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.
get down
LL Cool J Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Down, to the rhythm that'll rock the walls
Go sporting and Jordan's and I'm on the balls
Don't lacking I'm black but I'm not ?Lou Wrong?
Disappeared for a year now I'm back y'all
So get down with the entrepreneur of funk
Not a sloppy fat punk or a Shaolin Monk
So to hell with Anne McMahon & Tom McCan
J-Ski is the box, farmers is the street
Signing hungry-over-beasts that's why I always eat
Up to you to guess whose rocking the funky sound
If you don't know never mind come on and get down
[Chorus]
Go L.L., go L.L., go L.L., go L.L.
Get Down
Go L.L., go L.L., go L.L.
Get Down
Hard like haystacks cow-hold
Calling me a sucker boy you're pushin' a broom
If you try to pull a ace you'll get a punch in the face
All eyes are on my posse when we walk in the place
Got a Cunningham family from my happy days
Not the boys that play the bench for the Oakland A
He drop you to a hop to the record he play
Couldn't keep it a secret I'm L.L. Cool J
Rhymes are all wack and real all real
Yo Earl, tell the party people the deal
Yo listen here
Ya ain't no thing, can't complain
They catch like a muh'fuck pass to J
That's right I'm back he's talks how to rap
He used to Smurf now you're jacking cause my name's on the map
Sit and lie my homeboy Earl says is that he loves hats
With a hands like a hatcher, Cut Creators in bat
Cut Creator on the fader the teachers pet
Baddest man with ten fingers you've ever met
And sooner or later we'll have to sit
Cut Creator cut the record so they don't forget
Get down
[Chorus]
I make hard rock jams for hard rock fans
What I'm sayin' is for real this ain't lala land
Got a can full of jams pullin' off the lid
Competition in New York is doin' what I did
Cold sender of a story I paid my dues
I rocked at house parties I was down with crews
Now I'll never be caught I'm on my P's and Q's
And for the rest of your life you wanna be in my shoes
I scar like stones hard like cement
And I rocked every jam that I ever went
Cause I got a better reppin' than any emcee has
And I'm down like a brother from Alcatraz
Get down
[Chorus]
Ni-ni-nigga-nigga-ni-ni-ni-ninja
I rap the boss is back the only man
you should call when the party's packed
From Paris to L.A they say I'm as sharp as a pin
When it's a Cool J party you gotta get in
So I'm making big steps like Gladys Knight in the pier
One rhyme you're on my tinsels as I leave my lip
Up the block kids are talking and spreading the news
About the new grandmaster the one you'll choose
Cause I'm chuckling I wanna stomp the rest
When I kick it couldn't bore it could only impress
I'm not a Hula-Hoop this isn't a passing phase
Hard work pays I'm getting straight up A's
Cool J is running things I want it understood
Executioner I should wear a black hood
And carry an axe cause I'm ruff on wax
Speakers speaking "phone-wear from durable" eight-tracks
Get down
(G, G, G, G, G, G, Get Down)
The lyrics to "Get Down" by LL Cool J are a testament to the rapper’s style and attitude as a hip-hop artist. In the opening verse, LL Cool J declares himself as the "entrepreneur of funk," separating himself from other rappers and emphasizing his unique musical style. He describes himself as someone who is always hungry, looking to sign with talented artists and produce music that will keep his listeners moving to the beat of his rhythm.
LL Cool J also takes the opportunity to mention his absence from the music scene for a year and his return with new music. He implies that his comeback is a reason to get down and enjoy his new music.
The chorus of the song repeats the phrase "Go L.L., go L.L.," emphasizing his well-earned reputation in the rap community. The lyrics reflect LL Cool J's unique style of rhyming, incorporating challenging wordplay, metaphors, and punchlines to create engaging verses that appeal to his audience.
"Get Down" also showcases LL Cool J's confidence and strength as a rapper. He talks about being able to hold his own in the face of jealousy and competition. He uses his lyrics to refute any doubts about his ability to perform and promises always to bring his best to every show.
Overall, "Get Down" is a hype song that aims to get its audience to move and groove to the beat. LL Cool J emphasizes his unique style, talent, and reputation, all while encouraging his listeners to dance along.
Line by Line Meaning
G, G, G, G, G, G Get
Let's get ready to party!
Down, to the rhythm that'll rock the walls
Dance to the beat of the music so hard that the walls shake!
Go sporting and Jordan's and I'm on the balls
Wear your best clothes and shoes to look good while you dance!
Don't lacking I'm black but I'm not ?Lou Wrong?
Don't underestimate me because of my skin color!
Disappeared for a year now I'm back y'all
I took a break, but now I'm back to make great music!
So get down with the entrepreneur of funk
Dance to the music of the creator of funky beats!
Not a sloppy fat punk or a Shaolin Monk
I'm not a lazy or sloppy person, nor do I practice martial arts!
Ain't down with Johnny Cousin know as use at a jam
I don't approve of Johnny Cousin's music, so don't play it at a party!
So to hell with Anne McMahon & Tom McCan
I don't care about Anne McMahon or Tom McCan, whoever they are!
J-Ski is the box, farmers is the street
J-Ski is the DJ playing the music, farmers are the listeners dancing on the street!
Signing hungry-over-beasts that's why I always eat
I am successful because I work harder than my competition!
Up to you to guess whose rocking the funky sound
Can you guess who is making the great music?
If you don't know never mind come on and get down
Don't worry if you don't know, just dance and have a good time!
Go L.L., go L.L., go L.L., go L.L.
Cheering on L.L. Cool J, the musician!
Get Down
Dance harder!
Hard like haystacks cow-hold
Strong and tough like a haystack in a cow's grasp!
Calling me a sucker boy you're pushin' a broom
Don't call me names, I'm not someone who does menial labor!
If you try to pull an ace, you'll get a punch in the face
If you try to cheat, I won't hesitate to fight you!
All eyes are on my posse when we walk in the place
Everyone looks at us when we arrive, because we are famous!
Got a Cunningham family from my happy days
I have a crew of friends who are like the family from my favorite TV show!
Not the boys that play the bench for the Oakland A
My friends are not like the players who sit on the bench for the Oakland Athletics baseball team!
He drop you to a hop to the record he play
The DJ makes the music so good that you can't help hopping and dancing!
Couldn't keep it a secret I'm L.L. Cool J
My identity as L.L. Cool J is not a secret!
Rhymes are all wack and real all real
The other rappers' rhymes are bad, while mine are real and authentic!
Yo Earl, tell the party people the deal
Hey, Earl! Explain to the people what's going on!
Ya ain't no thing, can't complain
I'm not bothered by anything, I have no complaints!
They catch like a muh'fuck pass to J
My crew catches everything like a pass to a great quarterback!
That's right I'm back he's talks how to rap
I'm back and ready to teach other rappers how to make good music!
He used to Smurf now you're jacking cause my name's on the map
I used to be known for acting silly, but now you want to copy my style because I'm famous!
Sit and lie my homeboy Earl says is that he loves hats
Earl likes hats, that's something that he enjoys!
With a hands like a hatcher, Cut Creators in bat
I have strong hands, like a person who uses a hatchet, while the DJ, Cut Creator, acts like a baseball player!
Cut Creator on the fader the teachers pet
Cut Creator is skilled at using the fader on his turntable like a teacher's pet who always does a good job!
Baddest man with ten fingers you've ever met
I am the best musician you have ever met, with my ten fingers making great music!
And sooner or later we'll have to sit
We'll have to take a break from dancing!
Cut Creator cut the record so they don't forget
Cut Creator creates great music that we will always remember!
Go L.L., go L.L., go L.L.
Cheering on L.L. Cool J, the musician!
I make hard rock jams for hard rock fans
I make high-energy music for people who like to dance hard!
What I'm sayin' is for real this ain't lala land
I'm not joking, this is not a fantasy world!
Got a can full of jams pullin' off the lid
I have a lot of great music just waiting to be played!
Competition in New York is doin' what I did
Other musicians in New York are copying my style, but I'm still the best!
Cold sender of a story I paid my dues
I have worked hard and earned my success!
I rocked at house parties I was down with crews
I used to make great music at small parties with my friends!
Now I'll never be caught I'm on my P's and Q's
I'm always on my best behavior and won't get into trouble!
And for the rest of your life you wanna be in my shoes
Everyone wants to be as successful as me for the rest of their lives!
I scar like stones hard like cement
I'm tough and resilient, like stones and cement!
And I rocked every jam that I ever went
I have never failed to make great music at any party or event!
Cause I got a better reppin' than any emcee has
I have a better reputation than any other rapper out there!
And I'm down like a brother from Alcatraz
I'm committed to music, like a prisoner who can never leave Alcatraz!
Ni-ni-nigga-nigga-ni-ni-ni-ninja
A random exclamation!
I rap the boss is back the only man you should call when the party's packed
I'm the best rapper to call when you want the party to be amazing!
From Paris to L.A they say I'm as sharp as a pin
People all over the world think I'm really talented!
When it's a Cool J party you gotta get in
My parties are amazing, so make sure you come!
So I'm making big steps like Gladys Knight in the pier
I'm making great progress in my music career, like Gladys Knight, who sang on a pier!
One rhyme you're on my tinsels as I leave my lip
I'm going to rap so well that you'll be impressed and have goosebumps!
Up the block kids are talking and spreading the news
People on the street are talking about how great my music is!
About the new grandmaster the one you'll choose
I'm the newest and best rapper, and you'll love me the most!
Cause I'm chuckling I wanna stomp the rest
I'm laughing because I know I'm the best and all the other rappers can't compare!
When I kick it couldn't bore it could only impress
My raps are always impressive, and never boring!
I'm not a Hula-Hoop this isn't a passing phase
I'm not just a fad, I'll be around for a long time!
Hard work pays I'm getting straight up A's
I worked hard and now I'm getting the best grades possible!
Cool J is running things I want it understood
I'm the boss and I want everyone to know it!
Executioner I should wear a black hood
I'm so good at rapping, I should be called an executioner and wear a hood like a grim reaper!
And carry an axe cause I'm ruff on wax
I'm so good at rapping, I could cut through vinyl with an axe!
Speakers speaking 'phone-wear from durable' eight-tracks
The artists are playing music that is coming from sturdy eight-track tapes!
Get down
Dance harder!
(G, G, G, G, G, G, Get Down)
Let's get ready to party some more!
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Songtrust Ave, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: NATHANIEL PHILLIP HALL, MICHAEL BENTON SMALL, ALEXANDER MICHAEL GIFFORD, ROBERT EARL BELL, RONALD N. BELL, JAMES WARREN TAYLOR, GEORGE MELVIN BROWN, CLAYDES EUGENE SMITH, ROBERT SPIKE MICKENS, EUMIR DEODATO
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@cyberprompt
possibly the best rap song of all time. still trying to fry down the lyrics on this fire.
what I have so far from the year of release: with love. corrections desired.
GET DOWN
to a rhythm that'll rock the walls
cold sportin Air Jordans and i'm on the ball.
so I'm light and i'm black but i'm not Lou Rawls.
disappeared for a year now i'm back y'all.
so get down - with me - the entrepreneur of funk.
not a sloppy fat punk or Shaolin monk.
Aint down wit Johnny Carson
Don't wear shoes at a jam.
So to hell with Ed MacMahon and Thom McCann.
JVC is the box, Farmers is the street
Soundin hungry over beats
That's why I always eat.
How do you guess whose rockin the funky sound
If you don't know it never mind
come on and Get Down..
go LL Get Down
Hard like Haystacks Calhoon
Callin me a sucker, boy you pushin a broom!
If you try to pull an Ace you get a punch in the face.
All eyes are on my posse when we walk in the place.
Not the Cunningham family from Happy Days
Not some boys who play the bench for the Oakland A's.
He'll drop until you're hot to the record he plays.
Couldn't keep it a secret i'm LL Cool J!
Rhymes are on wax and reel to reel, yo Earl, tell the party people the deal!
yo - this thing - yaint no thing - can't complain - get cast like a mafo - pass the J!
That's right! I'm back - he talks I rap
You used to smirk now you're jockin cuz my name's on the map.
Sittin on my homeboy Earl's head is a E-love hat.
With a hands like a hatchet Cut Creator's at bat.
The Creator on the fader - the teacher's pet
Baddest man with ten fingers you've ever met.
And sooner or later we'll house the set.
Cut Creator cut the record so they don't forget.
Get Down. *go LL *
I make HARD rock jams
For HARD rock fans.
What i'm sayin's for real this ain't la la land.
Got a can full of jams pullin off the lid.
Competition in New York can't do what I did.
No Cinderella story - I paid my dues.
I rocked at house parties
I was down with crews.
Now I'll never be caught.
I mind my P's and Q's.
And for the rest of your life you wanna be in my shoes.
I'm strong like stone, HARD like cement
And I rocked every jam that I ever went TO.
Plus I got a better rep than any MC had
and I'm bad like a brother from Alcatraz.
Get Down. go LL
Ni-Nig Niga Nig Nic Nic Nic Nic
Ninja of rap the boss is back
The only man you should call on when the party is packed.
From Paris to LA they say I'm sharp as a pin.
When it's a Cool J party - you gotta get in.
So I can make the kids step like Gladys Knight and the Pips.
One rhyme you're on my tip soon as it leaves my lips.
On the block kids are talking
They're spreadin the news
About the new grandmaster
The one you choose.
Cuz I'm treacherous. I wanna stomp the rest.
What I'm kickin couldn't bore it could only impress.
I'm not a hula hoop
This aint no passing phase
Hard work pays - I'm gettin straight up A's!
Cool J is my name please I want it understood
Executioner - I should wear a black hood.
And carry a axe cuz I'm rough on wax
Speaker stand cold ran from general AJAX - get Down!
for you - kick off your shoes - bring it on down
Get Down!
@altonvails666
He needs to performe this in 2023 at a tribute or awards show just to show/remind people how lyrical he can be
@reggiemunch
LL at his finest... definitely ICONIC 🎤
@jeffreyfoss7369
This Ridiculous, so Lovely.. For Real, Aight! Rhyme and Beat hard.. this will never be old.
@jayfreedom1592
This album changed my life! Hip-hop in its puriest form!
@LeeHardingTV
Same!
@jedediah7772
Good times😎
@chaunt100
SAME HERE!
@the212show
LL COOL J IS THE GOAT
@zaharaazure73
Still Listening in 2023 🎶🎶One of my favorites by L. L.
@ascendediam
this always sounded like a cop chase theme this beat so nice