Photo by Gareth Cattermole/MTV EMA/Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images for Paramount
LL Cool J has sparked reactions on social media after he spoke about his legacy in a recent interview with Apple Music. The hip hop pioneer basically put some RESPECK on his name as he humbly believes “people will one day realize that he was one of the most important rappers to ever exist.”
LL Cool J chopped it up with Apple Music on ‘Le Code’ and said he’s confident people will start recognizing his influence in hip hop.
“They’re gonna look, and they’re gonna say ‘Wow when it comes to the jewelry, this is the guy who introduced all of the diamonds, the ice, and the champagne. They’re gonna say when it comes to the love songs, this is the guy who introduced all of the love songs and all of the love s**t. When it comes to the bad boy vibe, they’re gonna realize, oh this is the guy who introduced all of the rebellious, bad boy vibes before it was done. When it comes to the GOAT terminology, they’re gonna say this is the guy that came up with all of the GOAT stuff,” LL explained.
The rapper also pointed out that he’ll be celebrated as one of Def Jam’s first artists and the first musician to take his career global. Per Billboard, LL’s 1985 debut album, ‘Radio,’ marked Def Jam’s first full project and helped put the label on the map.
“When it comes to Def Jam, ‘Wow, this is the first artist that was on Def Jam.’ They gonna say when it comes to solo artist, ‘Wow this is the first solo artist to take it all the way around the world.’ I mean, I could go on and on,” LL continued.
Additionally, he spoke about his fashion influence, noting that he introduced the whole idea of clothing lines.
“They’re gonna say, ‘Yo when it comes to the FUBU, this guy introduced the whole idea of putting clothing lines, even before that he did Troop.’ When it comes to the endorsements, they’re gonna say, ‘Oh, this is the guy that did the Kango and made the Kango popular before people even did that,'” Cool J added.
LL Cool J went on to say that the big names in hip hop got their start on the label he birthed. He clarified he wasn’t being “funny style or arrogant” and emphasized that he was speaking from a place of love. The ‘Headsprung’ spitter truly believes this because it’s based on facts. Despite this, he doesn’t call himself the “GOAT” since some younger fans might think other rappers had a bigger impact on their lives. Still, he admitted, “on the record, he does consider himself the GOAT.”
The Roommates reacted to LL’s statements in The Shade Room comment section. Many agreed and credited him as legendary artist in hip hop.
Instagram user @iamojthedj wrote, “LL is a legend. Hes has every right to say what he said.”
Instagram user @teamchancebrown wrote, “Ive said this for years!! Top 5 of all time!”
While Instagram user @breland wrote, “He’s not wrong. If we’re talking about hip hop, he was the first breakout star. And as far as parlaying that into acting and other ventures, he paved those roads too. Respect ”
Then Instagram user @maggie.weaves wrote, “And STILL stayed committed to his wife. 20 plus years no scandals or blogs can we take a minute to recognize that ”
Another Instagram user @mr_foh_ wrote, “I mean pop off Legend….he been humble long enough.”
Instagram user @g_tooflyy wrote, “Hes the first Hip Hop Superstar!! He has a right to feel that way! Hes one of the Goats ”
Lastly, Instagram user @iamdevale wrote, “This is not a Hot Take. This is FACTS! You dont have hip hop as a global brand and marketable art form if it was not for LL Cool J. #Respect #GOAT”
