You’ve likely encountered the popular phrase, but its creator, LL Cool J, had no idea of the significant impact it would have years later.
The New York rapper has enjoyed a diverse career spanning music, film, and television, yet for many younger individuals, he is most known for coining a famous term.
Starting his career at the young age of 16, LL Cool J has been a part of the cultural landscape for over 40 years, influencing pop culture in numerous ways. However, he never anticipated the extent to which he would shape modern slang.
Under his real name, James Todd Smith, LL Cool J is currently promoting his first album release in more than 11 years, and he recently discussed his career and legacy with Metro.
Perhaps his most defining work was a track he released back in 2000.
The song includes memorable lyrics like: “Like ecstasy, my crew’s next to me/ It’s my destiny, to make history I’m the emperor, Rap King/ From the streets of Paris, up north to Sing-Sing.
“One question: Do I do my thing thing? (Hell Yeah)/ Then putcha L’s in the air, for the Greatest Rapper All Time.”
The track’s popularity surged at the time of its release, but it gained even greater traction as young people adopted the phrase ‘Greatest of all Time’ from its chorus and title, applying it broadly beyond music.
If you’re not familiar with the term ‘The G.O.A.T’, it’s time to catch up.
Since its release, the term has garnered a cult following, used to designate someone as an ultimate icon.
This term is commonly used to describe exceptional athletes, entertainers, and other gifted individuals across various fields, such as Simone Biles of Team USA, recognized as the G.O.A.T in gymnastics, or Beyoncé, hailed as one of the G.O.A.Ts in music.
Despite originating the term, LL Cool J was surprised by its widespread adoption.
He stated: “There’s no question I came up with that!”
LL Cool J revealed that his inspiration for the G.O.A.T. term and acronym came from merging Muhammad Ali’s renowned ‘I am the greatest’ quote with the nickname of Earl ‘the Goat’ Manigault.
He later incorporated the term into his eighth studio album, G.O.A.T., which featured James T. Smith: The Greatest of All Time.
Reflecting on its impact, he said: “It’s pretty wild that it turned out how it did. I had no idea it was gonna become a worldwide phrase and statement.”
Although it’s too late to trademark the phrase, LL Cool J hopes to use it as inspiration for future projects.
“To be able to touch the world through my art like that is pretty dope. What it says to me is that I can do more creatively. It says to me, if I’m capable of creating terminology for the entire globe, I can do some big things.”
It’s clear that if he can replicate the phenomenon of the G.O.A.T, the possibilities are limitless.
His new album, The FORCE, is now available through Def Jam Recordings.