James Todd Smith AKA LL Cool J
Educational Background and Location
Hillcrest High School, Bay Shore, NY
Brief Personal Bio
LL Cool J began rapping at age 9 and was influenced by hip-hop group The Treacherous Three. LL Cool J's grandfather, a jazz saxophonist, bought him $2,000 worth of equipment, including two turntables, an audio mixer and an amplifier and he started creating demos and sending them to various labels, launching his career as a rapper.
These are a Few of Their Favorite Things
-
Favorite Color Combination--Red and Black
-
Favorite soda--Ginger Ale
Common Literary Elements/Structure/Themes in their Work
LL Cool J's first album "Radio" could be described as a "mix of conventional song structure and pop-oriented rap".
Link to Matching PP Guides/Glossary Terms
http://www.powerpoetry.org/actions/5-tips-using-rhythm-and-rap
http://www.powerpoetry.org/actions/7-steps-addressing-post-racial-myth
http://www.powerpoetry.org/actions/7-tips-writing-rap
http://www.powerpoetry.org/poetry-terms/metaphor
http://www.powerpoetry.org/poetry-terms/imagery
http://www.powerpoetry.org/poetry-terms/synonym
What does it mean if you were matched to this artist? Why is it important?
When matched to LL Cool J, you are matched to an artist who includes many of the similar techinques you put in your piece. For example, your piece may include a conventional theme with a typical structure but one that catches the attention and audience of many readers. This may be an element of your poem (or main element). It is important to recognize the similarity you have to this artist because it helps you understand more of the style of your literary work. In this instance, your work would most likely contain techniques that are similar to LL Cool J's and recognizing this could help to further develop your style and approach at writing poems.
Literary Value
LL Cool J's lyrics are generally deduced as a "mix of conventional song structure and pop-oriented rap".
List of Albums / Artist Spotify Link
Radio, Bigger and Deffer, Walking with a Panther, Mama Said Knock You Out, 14 Shots to the Dome, Mr. Smith, Phenomenon, G.O.A.T., 10, The DEFintion, Todd Smith, Exit 13, Authentic, I Am The Greatest
https://open.spotify.com/artist/1P8IfcNKwrkQP5xJWuhaOC