#NNPA BlackPress

LL Cool J Reflects on His Legacy: ‘The Most Important Rapper That Ever Existed’

NNPA NEWSWIRE — In 1984, LL Cool J became one of the first artists signed to Def Jam Records, a fledgling label co-founded by Russell Simmons and Rick Rubin. His debut single, “I Need a Beat,” sold over 100,000 copies, signaling the start of a career defined by groundbreaking achievements. His debut album, “Radio,” released in 1985, went platinum and featured hits like “I Can’t Live Without My Radio” and “Rock the Bells,” cementing LL’s place in hip-hop’s early canon.

Published

2 years ago

December 9, 2024

Stacy M. Brown

By Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent
@StacyBrownMedia

LL Cool J, a hip-hop pioneer whose career spans nearly four decades, recently reflected on his profound impact on music, fashion, and entertainment. Speaking on Apple Music’s “Le Code,” the artist expressed confidence that history will recognize his contributions as foundational to the culture.

“I think that one day people are going to wake up and realize LL Cool J is the most important rapper that ever existed,” he said, referring to himself by the stage name that stands for “Ladies Love Cool James.”

Born James Todd Smith on January 14, 1968, in Bay Shore, New York, LL grew up in Queens and adopted his moniker as a teenager. In 1984, he became one of the first artists signed to Def Jam Records, a fledgling label co-founded by Russell Simmons and Rick Rubin. His debut single, “I Need a Beat,” sold over 100,000 copies, signaling the start of a career defined by groundbreaking achievements. His debut album, “Radio,” released in 1985, went platinum and featured hits like “I Can’t Live Without My Radio” and “Rock the Bells,” cementing LL’s place in hip-hop’s early canon.

LL Cool J recently detailed how he introduced key elements to hip-hop culture. “They’re going to look and say, ‘Wow, this is the guy that introduced all the ice, the jewelry, and the champagne,’” he said. He also credited himself with pioneering hip-hop ballads, pointing to his 1987 hit “I Need Love” and popularizing the now-ubiquitous term G.O.A.T. (Greatest of All Time). “When it comes to Def Jam, they’re going to say, ‘Wow, this is the first artist that was on the label.’”

His influence extended to fashion, where LL helped launch iconic trends shaping hip-hop aesthetics. On the back cover of “Radio,” he sported black-and-red Air Jordan 1s, making him one of the first rappers to wear the now-iconic sneakers. “Michael Jordan was a rookie when I did that,” LL said. “Everyone was wearing Adidas and Puma. I put the Jordans on.” In the 1990s, he also played a pivotal role in popularizing FUBU (For Us, By Us), a clothing line that became a cultural phenomenon. “When they talk about FUBU, they’ll say, ‘Yo, this guy introduced the idea of putting clothing lines into the culture,’” LL said. He also brought Kangol hats into hip-hop fashion, further solidifying his influence.

While LL Cool J revolutionized music and style, he also excelled in acting. His film roles include “Any Given Sunday,” “Halloween H2O,” and “In Too Deep.” Since 2009, he has starred on CBS’s NCIS: Los Angeles, one of television’s most enduring dramas. Balancing his acting career with music, he released chart-topping albums such as “Mama Said Knock You Out” (1990), which earned him his first Grammy Award, and “Mr. Smith” (1995), featuring hits like “Hey Lover” and “Doin’ It.”

His recent album, “The Frequencies of Real Creative Energy” (The FORCE), was inspired by a dream involving A Tribe Called Quest’s Phife Dawg. “He came to me in a dream, and I decided to pivot and collaborate with Q-Tip,” LL explained, emphasizing the spiritual connection that shaped the project.

Despite his accomplishments, LL Cool J stopped short of declaring himself the greatest rapper ever. “There are too many rappers who have done too many important things for me to claim that I’m the one,” he said. “There’s a kid out there who feels Tupac changed their life or that Biggie’s music defined an era. I respect that.”

LL Cool J’s career has earned a host of accolades, including a Kennedy Center Honor—the first awarded to a rapper—and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. “I hope you’re inspired by me because I’m absolutely inspired by you,” he stated.

As LL Cool J continues to thrive across music, acting, and business, his influence on hip-hop and culture remains undeniable. “Being the first to do so many things in hip-hop has to put me in the G.O.A.T. conversation,” he said. “But ultimately, I’ll let history decide.”

Stacy M. Brown

Posts by Stacy M. Brown

Up Next

25 Years for a Fatal Dispute: Florida Woman Sentenced in Shooting of Neighbor

Don't Miss

Walmart Ends Diversity Commitments as Trump Policies Stoke Division

Stacy M. Brown

Click to comment

#NNPA BlackPress

NFL: Week Two Recap | Jalen Hurts did not fold; Caleb Williams exits game with injury

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts found Darius Cooper with nine seconds left for the game winning touchdown as his team beat the Tennessee Titans 24-20 in Nashville. Hurts finished the day 26/37 for 264 yards. He threw for two touchdowns and two interceptions. Prior to the final drive, the Eagles ran 25 plays for 45 […]
The post NFL: Week Two Recap | Jalen Hurts did not fold; Caleb Williams exits game with injury appeared first on BlackPressUSA.

Published

1 week ago

September 20, 2026

Oakland Post

Prior to the final drive, the Eagles ran 25 plays for 45 yards. During the final drive Hurts went 6-8 with 61 passing yards and the touchdown. Titans defensive tackle — and team captain — Jeffery Simmons said this week that the way to defend Jalen Hurts is to make him “play quarterback.”

Hurts said to Simmons after today’s game: “You started that sh**. I had to finish it.”

Running back Saquon Barkley suffered a stinger in the first half but he ultimately finished the game. He had four carries and nine yards and one catch for eleven yards. He will get an MRI for his injury, but admitted to Cameron Wolfe of the NFL Network he was fine.

Caleb Williams leaves game against Vikings with apparent lower-body injury

Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams was helped off the field with a right leg injury with 7:42 remaining in the fourth quarter. Williams was down, writhing in pain after scrambling to his left. After departing the injury tent, Williams raised his right fist, acknowledging the crowd while expressing his frustration. Testing will commence on Monday to find out more details about his injury.

“We’ll know tomorrow,” Johnson admitted regarding Williams’ injury. “He’s in good spirits. He’s a team player.”

Williams finished the day with 138 passing yards and one interception.

“I’m actually happy it’s nothing with the knee — that was my first inclination,” Johnson said. “But, a hamstring could be pretty damaging as well. So, we’ll see. We’ll see how bad it is tomorrow and we’ll go from there.”

Bryce Young once again dominated the Falcons

Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young is 5-1 against the Atlanta Falcons and is undefeated at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Today, Young threw for 287 yards and three touchdowns as he led the Panthers to a 34-3 dismembering of the Atlanta Falcons. Georgia Tech alumnus Darren Waller caught two touchdowns and linebacker Devin Lloyd returned one of his two interceptions for a touchdown.

Cooper Rush started his second straight game for the Falcons and it did not go well. The partisan crowd voiced their displeasure after Rush completed 10/17 passes for 86 yards and two interceptions. Jack Strand entered the game for Rush prompting cheers from the Falcons fans. The rookie threw a pick-six on his first career pass attempt. Strand was the first QB to accomplish that feat since Sam Darnold in 2018 and is the first Falcons player to do that since Brett Favre in 1991. Strand finished the day with 59 passing yards and 16 rushing yards.

According to reports, quarterback Michael Penix, Jr. is expected to make his season debut this Thursday at the Green Bay Packers. His return should help the Falcons. They are the first team since the 2008 Rams to not run any plays in the red zone after the first two games to open a season.

The bright spots for the Falcons today were the Spelman College Jaguarettes performing with the Falcons cheerleaders and Florida A&M’s marching band, The Marching 100, also performed during halftime!

Jayden Daniels gets carted off after apparent arm injury

Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels appeared to injure his left elbow on the final play of the first half in his game against the Dallas Cowboys. During the play, Daniels got stepped on, braced himself for the fall, and his elbow bent the wrong way. Daniels draped a towel over his head as he exited the field on the cart.

He was later ruled out.

Daniels suffered a dislocated elbow to the same arm during week nine of last season against the Washington Commanders, which led to him being shut down for the remainder of the season.

The post NFL: Week Two Recap | Jalen Hurts did not fold; Caleb Williams exits game with injury appeared first on BlackPressUSA.

Oakland Post

Posts by Oakland Post

#NNPA BlackPress

The Complete Negotiation Framework — Every Stage, Every Tactic, Every Win

Master the complete vehicle-purchase negotiation framework with Roosevelt Gist and Roosevelt. Learn every stage, tactic, and win!
The post The Complete Negotiation Framework — Every Stage, Every Tactic, Every Win appeared first on BlackPressUSA.

Published

1 week ago

September 20, 2026

Oakland Post

Negotiation framework stages, tactics, and winning strategies from AutoNetwork

Roosevelt Gist and Roosevelt deliver the complete vehicle-purchase negotiation framework in Episode 8 of The Color of Our Money Is Green. This episode covers the three foundations of every effective negotiation, the full seven-stage negotiation sequence with exact language for every stage, and five of the most common dealership tactics with the specific response each one requires.
What You Learn in This Episode:
The three foundations that make every negotiation tactic work
The complete seven-stage car-buying negotiation sequence
Exact language for every stage of the dealership conversation
Five common dealership tactics — the turnover, the four-square, the packed payment, spot delivery, and forced add-ons — and how to counter each one
Why signing preliminary paperwork isn’t the same as signing the final contract
___________________________________________________________________
“The Color of Our Money Is Green: A Buyer’s Guide to What Cars Actually Cost” — stan.store/RGist
____________________________________________________________________
AutoNetwork helps serious car shoppers inspect any new vehicle online before walking into a dealership. I’m Roosevelt — I’ve been reviewing cars and shaping digital car buying and credit union auto leasing since before YouTube car reviews existed.
You’ll find detailed walkaround reviews, POV test drives, and buyer-focused breakdowns covering comfort, space, features, and real-world value.

How to use the channel:
Watch the walkaround of the car you’re considering
Visit AutoNetwork.com for the full review
Check CouponsOffersAndDeals.com for current dealer specials
Walk in already knowing what you want — and what it should cost

AutoNetwork.com
CouponsOffersAndDeals.com
Affiliate disclosure: some links earn a small commission at no cost to you and help support the channel. Insta360 is one of those partners.

The post The Complete Negotiation Framework — Every Stage, Every Tactic, Every Win appeared first on BlackPressUSA.

Oakland Post

Posts by Oakland Post

#NNPA BlackPress

Mazda CX-90 Luxury: Heated Seats & Premium Comfort! #shorts

Stay toasty in the CX-90! Plush Nappa leather, heated/ventilated seats, and a memory-equipped heated steering wheel deliver ultimate luxury.
The post Mazda CX-90 Luxury: Heated Seats & Premium Comfort! #shorts appeared first on BlackPressUSA.

Published

1 week ago

September 20, 2026

Oakland Post

Mazda CX-90 interior with heated seats offering premium comfort.

Experience ultimate comfort in the CX-90. Nappa leather, heated/ventilated seats, 8-way power adjustments, and memory settings for both front passengers. The heated steering wheel with memory tilt/telescope adds premium convenience.

Watch the full video: https://youtu.be/EH5A4eQ4ipY