LL is really the prototype for the solo MC.
Sure Kurtis Blow, Spoonie G and Busy B came out first, but it was LL that laid down the blueprint for a successful rap career.
1. He dropped a couple of singles, one in 1984, another in 1985, then an album towards the end of 1985 that rocked all the way into 1986
2. He battled Kool Moe Dee and won
3. His career had ups and downs. He got booed at the Apollo theatre because there was a socially conscious trend and LL was talking about champagne and fancy cars, but he came back with Mama Said..., kinda like how Jay had his ups and downs but came back with The Black Album.
4. Stayed relevant throughout the entire 90s decade.
5. Dropped some heat circa 2003 and focused on acting.
Really, who wouldn't want a career like LL Cool J? Hits, classic albums, won battles
Then ask, does everybody want to be like Ghost or Andre?
I'd say everybody who has ever rapped wished they had a career like LL.
Here's an LL playlist
1. Dangerous
2. Rock The Bells
3. 357 Break It On Down
4. I Need Love
5. Goin Back To Cali
6. Jack The Ripper
7. Big Ole Butt
8. Jinglin Baby Remix
9. . Mama Said Knock You Out
10. Around The Way Girl
11. Back Seat Of My Jeep
12. I Shot Ya
13. Hey Lover
14. Doin It
15. 4,3,2,1
16. I Shot Ya Remix
17. Ill Bomb
18. Luv U Betta
^^^ This songs span from 1985-2003
Sure cats like Ghost and Andre have 20 year careers, but LL was the first MC to really have a career that spawned 20+ years