L.L. Cool J Takes The Rap

“You ain’t gettin’ no scoop, lookin’ at me with your beady eyes!”

James Todd Smith, a/k/a L.L. Cool J, laughs as he wards off the questions of your trusty reporter, but he isn’t kidding. Although the hottest solo artist in rap can talk a blue streak when he’s entertaining the fans, it’s an altogether different story when the audience is the nosy old press. Then the silver-tongued poet cheerfully retreats into a slick routine that reveals none of the man’s inner hopes, wishes and dreams—the things we the public have come to demand of our media favorites.

Instead, Cool J dismisses all questions about his style, motives, and other personal stuff by explaining, “It’s not an image. I’m not frontin’. This is me. This is how I am.” In other words, on the day of our encounter, he is a person wearing a Kangol hat, undershirt, gym shorts, sneakers (with laces), and various items of gold jewelry. None of this is a statement, remember; it’s just the way he is. So back off, sucker!