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Ll Cool J
Artist profile

Ll Cool J

LL Cool J, born James Todd Smith in New York City in 1968, started rapping in Queens as a teenager. He got his break with the 1984 single "I Need a Beat,"...

album175 lyric pages photo_library7 photos groups9 listeners here now Editor's note live
person Curated by Ethan Walker LyroVerse team
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Headsprung Video on page · 12 visits arrow_forward Big Mama Video on page · 10 visits arrow_forward Phenomenon Video on page · 8 visits arrow_forward Crime Stories Video on page · 7 visits arrow_forward I Need A Beat 7 visits arrow_forward 6 Minutes Of Pleasure Video on page · 6 visits arrow_forward
Editor's note

LL Cool J, from Queens teenager to hip-hop constant

The rapper who started with "I Need a Beat" in 1984 and never really left the room.

For the early sound, there's "I Need a Beat." For the later, durable version, put on "Headsprung."

He was still in high school when "Radio" came out in 1985, making him one of the first artists to help define what a Def Jam record sounded like. Later tracks like "Headsprung" proved he could adapt his style to new production without losing his voice. That ability to stay visible without chasing every trend is a big part of his story.

It began with the 1984 single "I Need a Beat" and a deal with Def Jam. The late '80s and '90s brought albums like "Bigger and Deffer" and "Mama Said Knock You Out," while his move into acting on shows like "NCIS: Los Angeles" opened another chapter.

edit_note Ethan Walker · LyroVerse team · Apr 19
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LyroVerse editor's notes are short interpretation guides, not final verdicts. If something needs a correction, visit About or Contact.

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175 lyric pages live 7 photos available Editor's note live Video on page
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Background notes

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LL Cool J, born James Todd Smith in New York City in 1968, started rapping in Queens as a teenager. He got his break with the 1984 single "I Need a Beat," which led to a deal with Def Jam Recordings. His debut album "Radio" came out the next year, when he was still in high school.

In the late '80s and early '90s, he put out records like "Bigger and Deffer" and "Mama Said Knock You Out." Songs such as "Headsprung" and "Big Mama" kept his voice in the mix even as hip-hop changed around him. He also began acting, appearing in films and later on the TV series "NCIS: Los Angeles."

Over the decades, LL Cool J has stayed visible without needing to chase every trend.

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Where should I start with Ll Cool J on LyroVerse?

The Start here section opens with Headsprung, Big Mama, and Phenomenon so you can move through the artist's stronger lyric pages first.

How many lyric pages are live for Ll Cool J?

LyroVerse currently has 175 visible lyric pages for Ll Cool J.

Does Ll Cool J have photos on LyroVerse?

Yes. There are 7 photos available, and the preview gallery on this page links to the full photos section.

Does LyroVerse have an editor's note for Ll Cool J?

Yes. The editor's note on this page is a short LyroVerse team guide, not a final verdict on the artist.

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