Though he doesn’t look it, rap’s oldest versatile emcee has turned 40
years old today.
LL, real name James Todd Smith, has released over twelve albums in his
storied career. In between that time, he has also managed to drop a
clothing line, star in a television show, play lead roles in major
motion pictures, melt panties off fawning girls, and shut down other
rappers' careers, eventually becoming one of the greatest known battle
rappers in history. While the cut-off date for being a respected rapper
usually ends by the age of 35 (an elderly age to most hip hop heads)
very few have been able to survive in the fickle game and remain
relevant. LL has achieved that and much more. So VIBE.com says happy
birthday to our favorite “mature” emcee. We hope he has many more.
January 14, 2008 @ 5:48 pm
Happy Birthday LL Cool J!
Def Jam’s first solo success turns 40 today.
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