Happy birthday to L.L. Cool J, born January 14, 1968 in Bay Shore. New York.
LL Cool J, named for the phrase “Ladies Love Cool James,” has been perhaps the longest survivor of the early rap game. Raised in Queens, LL Cool J began rapping as a teenager, drawing inspiration from early hip-hop icons like Grandmaster Flash. His relentless drive and undeniable talent earned him a deal with Def Jam Recordings at just 16, making him one of the label’s first major stars.
LL is known for romantic ballads such as “I Need Love”, “Around the Way Girl” and “Hey Lover” as well as upbeat tracks such as “I Can’t Live Without My Radio” and “I’m Bad.”
He parlayed his personality and popularity into a solid acting career, working in a number of films as well as the TV series NCIS: Los Angeles. His influence extends to philanthropy and fashion, notably his FUBU collaborations. A two-time Grammy winner, LL Cool J was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2021, cementing his legacy as a trailblazer in entertainment.
