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LL Cool J said he was the most important rapper to ever exist. Sure, I’ll buy it

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LL Cool J, the multi-hyphenate artist who released his 14th studio album “The FORCE” in 2024, almost 40 years after the release of his debut album “Radio”, recently sat down for an interview with Apple Music’s Le Code during which He “humbly” told the host that someday people would get up and figure it out that he is the most important rapper to ever exist.

Now look, I’m a fan of LL Cool J. I still remember the first time I saw the music video for “Mama Said Knock You Out” and the way ready I was to defend LL Cool J as the best rapper in the game after the release of his album of the same name. It was 1990, I was 11 years old. I already had good taste back then. I’ve at all times been a fan of LL, although I believe with a while to analyze his catalog might be not nearly as good as it deserves (let’s get back to that). Of course, the one thing that cannot be explained by trying to analyze the world of 1995 in 2024 is what I felt when, say, “Mr. Smith” dropped. The phenomenon that was “Hey Lover” and “Loungin’” can’t be summed up in words; you actually had to be there to understand what an enormous deal LL Cool J was.

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And who was involved in all this? L.L. Cool J.

My first thought after I heard LL describe himself as the most important rapper was, “Well, he’s not.” I mean, being first matters. To be the first and still find a way to release an album forty years later, make the rounds in the media and folks still respect what you probably did says lots. For many rappers, LL Cool J was probably a job model (that is his point). He claims to have presented jewelry, partying, rap love songs and bad boy vibes, etc. In the most basic sense, I believe LL Cool J is true about all of this. As the first rapper with a real superstar, it is sensible that he could be the one to bring drug dealer culture to hip-hop; LL Cool J has been very open about the cats he played with early in his profession there have been drug dealers and kingpins. Everyone seems to have given LL this style. Since he was doing it in the mid-80s, he’s right to bring it into the hip-hop space. Or at the least be one among the biggest to achieve this at the time.

LL also managed to switch gears successfully, creating hardcore rap jams and anthems for ladies. He fought rappers and won those battles. LL Cool J retained the respect of the hip-hop community even after assuming the role of elder statesman. And let’s be honest, LL did introduce the most significant terminology hip-hop has ever had (save for the actual hip-hop moniker): he gave us the acronym GOAT, which stands for “greatest of all time.” Yes, he probably picked it up from Muhammad Ali, but he brought it to hip-hop and it’s still there today.

Meaning is an odd factor for one and all. Being the most important person in a complete genre of music is even weirder; I do not think LL Cool J is fallacious about being the most important thing, but I do not know if it’s price delving deeper into it either. I believe the more you dig, the easier it will likely be to find spaces that may dispel his own ideas.

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With that in mind, it also seems that not too many individuals didn’t feel strong enough opposition to LL for an actual conversation to occur. None of the rappers who might need sensed it said anything, possibly because LL was the North Star in his youthful journey. Maybe not the just one, but a North Star nonetheless – and what’s the point of arguing for something that, until he said it, nobody else seemed to have considered? Have all of us wondered who the biggest rapper of all time is? Sure, and we’ll argue about it eternally. But most importantly? There are almost too many aspects to consider. Is it price arguing with a one that has “humbly” decided HE is the one who has been around long enough, successful and relevant long enough to make valid claims? Probably not.

So go ahead, LL. You got this, brother. And for those who’re not the most important, you are definitely one among the most important. The thing is, it’s not even price searching for the “right” answer.

LL Cool J, the best ever.


Panama Jackson theGrio.com

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This article was originally published on : thegrio.com

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Usher to provide the address of the Emory University class start from 2025 graduates

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It seems that there will not be much that Usher Raymond IV – Better, known to the world, simply as a USher – no. He can sing. He can dance. He can sing and dance while skating. He works. Sells Las Vegas residences. Performs philanthropic work.

And also performs the completion addresses. Usher was utilized by the University in its own yard. May 12 Usher will provide the address at Emory University 180. Ceremony of graduation and shall be awarded with an honorary doctorate in humanitarian letters from the institution. This will not be the first Usher Rodeo with an honorary doctorate; In 2023 Berklee School of Music in Boston He awarded the International Superstar with distinction. He also gave comments then.

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Usher will not be alien to Emory University. His non-profit, New Usher Lookwhich according to the website“He transforms the lives of malnourished youth through a comprehensive program that develops passion, global leaders”, has established cooperation with Emory’s University’s University Goizueta Business School in a 400-hour program helping to prepare teenagers for faculty. Apparently, non-profit influenced over 50,000 students.

“I spent my life following my spark – my passion – and trying to support young people when they find and follow their own passions. I am excited that I have the opportunity to talk to these amazing Emory students who graduate and prepare for imprint in the world – said Usher in Billboard statement.

Usher is one of the most successful musical acts in history, selling over 80 million records, winning many Grammy awards and has toured throughout the world since his profession in the mid -90s. His album “Confessions” from 2004 is the second best -selling album from 2000 and is taken into account by Rolling Stone as one of the best albums of all of all of all.

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This article was originally published on : thegrio.com
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The most iconic moments of the beauty of Robert Flack – Essence

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Robert Flack, a valued singer, songwriter and pianist, died on February 24, 2025, at the age of 88. The legendary singer, whose velvety voice again defined the soul and R&B, stays a everlasting icon of elegance, emotions and artistry. With timeless classics, resembling “Killing Me Softly with His Song” and “The First Time Ever and Wis See Your Face”, the singer died the audience captivated the audience along with her ability to weave delicacy and power in every note. Not only will we take heed to her repetitive music, but we won’t stop eager about its most iconic moments of beauty.

In the 70s Robert seriously swayed Afro – a daring statement of being black and proud – during performances at live shows, including the famous Newport Jazz festival. Two years later, she honored the scene of Ronnie Scott in London along with her hair drawn into the band, combined with dramatic long eyelashes, which defined her characteristic appearance. Always to experiment with hair, she also accepted braids decorated with beads, without effort combining style and cultural pride.

Just a few many years quickly forward, and Robert was still turning her head. While playing in Gillette Civil Rights 2010 between Cincinnati Reds and St. Louis Cardinals, she stunned the navy blue eye shadow, a dark light highlighter and daring red lipstick. The following yr, she performed at Bideawee Ball from 2011 with full rhythm – eyeliner, mascara, highlighter and its characteristic red lips. And in 2020 she performed unforgettable during the 62th annual Grammy Awards, wearing a beautiful curly crown and the same red lipstick that we met and loved.

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In honor of her everlasting legacy, we glance back at some of the most iconic beauty moments of Roberta’s incomparable flack.

This article was originally published on : www.essence.com
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Joe Freshgoods X New Balance 992 “Starn Well” is celebrating cooperation

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Joe Freshgoods selects five years and counts with New Balance because of his latest version 992 “Arged Well”, a tribute to his creative partnership with a characteristic brand of sportswear, which still supports his design talents and a contagious passion.

After Debut On the Joe Freshgoods New Balance 992 website, Chicago Creative is preparing for a wider version of February 28 via newbalance.com and chosen retail sellers. The new edition of the sneakers means the fifth anniversary of Joe of New Balance, milestone after almost stood before closing his now widely beloved and known brand.

The document coming in June 2025 is shared within the history of Joe’s success, from his start as an area Streetwearus brand in his hometown of Chicago to providing New Balance partnership in 2020, when he wasn’t sure find out how to keep his business.

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“He examines how the partnership influenced the global culture of sneakers and development transparency”, Joe common In the announcement on Instagram, “which was more important to me than just doing it about tennis games. This is a real life. ”

The trailer of the documentation offers access to Joe’s journey, presenting his modest approach to success and its influence on the Boston brand of sportswear founded in 1906. Since joining New Balance, Joe Robinson (higher referred to as Joe Freshgoods), a champion with a young history.

Five years later, with 20 Sneakers Publishing House and counting the most recent cooperation of New Balance Joe Freshgoods is a love letter for his creative journey with the Boston brand.

“Sometimes I feel that I shouldn’t be here. But I am here and say, “Oh, I’m good at what I do,” he says within the film.

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Project 992 “Agnish well” attracts the inspiration from the primary cooperation of Joe Freshgoods from New Balance – the edition of New Balance 992 “No Emotions”, also referred to as “heart anatomy”. It was a right away hit and celebrated in the course of the NBA All-Star weekend, and now charges resale prices around $ 3,000.

While the explanations for the New Balance revival may vary, many consider the primary release of Joe 992 to be a catalyst that enlivened the brand. Sneakers have pink and red suede silhouettes placed on an olive mesh base and accented saddle skin on the tongue and rear card.

Four sets of lace are attached, and the box is decorated with unique details reflecting the theme “aging well”. In addition, Joe Freshgoods designed the “Championship Dreams” leather university jacket to commemorate his five -year success as a designer.

“I wanted this jacket to capture the essence of the last five years – each project was a milestone, another closed chapter, another dream,” Joe signature Post on Instagram. “Over time, I had the honor to tell culturally important stories, and this jacket reflects this travel project according to the design.”

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This article was originally published on : www.blackenterprise.com
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