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.
The Intro
LL Cool J Lyrics
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In the song "Intro" by LL Cool J, the rapper is introducing himself to listeners and establishing his dominance in the rap game. He describes himself as intelligent, extravagant, and eloquent, and dismisses any other talk as irrelevant. LL Cool J makes it clear that he represents his neighborhood, Queensboro, and that he always strives for excellence. He states that his upcoming album, "E Pluribus Unum," will be a hit and will make other rappers jealous. He also boasts about his success and accomplishments, stating that he has all four fantasies (fame, fortune, women, and awards) and that 2001 will be his year. Finally, he pays tribute to his friends and supporters in Riker's Island, and hints at the collaboration with DJ Clue.
The lyrics of this song, "Intro," are a statement of LL Cool J's dominance in the rap game, and serve as a prelude to his upcoming album, "E Pluribus Unum." The song showcases LL Cool J's confidence, intelligence, and skill as a rapper. It also highlights his struggles growing up in Queensboro and his dedication to his community. The lyrics also reflect LL Cool J's success in the rap game and his desire to be recognized as the GOAT, or Greatest Of All Time.
Line by Line Meaning
Hey yo this is the infinite, intelligent, extravagant and eloquent
I am LL Cool J, the rapper, who possesses infinite intelligence, unbridled extravaganza, and impressive eloquence.
That shit y'all talking is irrelevant
Talking about anything besides me and my music is pointless, insignificant, and unimportant.
I put it down from the gutter to the tenement
I deliver excellent rap music, from the lowest depths of society to the humble urban dwellings.
It's LL Cool J nigga, everything I do is excellent
I am LL Cool J, and everything I do or create is of excellent quality.
And I got to represent, Q-Boro, the thorough
I must represent my hometown Queensboro, which is diligent, conscientious, and meticulous.
Ya know what I mean? We get down, we get down baby
Do you understand me? We hip-hip music lovers groove and move to my music.
E Pluribus Unum is the album I'ma drop
I am releasing an album called E Pluribus Unum.
It'll make you bitch niggas as hard as rocks
Those who attempt to criticize or compete with me will face dire consequences and become very tough.
Giving head to the glock, pretend it's hard cock
Sucking on a gun, as if it were a penis.
Splashing niggas I came slow through the block
I am taking my time walking through my neighborhood and making a big impact on people with my swagger.
I'm, the original, visual, individual
I am LL Cool J, and I am unique, innovative, and creative.
Ten times platinum your career's looking critical
If your album sales don't match up to mine, it's problematic for your career.
Reach for this, mother fuck being a criminal
It's better to aspire to be successful like me, than to lead a life of crime.
Look in your bitch eyes, the vibe is subliminal
The vibe of my music has an incredibly subtle effect on my listeners.
You wanna freestyle fuck that
Don't try to freestyle or improvise your performance, it will be a waste of time.
I need at least seven figures to even touch that
I demand to be paid significantly more money to even consider freestyling for you.
But since everybody was underestimatin' my format
People didn't forecast my talent, underestimate my rap style.
I dropped Ill Bomb and now niggas want more of that
After releasing the single Ill Bomb, fans want more music like it from me.
Ain't a rapper dead or alive fucking with me
No other rapper can compare to me, past or present.
Ask the last bitch that tried to come and get me
Referencing the last female rapper that tried to compete against him and failed.
Talk about paper, I can talk about broads
I am rich and famous, I can talk about money and women.
I can talk about movies, I can talk about awards
I am multifaceted and can talk about a range of things – film and awards included.
Fuck the fantasies, yo I got all four
I have achieved my ambitions and lived my dreams – the fame, money, women, and respect.
And 2001'll be mine, by law
In 2001, I will have it all and won't stop until I achieve my goals.
Why name the Greatest Of All Times?
Why am I known as the GOAT (greatest of all time)?
Because for fifteen years I kept y'all standing in line
For 15 years, I have been creating hit music that fans wait in line to buy and listen to.
Loving the way I shine and my lyrics combine
Fans adore the way I deliver my music and relate to the messages in my lyrics.
With the ruggedest, illest beats that Def Jam can find
I team up with Def Jam, a record company that works hard to discover and produce music that is hard-hitting and melodic.
Fuck them other niggas with their 9 or 10 hits
The other rappers who only produced 9 or 10 hits are no competition for me.
My hits run deep as the emotions of your bitch
My hits extremely move music lovers as the intense emotions of their lovers.
Back in the days it was the M fast stick
I went from driving an M-fast stick, the manual transmission car from BMW, to something better.
But now the Bentley is all get more whores on the dick
I now drive a luxury car called Bentley with which I have sex with more women.
This ones for Clue and my Riker's Island niggas
I dedicate this song to DJ Clue, my collaborator, and my friends who are in Riker's Island, a correctional facility in New York.
That remember when I came through
They remember the first time I visited them at Riker's Island.
The big O B C C H D M 2 C 74
Refers to his gang's territory, and the location code to find him with his gang.
Little Nasi and the crew, y'all niggas come home
Sending a message to his friends in prison, Little Nasi and others, implying that he wants them to get out of the facility and rejoin him.
Word up, the new album goin' be the shit baby
My new album will be so good, that 'it's the shit, baby.'
Ain't no doubt about it, E Pluribus Unum
The album's excellent quality is unquestionable and undeniable, called E Pluribus Unum.
Out of many one, The G.O.A.T., Greatest Of All Time
The album is called E Pluribus Unum because many songs combine into one, just like I am the greatest of all time.
Lyrics © JELLYBEAN MUSIC GROUP
Written by: James Todd Smith, Jean-Claude Olivier
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind