Born in Bay Shore, New York, and raised between St. Albans, New York and Hollis, New York in the borough of Queens. The only child of Ondrea (née Griffith) and James Smith, Jr. Smith is of both African American and Native American descent. He spent his youth singing in the church choir, participating in the Boy Scouts and delivering newspapers.
Def Jam released his first record, the 12" single "I Need a Beat" in 1983. The single sold over 100,000 copies. The success of "I Need a Beat" helped lead to a distribution deal with Def Jam and Columbia Records in 1985. Soon after, he dropped out of Andrew Jackson High School to record his debut album.
He is known for romantic ballads such as I Need Love and Hey Lover as well as pioneering hip-hop such as I Can't Live Without My Radio, I'm Bad, The Boomin' System, Mama Said Knock You Out, and 4, 3, 2, 1. L has also appeared in several films. LL Cool J is one of a few hip-hop stars of his era to sustain a successful recording career for more than two decades. He has released 12 albums and a greatest hits compilation so far, with his next album, Exit 13, set to be released in September, 2008. The album will be the last for LL's record deal with Def Jam Recordings, a deal which has lasted for over twenty two years, making it the longest single hip hop deal to date. He now resides in Manhasset, NY with his wife and four children.
Nitro
LL Cool J Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I excel, they fell, I said, well, hell
L can yell or make 'em melt like gel
I signed the contracts that buils up stacks
Play the wall or fall I stand tall you're small in fact
Step aside, you might get fried
By the super technique that the rapper applied
As a matter of fact, the impact will distract
They can mess with Cool J the best of to-day
And best 'cause the rhymes are so funky fresh
I'ma attack smack and make 'em stand back
Black strong as cognac I got the knack
To rhyme to the rhythm of this, and give 'em a gift
That's swift, other rappers are stiff and don't riff with
Mr. Smith, 'cause that ain't safe
I get you wide open like an uncut eighth
I write to fight, don't bite, to reach heights
The mic makes right, give me the spotlight
So I can prove the pen is mightier than the sword
LL hard as hell, the lyrical lord
The counterfeit misfits that rap had to admit that
My rhymes are so dangerous, I need a permit to rap
Solo, on the microphone
MC's, don't let me catch you alone
I'm nitro!
Yo, I got the kick of a kettle drum, guaranteed to overcome
You're just a minimum, messing with the maximum
And when I swung my tongue among the high strung
Young MC's, they all got done by the legend
Every second I'm wrecking
Not a mistake you'll find, but you can keep checking
Out the sound you'll find that it's genuine
Bet that you'll rewind this a thousand times
You can taste the bass like it's filet-of-sole
I leave the microphone full of bullet holes
I drop the bomb like I'm in 'Nam and go beyond
The normal boundaries of too much harm
To MC's, but as they say please I freeze
Rhymes like these kill like a disease
Tried to fill my shoes, and caught the blues
Because they get bruised by the rhymes I choose
I kill rappers at random, I don't understand 'em
The ones I didn't get, are on a memorandum
Lines I recite are spontaneous
The nursery rhymes you write, are miscellaneous
So pass the crown, bow down and give in
I'm the Prince of Rap, that's how we livin'
Setting milestones on the microphone
Empires are overthrown, and I ain't even baritone
No joke I spoke then God stroke
As Job tried to sweat the style and got soaked
Conquered and killed on the microphone
MC's, don't let me catch you alone
LL's nitro!
Nitro!
Yo, flammable, like gasoline
Threatening, like a guillotine
It's like a bad dream when you battle my team
I go to every extreme to make MC's scream
I'm clever, I last forever, we can do whatever
With whoever, whenever, I never
Ever got rocked, stopped or dropped
They got popped, by the hip-hop rock that I concoct
I'm so nice yo, flowing with the maestro
Murdering and hurting MC's because I'm nitro
The earthquakes'll kill snakes and fakes
You can't flake, you made a mistake, give me a break, thanks
Now that we're straight and that's clear
Watch all the big mouths, disappear
Disintegrate, deteriorate, fall
I demonstrate, and devastate you all
There's no doubt about the fact I turn it out, the wack
Be on the lookout, LL made a comeback
Full of power, I'ma devour
I stand tall as a tower, I won't allow a
MC to see-O-M-E, see-L-O-S-E
Play me long D-I-S-T-A-N-see-E, M-see's
On the microphone, I'm nitro!
Nitro!
Yo (funky)
I daze amaze faze blaze and beat 'em down
Nowadays they crave and praise, the funky sound I pound
Rhymes I write 'em in, recite 'em and then slide 'em in
Order to slaughter comp that start soon as I begin
Total domination, across the nation
Devastation, cut sensation, it's the invasion
Of L the Terrible, devastating rhyming wiz
I cut through through do and chew, you know what time it is
Slick, I get off of kicks, vick your flick
Hard as bricks, rock ya sick over the mix
The L, L, see, O, O, L J Period now you know bro!
N-I-T-R-O yo go for what you know
Unless you're dumb 'cause yo I'm nitro-glycerin
Listening and taking notes
Icing enticing and slicing throats
The lyrics to LL Cool J's "Nitro" are a boastful display of his prowess as a rapper, with LL confidently asserting his dominance over his competitors. He declares himself the best in the game, with a skill level that leaves his opponents in the dust. The first verse starts by pointing out his excellence, with the line "I excel, they fell, I said, well, hell." He then goes on to describe his ability to make his enemies tremble with fear, threatening to "melt" them like "gel."
LL then brags about his inked contracts that stack up high, further highlighting his success. He observes that he stands tall, and his enemies are "small in fact," ending with the lines "MC's, don't let me catch you alone, I'm nitro!" With these words, he warns that if his competitors face him alone, they don't stand a chance against his lethal rhyming abilities.
The second verse starts off with LL again stating his superiority, saying that he possesses a kick like a kettle drum that is sure to overcome his opponents. He boasts about his legendary status and how he wrecks every second with no errors. He notes that the sound of his music is genuine, with the bass you can taste like filet-of-sole. He ends this verse by putting his enemies on notice, stating, "MC's, don't let me catch you alone, LL's nitro!"
Overall, LL Cool J's "Nitro" is an aggressive tune that showcases his lyrical skills and dominance over his competitors. He shows no mercy to his opponents and highlights his ability to take them down with ease.
Line by Line Meaning
Check this
Pay attention and listen carefully
I excel, they fell, I said, well, hell
I am superior and succeed while others fail
L can yell or make 'em melt like gel
My powerful voice can intimidate and overwhelm others
I signed the contracts that buils up stacks
I have secured lucrative deals that generate wealth
Play the wall or fall I stand tall you're small in fact
Whether staying in the background or taking the spotlight, I remain confident and others are insignificant
Step aside, you might get fried
Move away, as I have the ability to verbally destroy
By the super technique that the rapper applied
Through my exceptional skills and style as a rapper
As a matter of fact, the impact will distract
Indeed, the impact of my performance will divert attention
Your attention away, from the rest who say
Taking focus away from other rappers claiming to be the best
They can mess with Cool J the best of to-day
They can't compete with LL Cool J, who is the best in the game
And best 'cause the rhymes are so funky fresh
I am the best because my rhymes are creatively new and exciting
I'ma attack smack and make 'em stand back
I aggressively confront and make others retreat
Black strong as cognac I got the knack
I possess great strength and talent like a strong alcoholic drink, cognac
To rhyme to the rhythm of this, and give 'em a gift
I can freestyle and flow effortlessly to the beat, offering a flawless performance
That's swift, other rappers are stiff and don't riff with
My delivery is smooth and fast, unlike other rigid and mediocre rappers
Mr. Smith, 'cause that ain't safe
Referring to his stage name, LL Cool J, as a warning that challenging him is risky
I get you wide open like an uncut eighth
I captivate and mesmerize you like potent drugs, leaving you under my influence
I write to fight, don't bite, to reach heights
I write lyrics to engage in battles, not imitate others, in order to achieve success
The mic makes right, give me the spotlight
The microphone empowers me and I deserve the center stage
So I can prove the pen is mightier than the sword
I want the opportunity to demonstrate that words have greater power than physical force
LL hard as hell, the lyrical lord
LL Cool J is tough and skilled as a rapper
The counterfeit misfits that rap had to admit that
Inauthentic and untalented rappers had to acknowledge their inferiority
My rhymes are so dangerous, I need a permit to rap
My lyrics are so potent and impactful, it's as if I require authorization to perform
Solo, on the microphone
Performing alone with complete control and dominance
MC's, don't let me catch you alone
Other rappers should avoid being in my presence without backup
Yo, I got the kick of a kettle drum, guaranteed to overcome
My skill and impact are equivalent to the powerful beats of a kettle drum, ensuring my victory
You're just a minimum, messing with the maximum
Compared to me, you are insignificant and outmatched
And when I swung my tongue among the high strung
When I unleash my verbal assault on sensitive and easily offended MCs
Young MC's, they all got done by the legend
Younger rappers were defeated and outperformed by LL Cool J, an established legend
Every second I'm wrecking
I am continuously delivering powerful and impressive performances
Not a mistake you'll find, but you can keep checking
I am flawless and unbeatable, but feel free to verify
Out the sound you'll find that it's genuine
Upon listening closely, you'll recognize the authenticity and genuineness of my music
Bet that you'll rewind this a thousand times
I guarantee that you will replay this song multiple times
You can taste the bass like it's filet-of-sole
The deep tones and vibrations of the bass are rich and satisfying, like a gourmet fish dish
I leave the microphone full of bullet holes
I figuratively damage and leave my mark on the microphone, leaving it full of holes
I drop the bomb like I'm in 'Nam and go beyond
I unleash explosive and impactful rhymes comparable to dropping bombs in the war-torn Vietnam
The normal boundaries of too much harm
I exceed the limits of causing damage and destruction with my powerful lyrics
To MC's, but as they say please I freeze
When I flex my skills on the mic, other MCs freeze in awe and admiration
Rhymes like these kill like a disease
My rhymes are deadly and destructive, spreading like a contagious disease
Tried to fill my shoes, and caught the blues
Attempting to imitate me and take my place resulted in failure and disappointment
Because they get bruised by the rhymes I choose
Their egos and reputation are damaged by the rhymes I select to attack them
I kill rappers at random, I don't understand 'em
I defeat and destroy other rappers without rhyme or reason, not comprehending their inferior skills
The ones I didn't get, are on a memorandum
Those I haven't targeted yet should take note and be prepared for their turn to be attacked
Lines I recite are spontaneous
The lyrics I deliver are improvised and come naturally to me
The nursery rhymes you write, are miscellaneous
The amateur and insignificant rhymes other rappers produce are random and unimportant
So pass the crown, bow down and give in
Relinquish your claim to greatness, show respect, and surrender to my superiority
I'm the Prince of Rap, that's how we livin'
I am the dominant figure in the rap industry, and this is the lifestyle I embody
Setting milestones on the microphone
I am achieving significant successes and accomplishments in my performances on the mic
Empires are overthrown, and I ain't even baritone
I am capable of overthrowing even the most powerful figures in the industry, despite not having a deep singing voice
No joke I spoke then God stroke
My words are serious and impactful, and they have the power of a divine force
As Job tried to sweat the style and got soaked
Comparing himself to the biblical figure Job, who experienced suffering and defeat when challenging LL Cool J's style
Conquered and killed on the microphone
I am undefeated and eliminate any competition when it comes to rapping
MC's, don't let me catch you alone
Other rappers should avoid being in my presence without backup
LL's nitro!
LL Cool J's rap style is explosive and powerful like nitroglycerin
Nitro!
Emphasizing the explosive and energetic nature of LL Cool J as an artist
Yo, flammable, like gasoline
I am highly volatile and capable of causing destruction, similar to gasoline
Threatening, like a guillotine
I am intimidating and dangerous, just like a guillotine used for executions
It's like a bad dream when you battle my team
Challenging me and my crew is a nightmare scenario, resulting in a crushing defeat
I go to every extreme to make MC's scream
I push the boundaries and go to great lengths to make other rappers fear and struggle
I'm clever, I last forever, we can do whatever
I possess wit and intelligence, and my legacy will endure; I am open to any challenge
With whoever, whenever, I never
I am ready and willing to face anyone, at any time, without hesitation
Ever got rocked, stopped or dropped
I have never been defeated, halted, or fallen from my position
They got popped, by the hip-hop rock that I concoct
Other rappers have been defeated and overpowered by the powerful blend of hip-hop I create
I'm so nice yo, flowing with the maestro
My skills and delivery are exceptional, effortlessly flowing alongside the musical conductor
Murdering and hurting MC's because I'm nitro
I metaphorically kill and inflict harm upon other rappers, fueled by my explosive and aggressive style
The earthquakes'll kill snakes and fakes
The impact of my performances will expose and eliminate deceitful and fake individuals
You can't flake, you made a mistake, give me a break, thanks
Don't try to deceive or back out now, as you've already made an error, so admit defeat and move on
Now that we're straight and that's clear
Having resolved any misunderstandings, ensuring clarity and understanding
Watch all the big mouths, disappear
Observe as those who boasted and spoke arrogantly withdraw and fade away
Disintegrate, deteriorate, fall
Others crumble, decline, and are defeated
I demonstrate, and devastate you all
I exhibit my skills and destroy all opposition
There's no doubt about the fact I turn it out, the wack
There is unquestionably no debate that I deliver an outstanding performance and outshine mediocre rappers
Be on the lookout, LL made a comeback
Pay attention and stay alert, as LL Cool J has returned with renewed success
Full of power, I'ma devour
I am full of strength and energy, ready to consume and overcome anything in my path
I stand tall as a tower, I won't allow a
I possess unwavering confidence and refuse to back down
MC to see-O-M-E, see-L-O-S-E
I will defeat any MC who tries to challenge and engage in a battle with me
Play me long D-I-S-T-A-N-see-E, M-see's
Don't underestimate my abilities, as I am distant and superior to other rappers
On the microphone, I'm nitro!
When performing on the microphone, I am explosive and powerful like nitroglycerin
Nitro!
Emphasizing the explosive and energetic nature of LL Cool J as an artist
Yo (funky)
An interjection expressing excitement or enthusiasm, emphasizing the funky vibe of the music
I daze amaze faze blaze and beat 'em down
I astound, surprise, intimidate, and defeat my adversaries
Nowadays they crave and praise, the funky sound I pound
Currently, people yearn for and admire the dynamic and upbeat sound I create
Rhymes I write 'em in, recite 'em and then slide 'em in
I construct and deliver my rhymes smoothly and skillfully, effortlessly inserting them into my performance
Order to slaughter comp that start soon as I begin
My purpose is to annihilate any competition, as they become insignificant the moment I start
Total domination, across the nation
I completely conquer and control the rap scene throughout the entire country
Devastation, cut sensation, it's the invasion
My presence brings destruction and excitement, as I forcefully invade the rap industry
Of L the Terrible, devastating rhyming wiz
I am LL Cool J, feared for my overwhelming skills and ability to deliver devastating rhymes
I cut through through do and chew, you know what time it is
I effortlessly surpass, penetrate, and dominate, making it evident that my reign is unstoppable
Slick, I get off of kicks, vick your flick
I am smooth and effortlessly deliver impressive performances; I excel and overshadow any competition
Hard as bricks, rock ya sick over the mix
I am as tough as bricks, making you feel ill and overwhelmed with my brilliant mix of music and lyrics
The L, L, see, O, O, L J Period now you know bro!
Referring to his stage name LL Cool J with emphasis, ensuring everyone understands that he's the best
N-I-T-R-O yo go for what you know
Emphasizing the explosive and energetic nature of LL Cool J's rap style, encouraging others to do their best against him
Unless you're dumb 'cause yo I'm nitro-glycerin
Unless you lack intellect, be aware that LL Cool J is explosive and potent like nitroglycerin
Listening and taking notes
Others should pay attention and learn from LL Cool J's skills and techniques
Icing enticing and slicing throats
Through his captivating and skillful delivery, LL Cool J metaphorically silences and defeats his opponents
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: BOXLEY, CLINTON, SADLER, SMITH, WYNN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind