Long Island, NY native rapper, LL Cool J, got his start as a teen in 1985 after sending his music to music manager, Russell Simmons. He was signed to Simmons’ label Def Jam Records soon after and began to roll out the albums. His acronym, LL Cool J, stood for “Ladies Love Cool James”, and in 1996 that statement couldn’t be more true.
LL’s sixth album, Mr. Smith was released in November of ’95 and presented a new, diverse sound for the hardcore rap artist. The album was produced by famous 90’s producers Rashad Smith, Trackmasters along with a few others. This album showed LL’s more sensual side as well as his versatility featuring both love songs and hardcore hip-hop tracks. Mr. Smith sampled pop and R&B classics such as Michael Jackson’s Lady of My Life, Nite and Day by Al B. Sure! and Is It a Crime by Sade. Although this album wasn’t his most popular body of work, it went double platinum, selling over two million copies.
Doin It, was released in ’96 as the following single off of the album. This song named one of the best-selling singles of 1996 by Billboard. LL Cool J explained, “That’s my favorite, because what’s better than doin’ it?”
In June of ’96, LL Cool J released his final single off the album, Loungin’. Loungin’ went number one on Billboard’s Rap singles chart and further supported LL’s new image as the “lover” of Hip-hop.
Not only was LL doing well in ’96 Hip-hop, but he was also building his acting career. This year he starred in his first TV movie, The Right to Remain Silent, which jumpstarted his late 90s acting career.
Aside from LL Cool J easily being one of the top artists in ’96, he was also able to advance his career and show his ability to bring diversity to the entertainment industry. With his diverse sound in Hip-hop and prosperous acting career, Mr. Smith made his mark in 1996 while continuing to break hearts as the lover of Hip-hop throughout the late 90’s.