LL Cool J, born James Todd Smith, is a legendary figure in the realm of hip-hop, celebrated for his unparalleled talent, charismatic stage presence, and enduring impact on the genre. Hailing from Queens, New York, LL Cool J burst onto the music scene in the 1980s, captivating audiences with his dynamic flow, razor-sharp lyrics, and magnetic persona. From his early hits like I Need a Beat to iconic tracks such as Mama Said Knock You Out, LL Cool J has left an indelible mark on the landscape of rap music, earning him a place among the pantheon of rap legends.
Beyond his musical prowess, LL Cool J’s influence extends far beyond the realm of hip-hop, as he has seamlessly transitioned into acting, entrepreneurship, and philanthropy throughout his illustrious career. With roles in hit television shows and blockbuster films, LL Cool J has proven his versatility and staying power in the entertainment industry. Additionally, his commitment to giving back to his community and supporting various charitable causes showcases his dedication to making a positive impact on the world. Now, let’s delve into some of the most memorable and inspiring quotes from LL Cool J.
I am what I am, I’m doing very well in my life, and I’m thankful to God for that. LL Cool J
The secret to it all is just to enjoy what you’re doing. This is not working at the coal face, this is not sweeping behind a restaurant. It’s work, but it’s not work. It gives me a different type of energy. I’m grateful for that. LL Cool J
Dreams don’t have deadlines. I’m thinking of doing bigger and better things and having more fun with it. LL Cool J
Sometimes you’ve just got to grab an apple – or grapes, or strawberries. Something that’s healthy but maybe a little bit more adventurous, if you can see fruit as adventurous. LL Cool J
You can’t let your past hold your future hostage. LL Cool J
I just like to do different things. What is more important than the name is that people know that I really like acting, I enjoy it and I want people to know that I am serious. LL Cool J
You’ve got to stay focused without being boring – because all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. Skinny, but dull. LL Cool J
Nobody is perfect, but life is about choices. LL Cool J
The people who go get an LL album want to hear LL. They don’t want to hear LL trying to sound like DMX or whoever else is out there. That’s not what they want to hear from me, because if they want to hear that they can go get the real thing. LL Cool J
What you do in your art – TV, music, film stuff – touches people. And they want to touch you. So that’s a blessing. I’m okay with it. LL Cool J
There’s a lot of single black women who did the best that they could and that’s a beautiful thing, but they don’t know how necessary a father is in a kid’s life and how much guys miss that deep down inside. LL Cool J
I’ve never been one to have to manipulate women. I always want it to be like a mutual thing, like everybody loves everybody. LL Cool J
What is more important than the name is that people know that I really like acting, I enjoy it and I want people to know that I am serious. The name thing: I will always be L.L. Cool J. LL Cool J
I was listening to Jimi Hendrix; I just admire his artistry and creativity as an artist. LL Cool J
I’m a real person that cares about his art and cares about what he’s doing. I have a heart and a soul and I want to touch people and give. LL Cool J
I think that politics could be a positive thing. My beef is that people focus on the personal aspect of a politician too much. They should focus on the results. LL Cool J
When adversity strikes, that’s when you have to be the most calm. Take a step back, stay strong, stay grounded and press on. LL Cool J
Stand up and face your fears, or they will defeat you. LL Cool J
I think when you move past your fear and you go after your dreams wholeheartedly, you become free. Know what I’m saying? Move past the fear. LL Cool J
I think I’m the best, of course. How could I not? LL Cool J
What I say on a record and what I say off a record is two different things. And that’s always been the case. There’s a difference between confidence on a record and arrogance. LL Cool J
I’ve been training as an actor for six years. Nobody goes to acting school for six years. I mean, the college course is only four years! I absolutely trained. LL Cool J
I’m not giving up my history and what I’ve done in my music because I love it and I’m very proud of it. I just want to open it up for more people. LL Cool J
I don’t wanna abandon my identity as LL Cool J, but at the same time, I had to figure out how to let people know that I’m really serious about making these movies. LL Cool J
I feel like my peers now are artists like Madonna and the Stones, Michael Jackson and Prince. These are people who were able to take their careers beyond the normal here-today-gone-tomorrow life span. LL Cool J
You don’t need to be the good guy to get a good message out. LL Cool J
I think the guy who has had the better films is Will Smith. I don’t know if he’s a better actor than me. I don’t think so. I am a rapper first. Man, I just love what I do. I am just the greatest and I can’t help it. I’m sorry man. LL Cool J
We’re going to raise a lot of money for cancer awareness, give some to the American Cancer Society and hopefully make a big difference. LL Cool J
I only do what comes from the heart. LL Cool J
Once the referee throws the ball in the air, it’s either your ball or their ball and you have to just take your shot. LL Cool J
Sometimes altering your position is the right thing. Sometimes it’s not. LL Cool J
I do about 90 percent of my own stunts, and the things I can’t do for insurance reasons, like swinging out of a flying helicopter, I wouldn’t want to do anyway. LL Cool J
At fourteen, I started sending out demo tapes. LL Cool J
God blesses us all with different views and perspectives and levels of influence and power. LL Cool J
I think in order to keep America great, we have to keep America creative. LL Cool J
I think fitness is important. I think a healthy lifestyle is important. I think putting positive energy out there is important and just staying connected with the people. LL Cool J
People will feel the way they feel. LL Cool J
The person that made me want to make movies, and the reason I do films, is Bruce Lee. He was an incredible actor, and he had a lot of charisma. Handsome, action, you know, everything was there. I loved Bruce Lee. LL Cool J
If you do cardio one day and the next day you can do weights, do it that way. If you need to do it at night or in the morning, do it that way. Whatever you need to get it done, just get it done. LL Cool J
I just look at the high and bright side of things. LL Cool J
As a black man, my hope is that I can touch more and more people all over the world of different races and different colours. LL Cool J
Let me tell you something – compared to a TV-drama production schedule, touring is not strenuous. LL Cool J
I don’t have an image that I’m trying to, like, portray. I’m just being me. LL Cool J
The nature of the game is pain. LL Cool J
I’ve got to see my movie to see how I’m acting, see what little things I can learn about my craft. LL Cool J
That’s one of the good things about music. You get to do it live, where you can touch the people and interact with them. LL Cool J
What I like to do is just make good music, good movies, hopefully perform a good show full of energy and just have some fun. LL Cool J
I don’t look back. I don’t live my life in the rear-view mirror because, if you do, you’re bound to end up wrapped around a pole somewhere. LL Cool J
Timing has a lot to with art. LL Cool J
Art is about imagination. When you look at a picture from Salvador Dali, that’s about imagination. When you look at Picasso, that’s about imagination. Doing stuff from your heart. LL Cool J
Our world is at the crossroads. We have a choice, right and wrong. LL Cool J
To me, my peers are Bruce Springsteen and Mick Jagger. I’m not talking age-wise, but in terms of careers. Madonna. Those are my peers. And I’m okay with that. LL Cool J
I’m good at what I do, but I wouldn’t be so bold and arrogant as to say something disrespectful about, say, Eminem. He’s talented and he’s good at what he does. LL Cool J
I am artistic so I reserve the right to change my mind at any point. I just like to do different things. What is more important than the name is that people know that I really like acting, I enjoy it and I want people to know that I am serious. LL Cool J
I am a real person that cares about his art and cares about what he’s doing – I have a heart and a soul and want to touch people and give. LL Cool J
I think when you move past your fear and you go after your dreams wholeheartedly, you become free. LL Cool J
Hip-hop’s always reached out to kids. If you look at the last 10 big albums it might seem ironic. But when I look at the history of this music it’s always had a lot of positivity. LL Cool J
Do what you love; you’ll be better at it. It sounds pretty simple, but you’d be surprised how many people don’t get this one right away. LL Cool J
I don’t think you should go around talking trash about people because I think that’s how you get your hat handed to you. LL Cool J
Once you achieve one goal, you should be looking forward to trying to build onto the next thing, and not just getting comfortable with what you’re doing. LL Cool J
Stay focused, go after your dreams and keep moving toward your goals. LL Cool J
You have to always continue to strive no matter how hard things get, no matter how troubled you feel. No matter how tough things get, no matter how many times you lose, you keep trying to win. LL Cool J
I’m not just a rapper. I’m an entertainer. That’s the difference. LL Cool J
What I don’t do is try to like become whoever I’m rapping with. The people who go get an LL album want to hear LL. LL Cool J
I’m not trying to be new school and I’m not old school – I’m classic. There’s a lot of new cars and there’s a lot of old cars, but I’m just classic in doing what I do. LL Cool J
I try to do the right thing with money. Save a dollar here and there, clip some coupons. Buy ten gold chains instead of 20. Four summer homes instead of eight. LL Cool J
Hip-hop can be limiting and I refuse to accept limits. LL Cool J
To know the rules of the game, you have to be educated. LL Cool J
We need to make sure that there’s art in the school. Why? Why should art be in the school? Because if art isn’t in a school, then a guy like Steve Jobs doesn’t get a chance to really express himself because in order for art to meet technology, you need art. LL Cool J
I love my fans, I love my music – I have no reason to retire. LL Cool J
I’m not trying to keep up or adapt. I’m allowing myself to grow, evolve and create new music. LL Cool J
I think the key to working out is for people to think of water – just allow the workouts to fill out the cracks in your lives and seep into wherever you can fit it in. LL Cool J
I think the stuff that plays on the radio, the majority of it is for teenagers, which is okay. That’s what pop radio is about. And some of it is great, and some of it is not. LL Cool J