LL Cool J: Trailblazer, Icon, Legend.

From writing rhymes and dreaming big in his grandma’s basement to redefining hip-hop’s style and cadence, LL Cool J forged a career that became a traceable blueprint for generations to follow. The Queens, N.Y. native’s trajectory kicked into gear in 1984 after signing to Def Jam Records at 16, marking the start of a career that would span over four decades.

LL Cool J’s first-ever single, “I Need a Beat,” in 1984, secured his ticket out of his grandmother’s basement and into the rap world. From there was the birth of his debut album, Radio, the following year. His genre-shifting track “I Need Love” in 1987 offered a juxtaposition of hip-hop and R&B — a sonic fusion that can be found on just about any rap album released these days. Following tracks, like the Platinum-certified “Going Back to Cali” or 1990’s “Mama Said Knock You Out,” would reinvigorate his career, and is considered one of the greatest rap songs of all time.

Countless LL records have been unleashed and amassed major success from award nominations to Billboard chart placements since he first touched a mic, highlighting both his lyrical prowess as well as his seamless ability to blend genres. Not only did this make him one of the first rap-pop stars that has not only transcended generations, but also opened the door for other artists to do the same. 

Highly decorated with a myriad of accolades, from winning Grammy Awards, to launching an acting career with his own sitcom, In the House, in 1995, LL Cool J ultimately positioned himself to have a respectable career in television and film. Landing big screen roles in movies such as Any Given Sunday, Deep Blue Sea and more, as well as leading the long-running NCIS: Los Angeles TV series, LL Cool J has broken endless barriers and established an indelible legacy that has shaped the culture in remarkable ways.

Beyond television and film, LL Cool J has tapped into other spaces such as satellite radio via his Rock the Bells Sirius XM station as well as a festival and a cruise named Rock the Bells — a direct homage to his 1985 record of the same name — all while keeping his love for rap at the helm. 

LL’s robust résumé has plenty of room for additions, one being his hosting the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards on Sunday, Sept. 7 for a second time. However, while he cohosted the annual event before, alongside Nicki Minaj and Jack Harlow, in 2022, this will be LL Cool J’s first time as the sole pilot.

The MTV Video Music Awards will be airing on CBS at 8pm EST live from the UBS Arena in New York City.