By Miguel Mike Medina
Photo Credit: Paul Natkin/WireImage
LL Cool J is a Queens hip hop legend. LL was 16 when he entered the hip-hop scene. He released his first album, Radio, on Def Jam Records.
His real name is James Todd Smith, and early in his career he made hardcore hip hop but was also known for love songs. “Mama Said Knock You Out” is one of the hardcore songs Smith released. It’s one of his best songs to this day.
Smith, as an MC, was unique and different from his peers. That’s the goal for any artist. How can the artist separate himself from others? What is it about the artist that gravitates to a certain fanbase?
Smith had a big fanbase and was very beloved, especially by women. Dej Jam co-founder Rick Rubin produced most of James’ first album. They worked well together in the studio. “I Need A Beat” is the only track he didn’t produce on the album.
“My first album, Radio, it says “reduced” by Rick Rubin,” LL Cool J said. “If you pull up the credits, it says reduced by Rick Rubin. He wanted to strip everything away. I’ve come to realize that stripping away is often more interesting than piling it on. You need context, but it really works. Records were like disco records. They were like 10 minutes long, 12 minutes long. He reduced it, stripped it down.”
LL Cool J was hungry and determined to get into the music industry. He sent out demo tapes to many labels before landing on Def Jam. James received a lot of rejections. It’s part of the journey for anyone who wants to make it. Go through the rain before the sun.
James started writing lyrics at 11. By 14, he was working on demos. James thought about quitting, but his mom gave him words of encouragement.
“No, Todd, you sound as good as some of those guys on the radio,” James said, telling the story. “The people out here on your tapes, you sound as good as them. You should keep going.”
James went on to have seven platinum albums. He won two Grammy awards. He later transitioned from music to movies and TV shows.
Miguel Mike Medina is the publisher of The MMM Journal. He can be reached at medinamiguelmike@gmail.com and themmmjournal@gmail.com
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