Born in Queens, New York, LL Cool J was a child protégé; he started rapping when he was 8 years old. His first job was delivering newspapers. By age 16 he started recording music on a mix-table which is grandfather bought. He used to record and send the demo tape to just about all music labels he could think of.

LL Cool J – Ladies Love Cool James

“I think when you move past your fear and you go after your dreams wholeheartedly, you become free. Know what I'm saying? Move past the fear.” – LL Cool J

The Rap’s Original Superstar

Born in Queens, New York, LL Cool J was a child protégé; he started rapping when he was 8 years old. His first job was delivering newspapers. By age 16 he started recording music on a mix-table which is grandfather bought. He used to record and send the demo tape to just about all music labels he could think of. He was eventually signed to Def Jam records and started recording his first album.

The Debut

LL Cool J’s first album was released in 1985 titled “Radio”. This is a classic album of the 80s rap era, filled with DJ scratching and downbeat. Produced by legendary Rick Rubin was hard hitting masculine and raw. The album has been certified platinum.

In 1987, LL Cool J returned by what many believe to be his best work. “Bigger & Deffer” includes the love song “I Need Love” which is the first mainstream rap ballad ever. Reaching No.1 on RnB charts and No.4 on the Hot 100; the single propelled the album to sell 2 million copies. LL Cool J prolific songwriting led to the next album being released within a span of 12 months. “Walking with a Panther” released in 1989 was another platinum success

The 90s Knocks You Out!

In 1990 LL Cool J released probably his most signature and commercially successful tune “Mama Said Knock You Out” was a Gold single and the album went double platinum

After a break of three years he released the Gold selling “14 Shots to the Dome”. But it would be third double platinum effort which would cement LL Cool J as rap superstar. “Mr. Smith” was released in 1995, featuring another love ballad with pop harmony band “BoyzIIMen”. This would be his biggest charting success and single would go platinum. “Phenomenon” in ’97 made the way to his first solo No.1 US Album “G.O.A.T” in 2000.

The Latter Years

LL Cool J sold three continuous Gold albums between 2002 to 2006. In 2002 he would record his first No.1 single on the mainstream charts with a duet with Jennifer Lopez for her album. LL Cool J also collaborated with a host of rap talent. His last recorded album “Exit 13” failed commercially.

LL Cool J also has a promising acting career having acted since 1985. A hugely influential rap artist, his initial few records were pure pop/rap creating the groundwork for the development of rap/hip-hop.

• Did You Know: LL Cool J has worked in over 20 feature films acting with Hollywood’s biggest starts like Robin Williams, Samuel L. Jackson and Kevin Spacey

• Did You Know: LL Cool J has authored as many as four books on various topics such as an autobiography, a children’s book, a fitness related book and a book on the history of hip/hop

• Did You Know: LL Cool J started the music label and social networking site boomdizzle.com which helps aspiring artists to upload their music.

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