X-Nico

13 unusual facts about LL Cool J


Days Are Forgotten

The Z-Trip Remix features the American rapper, entrepreneur and actor LL Cool J.

Gucci Crew II

Their first song, "Gucci Bass", was inspired by LL Cool J's "Rock the Bells", and much like Gigolo Tony's 1986 hit, it utilized The Smurfs' theme song as the hook.

Henry the Hatter

Celebrities Run DMC, LL Cool J, Kid Rock, and Steve Harvey are all store regulars, and Kid Rock featured the store in his video for "Roll On".

Miss Thang

"Don't Take It Personal (Just One of Dem Days)" contains elements of The Detroit Emeralds' 1973 "You're Getting a Little too Smart" and "Back Seat", as performed by LL Cool J.

Pop-Rap

In the 1980s, rap artists like Run DMC, Beastie Boys and LL Cool J set up the blueprints and origins of pop-rap as they suddenly broke into the mainstream.

The influences and roots of pop rap trace back to late 1980s hip hop artists such as Run DMC, LL Cool J and Beastie Boys.

Russell Gunn

He grew up in East St. Louis, Illinois playing trumpet, and his initial musical interest was hip hop with LL Cool J being his first music idol.

Shea High School

LL Cool J and U.S. Representative Patrick Kennedy made a surprise visit to Shea High School in 2005 to talk about the future and school academics.

The Most Beautifullest Hits

It features songs from Murray's first three albums as well as Redman's Dare Iz a Darkside, Erick Sermon's No Pressure, LL Cool J's Mr. Smith and Def Squad's El Niño.

Tons of Fun University

They have described themselves as a cross between LL Cool J and Sylvia Plath.

Treacherous Three

The Treacherous Three are remembered as the originators of fast rapping, they directly influenced MCs such as T La Rock, LL Cool J and Rakim.

Vol. 1: Unreleased

Two of the tracks on the album, "Busta" and "L.L.", are respectively named after (Busta Rhymes, and possibly LL Cool J), which may indicate that Jay Dee had intended to shop these beats to them.

World War II Lost Films

Featuring the voices of well-known actors, including Rob Lowe and LL Cool J, this visually astonishing landmark series presents the story of World War II through the eyes of 12 Americans who experienced the conflict firsthand.


Can-I-Bus

The album was released after the rapper's success with his LL Cool J diss track, "Second Round K.O.", which was included on Can-I-Bus, with additional support from heavyweight boxer Mike Tyson.

Daymond John

FUBU has received attention from the sports and entertainment industry, and has been worn or endorsed by LL Cool J, Janet Jackson, Will Smith, Mary J. Blige, Busta Rhymes, Magic Johnson, Lennox Lewis, and Whitney Houston.

Dre Knight

He has produced songs for various artists, including Frank Ocean, Sizzla, Sha Stimuli, K. Michelle, Astro (rapper), Nicki Minaj and LL Cool J.

Eddy Fort Moda Grog

His greatest success was his song "Materialista" (Portuguese for materialistc), which samples LL Cool J's Loungin (Who Do you Luv Remix).

J.A.M. Awards

Awards featured performances and introductions by DMC, Rev Run, Snoop Dogg, Raekwon, M.O.P., Jim Jones, Papoose, Everlast featuring DJ Muggs, Kid Capri, De La Soul, Mobb Deep, Dead Prez, EPMD, LL Cool J, Biz Markie, and Marley Marl.

Kevon Smith

Kevon currently owns a recording studio in Chicago where he has worked with the likes of George Clinton, Dave Hollister, Dreamworks, LL Cool J, Keanu Reeves & Dog Star, Oscar Brown Jr., Mic One, and many other recording artists.

L.A. Posse

The L.A. Posse first rose to prominence in 1987 when Def Jam founder Russell Simmons signed them to produce LL Cool J's album Bigger and Deffer.

Luka Bloom

In 1991, Bloom returned to Dublin to record The Acoustic Motorbike, which included a cover version of LL Cool J's "I Need Love".

Nicole Narain

She has appeared in music videos like R.L.'s song "Got Me a Model", LL Cool J's "Luv You Better", Mario Winans's "I Don't Wanna Know" and Fabolous' "Baby".

Nuttin' But Love

The first track on the album, "Friend & Respect", featured spoken intros by the likes of LL Cool J, Buju Banton, KRS-One, Kool G Rap, Little Shawn, MC Lyte, Martin Lawrence, Pete Rock, Positive K, Q-Tip, Queen Latifah, Spike Lee and Treach.

Rachael Carpani

She appeared in episode six of NCIS: Los Angeles in November 2009, playing a small role alongside Chris O'Donnell and LL Cool J.

Rush Communications

In 1983, Simmons formed Def Jam Recordings along with Rush Artist Management, the core of Rush, which launched the careers of artists such as the Beastie Boys, LL Cool J, Public Enemy, Run-DMC and Whodini.

Sha Money XL

“I was surrounded by a lot of successful rappers, LL Cool J, Salt and Pepa, Onyx and industry vet Steve Stoute in my neighborhood which was very motivating.”

The Tyra Banks Show

The show featured many special guest stars which include Mike Epps, Cheryl Tiegs, Miley Cyrus, LL Cool J, Rihanna, Michael Rapaport, and Robbi Morgan.