LL Cool J is the stage name of rapper James Todd Smith. The name stands for "Ladies Love Cool James," a reference to the music superstar's good looks and charming personality. LL Cool J rode those attributes, and his flair for rhyming, to the top of the charts in the 1980s. He became one of rap and hip-hop (see entry under 1980s—Music in volume 5) music's biggest crossover success stories.

Born in Queens, New York, in 1969, LL Cool J was easily recognized by his Kangol hat, gold chains, and Adidas sweats. He began rapping as a teenager and recorded his debut album, Radio, with Rick Rubin (1963–), producer of Run-DMC (see entry under 1980s—Music in volume 5). The album melded LL's boasting rhymes with aggressive beats and rock and roll (see entry under 1950s—Music in volume 3) guitars and became one of rap's...