Legendary hip-hop artist humbly claims he ‘the most important rapper that ever existed’

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Many have claimed the moniker of “the best rapper alive,” but hip-hop legend and pioneer LL Cool J took that a step further. The legendary rapper stated he believes that one day “people are going to wake up and realize LL Cool J is the most important rapper that’s ever existed,” on Apple Music’s “Le Code” show.

Cool J, 59, born James Todd Smith, expounded upon that statement, pointing to his impact on hip-hop culture at large.

“They’re going to look and say, ‘Wow, when it comes to the jewelry, this is the guy that introduced all the ice and the jewelry and the champagne,’” he explained. “They’re going to say when it comes to the love songs, they’re going to say, ‘This is the guy that introduced the love songs and all the love s—.’”

There’s no doubt that LL Cool J is not only a pioneer when it came to the “golden age” of hip-hop in the mid-1980s, but his legacy also warrants him to be considered in the greatest of all time discussion when you talk Jay-Z, Tupac, and The Notorious B.I.G.

Cool J was the first artist signed to the legendary record label Def Jam in 1984 at age 17. His debut album, “Radio,“ ushered in a new era with energetic and direct delivery with mashed-up samples in rap music. Cool J has also experienced crossover success in film and television and is the first rapper ever to receive Kennedy Center Honors.

With the release of his well-received first album in eleven years, “The FORCE,” Cool J is still adding to his long-celebrated history.

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Murjani Rawls may be reached at mrawls@njadvancemedia.com and followed on Twitter at @MurjaniRawls.

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