LL Cool J — Hip-Hop Connections & History

Beefs (2)

Canibus dissed LL Cool J on his own verse on 4,3,2,1. LL destroyed him on the remix. The beef that ended Canibus' career momentum.

"99 Problems but a mic ain't one — mic check" · 2nd Round K.O., 1998

Kool Moe Dee vs LL Cool J is one of hip-hop's earliest documented beefs. How Ya Like Me Now.

"How ya like me now — I'm gettin' busier" · How Ya Like Me Now, 1987

Discography

Studio Albums

Radio 1985

Bigger and Deffer 1987

Walking With a Panther 1989

Mama Said Knock You Out 1990

14 Shots to the Dome 1993

Mr. Smith 1995

Phenomenon 1997

G.O.A.T. Featuring James T. Smith: The Greatest of All Time 2000

10 2002

THE DEFinition 2004

Todd Smith 2006

Exit 13 2008

Authentic 2013

The FORCE 2024

Collab

DJ Premier

4, 3, 2, 1 (DJ Premier remix). Premier produced key LL tracks.

Collab

EPMD

EPMD and LL Cool J are both Def Jam era NY legends who worked together.

Collab

Signed

Def Jam Recordings

LL Cool J was Def Jam's first flagship artist. I Need a Beat was the label's first hit.

Signed

Russell Simmons

Russell Simmons signed LL Cool J as a teenager. Foundational Def Jam relationship.

Signed

Friendship

Run-DMC

Queens hip-hop pioneers. Both defined 80s rap mainstream crossover.

Friendship

Nas

Queens rap royalty. Both from Queens, both Def Jam era, mutual respect.

Friendship

Jay-Z

Both Def Jam. Jay-Z has cited LL Cool J as a major influence and Queens pioneer.

Friendship