LL COOL J, the Hip-Hop icon who once popularized the term “Greatest of All Time” (G.O.A.T.), has shifted his perspective. While he acknowledges the subjective nature of greatness, he now argues that his contributions make him the most important rapper in the history of the genre.

The legendary MC, known for coining the acronym G.O.A.T., released an album titled G.O.A.T. Featuring James T. Smith: The Greatest of All Time. In a recent interview on Apple Music’s Le Code, LL COOL J expanded on his impact and legacy in Hip-Hop culture.

“I’ma say this humbly, but I really mean this,” LL stated. “I think one day people are going to wake up and realize that LL COOL J is the most important rapper that ever existed. I truly believe one day people are going to say that.”

Influence on Hip-Hop Culture

LL COOL J justified his claim by pointing to his groundbreaking contributions to Hip-Hop’s evolution. He highlighted his role in shaping fashion trends, such as popularizing Kangol hats, Troop sneakers, and later introducing brands like FUBU into mainstream consciousness.

“When it comes to FUBU, ‘Yo, this guy introduced the whole idea of putting clothing lines,’” LL explained. “Even before that, he did Troop. When it comes to endorsements, ‘Oh, this is the guy who did Kangol and made the Kangol popular before people even did that.’”

He also emphasized his trailblazing efforts as Def Jam’s first signed artist, laying the foundation for the label’s dominance in Hip-Hop, and achieving global success as a solo rapper.

LL COOL J noted how he bridged gaps in Hip-Hop’s stylistic and thematic boundaries with songs like “I Need Love,” one of the first rap ballads, while simultaneously embodying the genre’s “bad boy” persona. “When they talk about television, they gon’ say, ‘Oh, this is the guy who did incredible stuff on TV and at the same time was still making incredible records,’” he added.

 

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G.O.A.T. MEANS DIFFERENT THINGS TO DIFFERENT PEOPLE

Despite his confidence in his unique importance, LL COOL J acknowledged that the title of G.O.A.T. is open to interpretation, based on personal preferences and generational influences.

“There’s still a kid for whom the 2Pac album is the most important album to them,” he explained. “There’s still a kid that thinks Snoop made the records that changed their life. There’s still a kid that loves Biggie or Nas for their music, and they should and have the right to do that.”

While LL COOL J has referred to himself as the G.O.A.T. in his music, he clarified that outside of his work as an MC, he recognizes the impact of many other rappers who have made monumental contributions to Hip-Hop.

“Do I call myself G.O.A.T. on the record? Of course, yes. I will say a lot of things on a record. But outside of being on the mic as an MC, there are too many rappers who have done too many important things for me to try to claim that I’m the one.”

A Lasting Legacy

Through his fashion innovations, musical versatility, pioneering television career, and business acumen, LL COOL J has undeniably left an indelible mark on Hip-Hop. His reflections invite fans to recognize not just individual greatness but also the collective contributions that have shaped the culture over decades.