LL Cool J was unaware that he had created a widely used meme phrase until many years later.
The iconic New York rapper, who launched his career at just 16 years old 40 years ago, has had an incredible journey as hip-hop’s first major solo star.
Alongside his acclaimed music career, LL Cool J has made his mark in film and television, achieving multiple platinum records, receiving numerous awards, and building an impressive roster of acting credits.
He’s also a successful entrepreneur, philanthropist, and a devoted husband and father of four.
But that’s not all—he’s also the creator of one of the most popular meme phrases in history.
LL Cool J recently spoke with Metro about his first new album in over 11 years.
Following a lengthy hiatus since his last album, Authentic (2013), LL, whose real name is James Todd Smith, felt it was the right time to make his musical comeback.
What motivated him? A desire to stay connected with his fans and to avoid being seen as a “part-time artist.”
“You can’t be an artist in your spare time,” he explained in a Zoom interview from New York. He emphasized that although he had never stopped creating, his music had taken a backseat.
“Musically, the pilot light was always on. I’d consistently be going into the studio and working on various projects,” he shared.
The turning point arrived when his long-running CBS action drama NCIS: Los Angeles, in which LL played Special Agent Sam Hanna, began concluding its final season in May 2023.
With more free time available, he returned to the studio to concentrate on recording.
The outcome of this renewed focus is his latest album, The FORCE (an acronym for Frequencies of Real Creative Energy), which features 14 tracks and is produced entirely by Q-Tip from A Tribe Called Quest.
The album is released through Def Jam Recordings, the legendary hip-hop label where LL began his career in 1984.
LL had departed from Def Jam following his 12th studio album, Exit 13 (2008), due to creative differences with the label’s executives.
However, he has now re-signed with the label, attracted by what he perceives as a renewed energy at Def Jam, which currently boasts artists like Rihanna, Justin Bieber, Big Sean, Coco Jones, and Jhené Aiko.
Beyond music, LL Cool J has built an impressive acting career with over 35 credits. His filmography includes roles in Any Given Sunday, S.W.A.T., Charlie’s Angels, In Too Deep, and Deep Blue Sea, along with his iconic performance on NCIS: Los Angeles.
Despite his passion for acting, LL admits that making music is where his true love lies.
“I just love the music,” he states. “I don’t limit myself. I enjoy doing films and television shows, but my love for music is greater.”
Over the years, he has contemplated retirement, but he consistently finds himself pulled back to the studio. He explains that as long as he feels creatively inspired, he will continue to record.
“As long as I’m inspired, I will always want to record and release more music.”
Among his numerous contributions to hip-hop, LL is credited with popularizing one of the most famous meme phrases in history!
LL invented the term ‘G.O.A.T.’ (Greatest of All Time), a title that is now widely used to describe leading athletes, entertainers, and iconic figures.
He explains that the term was inspired by Muhammad Ali’s famous declaration, “I am the greatest,” combined with a nod to street basketball legend Earl “The Goat” Manigault.
LL first used the acronym in the title of his 2000 album, G.O.A.T. Featuring James T. Smith: The Greatest of All Time, which went on to reach the top of the Billboard 200 chart.
Reflecting on the cultural significance of the term, he says, “I had no idea it was gonna become a worldwide phrase and statement.”
While he wishes he had trademarked the term, LL chooses to focus on the positive aspects, viewing its success as a reminder of his potential for future creative impact.
“To be able to touch the world through my art like that is pretty dope. What it says to me is that I can do more creatively. It indicates that if I’m capable of creating terminology for the entire globe, I can accomplish some big things.”
