LL Cool J Makes a Bold Statement: “I’m the Most Important Rapper Ever”
LL Cool J, one of hip-hop’s most influential pioneers, recently made a bold statement about his place in rap history.
In a revealing conversation on Apple Music’s "Le Code", the legendary rapper and actor declared that he believes he is the "most important rapper that ever existed."
The declaration came when LL Cool J was asked about the possibility of a movie chronicling his groundbreaking career.
Rather than simply discussing his history, he emphasized that his contributions to hip-hop are too vast to be captured in a single film.
"I think that one day people are going to wake up and realize LL Cool J is the most important rapper that ever existed, I truly believe one day people will say that.”
LL Cool J Says He Is The “Most Important Rapper Ever”
LL Cool J says he believes that one day people will wake up and realize he's the most important rapper to ever exist.
— The Art Of Dialogue (@ArtOfDialogue_) November 30, 2024
(🎥 Mehdi Maïzi/YouTube) pic.twitter.com/ucypC9XQHn
LL Cool J went on to break down some of the major innovations he introduced to the world of rap.
Drawing parallels to Soulja Boy’s previous claims of being the first to do certain things, LL Cool J reflected on his extensive influence across various aspects of hip-hop culture.
- Related Content: LL Cool J Calls Out Rappers Who Only Rap About Money
He began with jewelry, asserting that he was the one who popularized the flashy "ice" and "champagne" lifestyle that would later become synonymous with hip-hop.
"When people think of jewelry and the bling-bling, that was me."
LL Cool J also took credit for the introduction of love songs in rap, pointing to hits like "I Need Love," where he mixed heartfelt lyrics with smooth flows.
"'This is the guy that introduced the love songs and all the love shit.'"
The rapper continued to list his other contributions, mentioning how he pioneered the "bad boy" persona in hip-hop, popularizing the tough, rebellious image that would later be embraced by artists like Tupac and Biggie Smalls.
Beyond music, LL Cool J also made his mark in the world of endorsements and television.
He recalled how he was one of the first to become a solo rap artist with global recognition, linking up with brands like Kangol and bridging the gap between hip-hop and mainstream culture.
Additionally, LL Cool J broke new ground in acting, starring in hit shows like "NCIS: Los Angeles" while maintaining his music career.
While LL Cool J's words were confident, he remained humble about claiming the title of "G.O.A.T." (Greatest of All Time).
"There are too many legends in this game, So many artists have made their mark, and I don’t want to claim that I’m the one."
Despite his modesty, LL Cool J’s impact on rap is undeniable. From pioneering the use of rap to promote brand endorsements to setting the stage for rap’s cultural dominance in the mainstream, his contributions have shaped hip-hop’s trajectory in profound ways.