, 2, 1’ or the classics like ‘Rock The Bells’. His longevity is amazing. So if you ask me does he deserve the award, I’ma have to say, Absolutely!” Kingpin @tfrkingpin
“I really think LL is a real definition of Hip Hop. When Hip Hop was just finding its niche he was a trendsetter; when Hip Hop found its voice, he was proclaiming the G.O.A.T (Greatest of All Time). Whether its music, movies, or voiceovers, he has been Hip Hop through and through, showing any aspiring artists how to really get it. And hell, it really shouldn’t be a question! When he’s involved with that question – he wins. Only people beating him is like Run DMC – period!” T-Dog @DogPrint
“This could be answered very quickly, or discussed at great length. Either way the end result is he deserved to receive it along with many others. But what comes to mind when I think a little deeper about it, is before his global success, LL Cool J was involved with a very young Hip Hop culture that had not yet gained the international acceptance it has now, so many years later. People were still saying it was a fad, and that it wouldn’t last. And early in his career I imagine he faced similar adversity that newer artists such as myself face now in cities where Hip Hop has yet to receive the respect it eventually commands. So against the mainstream current, with an incredible confidence, LL went extremely hard and symbolized a movement that to this day is giving the youth a conscious voice which otherwise might not have been heard.” Suport @suport83
“I think LL paved the way for a lot of artists. He’s also been a good role model over the years. LL Cool J is one of the few artists who showed longevity throughout his career, not to mention a great actor. And yet his roles and characters he’s played in films and sitcoms is a good reflection of Hip Hop. So, hell yeah I think he deserved the I Am Hip Hop Award!” M. A. @CEEZALEO
“He deserved the I Am Hip Hop Award because LL is truly Hip Hop: he stayed relevant for over 20 years, plus he dropped some of the tightest MCs battling. That dude been proved he was Hip Hop, greatest of all time.” Sixman @forallmusic
“LL Cool J is a pioneer, and Hip Hop legend and icon. He opened the doors for many artists. He has been consistent throughout his career and therefore he is the definition of longevity.” Tam Tam @TAMTAM256
“Nowadays when people talk about Hip Hop and all that it encompasses, there are a lot of misconceptions. It’s seemingly become the given that people are referring to ‘earning potential’ when we talk about who is or isn’t a ‘star’, when in actuality some people are referring to a select few individuals who – in every way, shape, and form – captivate. LL Cool J is one of the few artists that are still relevant in the ever-transcending world of the Hip Hop industry, while maintaining a level of substantial ground for his career. He’s commercially appealing, he’s lyrically sound, he can make mainstream hit records as well as underground classics during Hip Hop beefs. While one can argue that a person’s personal life should not come into play during the decision of this type of award, it wouldn’t matter in his case. James Todd Smith has done an amazing job of representing Hip Hop in every positive form inside and outside of the booth. And that is why he has earned the I Am Hip Hop award.” Rashad Thompson @RashadFFMG
–Mr. Joe Walker
Mr. Joe Walker, a senior contributor for SoulTrain.com, is an acclaimed entertainment and news journalist published thousands of times regionally, nationally, internationally, and online. He loves to create, loves that you read. Follow him on Twitter @mrjoewalker. Also visit ByMrJoeWalker.blogspot.com and TheUIMag.com.
