There seems to be a total disrespect of Cool J as an MC as well as a Hip Hop pioneer. I find that in the midst of GOAT debates or a ranked list of the greatest MC’s he is conveniently forgotten. Sometimes not even mentioned. This may be due to his other endeavors and thus he is not associated with being an MC but, lets not forget his contributions nor his skill set. 

This is why I believe knowing history is so important. In order to pay respect to those that paved the way for you. Many have forged a path for Hip Hop, paving the way for it to be the billion dollar industry it is today. Including Cool J. But, many are unknown or totally forgotten. This is something I plan to remedy. 

I would venture to bet that a majority of today’s youth (sound like an old man now) whether in the music business or not, do not know the history of Hip Hop. They do not know their roots. They take what they have been gifted for granted. My goal is to change that. Not by shitting on the industry as it is today but, by educating and uplifting the pioneers that came before us. 

But, I digress. Anyhow, there is no doubt LL is Hip Hop royalty and should be recognized as such. I know I sound like I am dick riding Cool J but, let us not forget his place in Hip Hop history nor his multitude of contributions.

So, let us explore...true, time line wise T La Rock “It’s Yours” is the first official product (production wise anyways) released by Def Jam (1984), with Cool J’s “I Need A Beat” 12” following some months later. The “Radio” album would drop a year later in 1985.  

Cool J holds the distinction of being the first artist signed to the infamous Def Jam label, at the young age of 16. He also holds the distinction of being the first Hip Hop artist to appear on the then popular mainstream show “American Bandstand”

Lyrical I believe he is nice as well, he is a real MC. Personally not in my top 5 (top 15 tho for sure). This is of course subjective but, in terms of being a pioneer with many firsts, there should be no denying him. He should receive more props then he does. LL has legit lyrical talent. How else could he write rhymes for other prominent MC’s at the time (no need to name em). If you have other MC’s requesting you write them shit...then you have skills. No doubt.

Now, from a business stand point he was able to own his masters, which is unheard of, especially at that time. Hell, that’s unheard of now. Believe it or not being a businessman was a dis back then. Kool Moe Dee called LL out for this on his dis record “Let’s Go” which was a rebuttal to “Jack the Ripper” Basically, he called him out for being a business man as if that was a bad thing. My, how far we have come. In that sense, it is indeed a positive thing. 

Speaking of dis records, Cool J was willing to battle anyone. Song for song anyways. Not sure of any verifiable one on one battles that took place? I know there was some rumored avoidance of MC Shan back in the day but, that is a separate topic to explore and in my mind does not diminish his accomplishments. 

 

  

He has also contributed frequently to the creativity of his music and videos, including production for which he is not credited nor did he ask to be. It was unimportant and secondary to the music. Yeah, I get that his commercial crossover success can be problematic or may even carry the moniker of “sell out” 

But, none of that should take away from what the man has done nor what he continues to do to this day, such as Rock the Bells Radio on Sirius XM. He continues to put forth a means to preserve Hip Hop. Besides the phrase “sell out” in my view is someone who changes their nature based on the sign of the times, pandering to the masses to achieve success. LL has to my knowledge, has never really done so. 

Look, I get the argument for some later work...cough...cough J. Lo. But, to be fair he has always had love songs. There were 2 on his debut album “I Want You” and “I Can Give You More” Granted they were more Hip Hop – centric so, for him to continue that trend is normal, even if it is at a more commercial level. 

Anyways, I hope that I have at the very lest shed some light and given you some food for thought. Maybe, go back and check some rhymes and hopefully recognize his skills as an MC and possibly recognize how he is instrumental in the growth and continued preservation of this thing we all love...Hip Hop.