LL Cool J (born James Smith) made his mark by blending Rap with the Pop sound and helped to broaden the Rap genre as much as any other star of the 80’s. He gave the world Rap Ballads and gave the genre a romantic side it never knew existed. But there in lied the problem, as West Coast Rap and Gangsta Rap took over, LL appeared as a sappy dinosaur to some while he was still in his early twenties. He rebounded in the early 90’s with a harder edge and gained back many of the fans he lost as well as gained a lot of respect with those he never had. With his crossover success into acting, LL Cool J did not dedicate as much to his music as he could have, but he did prove that a Rap star could have mainstream success and a long lasting career. With a nomination in his first year of eligibility, it is likely just a matter of when LL Cool J raps his way and becomes one of the youngest entrants to the Hall.
Not in Hall of Fame News
The WWE Hall of Fame announced that the Hulk Hogan vs Andre…
Not in Hall of Fame News
It was announced that Bad News Brown will be inducted into the…
Not in Hall of Fame News
Yes, we know that this is taking a while! As many of…
Not in Hall of Fame News
1993 PRELIMINARY RESULTS: Thank you to all who participated in the Pro…
Not in Hall of Fame News
Yes, we know that this is taking a while! As many of…
Not in Hall of Fame News
It was announced today that Sid Eudy will be inducted into the…
From the Desk of the Chairman
Sports and regular physical activity are widely celebrated for building strength, improving…
The Buck Stops Here
The wait is over! Join the NotInHallOfFame.com crew—Kirk Buchner, Evan Nolan, and…
The Buck Stops Here
Join Kirk Buchner and Evan Nolan from NotInHallOfFame.com for a special roundtable…
The Buck Stops Here
Kirk Buchner (NotInHallOfFame.com) and Robert Dobek dive into the dark shadow the…
The Buck Stops Here
Kirk Buchner and Evan Nolan return for Season 6, Episode 15 of…
The Buck Stops Here
Kirk Buchner and Paul Lawrence sit down to break down the newly…
100 Active Potential Football Hall of Famers
-
#98 Overall, Amon-Ra St. Brown, Detroit Lions, #16 Wide Receiver2024: Pre-Season Rank: #144. Peak Period: 2021-24* Amon-Ra St. Brown has only been in the NFL for four years, but has put forth… -
#43 Overall, Minkah Fitzpatrick, Pittsburgh Steelers, Free Safety, #3 Safety2024 Pre-Season Rank #56, 2023 Pre-Season Rank #63, 2022 Pre-Season Rank #99, 2021 Pre-Season Rank #108, 2020 Pre-Season Rank #140. Peak Period 2019-23.…in Safeties -
#97 Overall, Ronnie Stanley, Baltimore Ravens, Offensive Tackle, #14 Offensive Lineman2024 Pre-Season Rank #137, 2023 Pre-Season Rank #123. Peak Period 2017-18/2022-24 Ronnie Stanley has been with the Ravens for eight seasons, and in… -
#84 Overall, DeMarcus Lawrence, Seattle Seahawks, Defensive End, #18 Defensive Lineman2024 Pre-Season Rank #87, 2023 Pre-Season Rank #111, 2022 Pre-Season Rank #132, 2021 Pre-Season Rank #131, 2020 Pre-Season Rank #133. Peak Period: 2017-19/2022-23…
Visit the Fictitious Halls of Fame!
You May Also Like...
EDITOR’S CHOICE
DDT's Pop Flies
When the veterans committee (VC), officially convening as the Contemporary Baseball Era…
Live Music Head
Project/Objectan interview with André Cholmondeleyby Live Music HeadOriginally published at timessquare.com on…
LATEST RANKINGS
MOST POPULAR RANKINGS
LL Cool J
As the Rap stars begin to become eligible for the Rock and Roll of Fame, they face the same debate that stars from other genres do: that of whether popularity should supersede art. LL Cool J could be the first of the Rap stars to fall strongly on the popularity side of the equation, as though he did sell a lot of albums, but was also accused of selling out.
The Bullet Points
-
Previous Rank: 2011: #102
2012: #91
2013: #87
2014: #80
2015: #80
2016: #84 - Eligible Since: Thursday, 01 January 2009
- Country of Origin: U.S.A. (New York City)
- Why they will get in: He is a huge star of Hip Hop which has the respect of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
- Why they won't get in: As big a star as he is, there are circles that did not find him influential.
- Nominated in: 2010, 2011, 2014, 2018
-
Essential Albums: Radio (1985)
Bigger and Deffer (1987)
Mama Said Knock You Out (1990) -
Our Five Favorite Songs as Chosen by Each Member of the NIHOF Committee: Rock the Bells (From Radio, 1985)
Go Cut Creator Go (From Bigger and Deffer, 1987)
Going Back to Cali (Single, 1988)
Mama Said Knock You Out (From Mama Said Knock You Out, 1990)
6 Minutes of Pleasure (From Mama Said Knock You Out, 1990)
Comments powered by CComment