Top 10 LL Cool J Songs

LL Cool J epitomized the essence of hip hop’s golden age with a boastful track about ego and status with “I’m Bad,” which was also his Hot 100 debut. Ok, maybe the opening line wouldn’t necessarily be classified as “Bad” today, and surely not the cardio-centric music video, but you gotta give the teenaged CoolJ some props for the song’s lyrical depth about a seemingly questionable topic. Rocking that iconic gold chain and b-boy attire, LL Cool J kicked off his second album in style, while his lyrical inventiveness let everybody know he wasn’t no joke.

Produced by Def Jam co-founder and hip-hop pioneer Rick Rubin, this track used the same rap-rock formula as RUN-DMC's Aerosmith cover “Walk this Way”, which Rubin also produced. With numerous shout-outs to DJ Cut Creator, “Rock the Bells” marked the evolution of new sound while retaining the party rock vibe of the early ‘80s. Much like Eminem would call out pop stars fifteen years later, Cool J dropped references to Michael Jackson and let Madonna know that, well… he could rock some bells.

Before the mp3 player, there was the boombox – big in size and an essential component of early hip-hop culture. So when LL Cool J released this single with Def Jam, he paid his respects with a tribute to boomboxing. You know, walkin’ down the boulevard and unleashing the beat throughout the neighbourhood - whether they want it or not. It may not translate to the iPod-generation, but “I Can’t Live Without My Radio” impeccably represents a certain place and time, and the physical effort music lovers put in to taking in their favorite tracks.

For a brand new decade, LL Cool J took it old school by teaming up with producer Marley Marl, the original gangsta of hip-hop sampling. In fact, “The Boomin’ System” samples “The Payback” by James Brown, and with a central theme of frontin’ and staying funky, Cool J takes a more hardened approach to the art of clowning posers and maintaining a fly ride. Touching on the classics and offering up a little new jack swing, this single further established the evolving sound and persona of James Todd Smith aka LL Cool J.

As the follow up to “The Boomin’ System,” LL Cool J released a crossover jam for ladies and all the shorties from the block. “Around the Way Girl” is significant for its high-pitched sampling, a technique that would become a staple of later rap songs. The track may have been a bit mainstream for some, but it flew in the faces of wannabe critics that believed that hip-hop was a passing fad and not a legitimate art form. They chose... poorly.

Over ten years into his career, LL Cool J had undoubtedly rhymed about a variety of topics, but this auditory aphrodisiac was strictly for the bedroom. Sampling the “My Jamaican Guy” by Grace Jones, “Doin’ It” features LeShaun, who had sampled the same track for the song “Wild Thang”. Together, LeShaun and LL engage in passionate discourse while enjoying each other's company. In other words, on this tune, they are literally doin’ it and keeping us up to speed in real-time while the slow, throbbing beat sets the tone for the deeply sensual lyrics.

Recalled by some from its inclusion in the 1997 film “Good Burger,” this remix of “Loungin'” is remembered by most as the definitive summer jam of 1996. With a radio-friendly chorus featuring the ladies of Total, LL Cool J notes his intentions to “finesse that ass,” among other things. Compared to his earlier hits, the flow of “Loungin’” is more natural and polished, as LL himself was by now a fully realized hip-hop icon and star of the NBC series “In the House.”

Ten years before The Notorious B.I.G. conveyed a similar message, LL Cool J released this jazz-influenced hip hop track about the pros and cons of a coastal move. Co-written with producer Rick Rubin, the song sums up Rubin's own feelings about leaving New York City. Aesthetically speaking, “Going Back to Cali” contains a dream-like quality, which is further exemplified in the hazy music video, which is complemented by numerous visual references to LA landmarks. Meanwhile, the song’s lyrics focus on LL Cool J’s doubt about the perceived perks that Hollywood has to offer.

Many ladies do, in fact, love Cool J, but that doesn’t mean that he always gets the love he deserves. For his second album, the Hollis, Queens artist showed no fear in revealing a softer side and explained that even the greatest of hip-hop stars can be crippled by loneliness. As the first known “rap ballad,” “I Need Love” transcended the genre and proved that LL had a brilliant marketing mind by reaching out with affection to his female fan base. It’s a gentle slow jam, and for the time, it was an ingenious move by LL Cool J that further legitimized his craft.


Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

- “Phenomenon”
Phenomenon (1997)

- “Jingling Baby”
Walking with a Panther (1989)

“Headsprung” feat. Timbaland
The DEFinition (2004)

- “Hey Lover” feat. Boyz II Men
Mr. Smith (1985)

- “Candy” feat. Ricky Bell & Ralph Tresvant
Phenomenon (1997)

At only 22 years of age, LL Cool J was in danger of becoming a has-been after his lackluster third album, but he came back in grand fashion, referencing his mama while avoiding the usual hip-hop clichés with the titular track of his 4th record. By staying away from profanity-laces lyrics, LL Cool J highlighted the potency of his words, and along with an iconic chorus, he set an example about overcoming adversity and staying true to your roots while still managing to produce an original piece of work. The concept itself is almost comedic, but somehow LL Cool J makes it believable.


So, do you agree with our selections? What is your favorite LL Cool J song? For more mind-blowing Top 10s published daily, be sure to subscribe to WatchMojo.com.