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
1979 SEMI-FINAL RESULTS: Thank you for your participation in the Pro Football…
Not in Hall of Fame News
It is with great pleasure that we have brought back the Notinhalloffame…
Not in Hall of Fame News
This past weekend, the UFC announced that Mark Kerr will be entering…
Not in Hall of Fame News
Regular visitors of Notinhalloffame.com know that we are slowly working on the…
Not in Hall of Fame News
Regular visitors of Notinhalloffame.com know that we are slowly working on the…
Not in Hall of Fame News
1979 PRELIMINARY RESULTS: Thank you to all who participated in the Pro…
From the Desk of the Chairman
From Michael Phelps to Kevin Love, many elite athletes credit sports with…
From the Desk of the Chairman
Fight week's electric energy pairs perfectly with casino deals, letting operators boost…
From the Desk of the Chairman
The American League East division is once again proving to be a…
From the Desk of the Chairman
Learn the latest trends and techniques for marketing casinos in 2025 and…
From the Desk of the Chairman
Online sportsbooks compete for new users with tempting welcome bonuses in 2025.…
From the Desk of the Chairman
When it comes to purchasing dog supplements, finding authentic sellers like https://happypaws.com/collections/probiotic-supplements-for-dogs/ is crucial…
100 Active Potential Football Hall of Famers
-
#76 Overall, A.J. Brown, Philadelphia Eagles, #14 Wide Receiver2023 Pre-Season Rank #106, 2022 Pre-Season Rank #142, 2021 Pre-Season Rank #141. Peak Period: 2019-23 Brown had a breakthrough year in 2020 on… -
#4 Overall, Zack Martin, Dallas Cowboys, Right Guard, #1 Offensive Lineman2023 Pre-Season Rank #6,2022 Pre-Season Rank #11, 2021 Pre-Season Rank #19, 2021 Pre-Season Rank #30. (Peak considered 2018-19/21-23) Martin began his pro career… -
#142 Overall, Haason Reddick, New York Jets, Linebacker, #26 Defensive Lineman/Linebackers: Pass Rushers2023 Pre-Season Rank Unranked. Peak Period: 2019-23 Haason Reddick had his first double-digit Sack year in 2020 as an Arizona Cardinal, repeated that… -
#36 Overall, Jimmy Graham: Free Agent, #2 Tight End2023 Pre-Season Rank #31, 2023 Pre-Season Rank #40, 2021 Pre-Season Rank #41, 2020 Pre-Season Rank #46. Peak Period: 2011-15 Is it the end…in Tight Ends
Visit the Fictitious Halls of Fame!
You May Also Like...
EDITOR’S CHOICE
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)
Should LL Cool J be in the Hall of Fame?
CINCINNATI MUSIC FESTIVAL PRESENTED BY P&G
Jul 26, 2025
Buy your Tickets to see Cincinnati Music Festival presented by P&G HERE!
Paycor Stadium, One Paycor Stadium, Cincinnati, United States Of America
Comments powered by CComment