LL Cool J Declares Himself Most Important Rapper

LL Cool J, during an interview on Apple Music's 'Le Code', boldly declared himself as potentially the most important rapper in history, asserting that future generations will recognize his significant contributions to hip-hop culture. He highlighted his role in introducing flashy jewelry, love songs, and the 'bad boy' persona to the genre, as well as popularizing the term 'G.O.A.T.' which he used for his 2000 album. The 59-year-old rapper, who was the first artist signed to Def Jam in 1984, emphasized that his influence extended beyond music into fashion, helping brands like FUBU and Kangol gain popularity. Cool J's debut album 'Radio' is credited with launching a new era in hip-hop, and his recent album 'The FORCE' continues to add to his legacy. He expressed confidence that his impact on both music and culture will be acknowledged more fully in the future, stating he speaks from a place of love rather than arrogance.