LL Cool J - Hip Hop - Hip-Hop Author:John Murphy "My name is Cool J, I devastate the show.' Many younger fans of hip-hop were not alive to hear that boast when it first played on tape decks in 1985, the year LL Cool J released his debut album. Yet, they know the statement is true, because today, over two decades later, this hip-hop star is still devastating the show.LL Cool J was an abused nin... more »e-year-old when he first found an outlet for his pain in rap music. By the time he turned 16, he had signed with Def Jam, a label that went on to become the biggest rap label ever thanks in part to his great appeal. Over the course of several chart-topping albums, he played a pivotal role in bringing rap to the mainstream. This two-time Grammy winner has also published two books, starred in his own television show, and acted in more than 20 films.« less