Bands & artists like LL Cool J

If you like LL Cool J, these artists play in similar sounds, ideas, or styles. Use this as a starting point to branch out and find something new to listen to.

New to LL Cool J? Start with our listening guide.

Artists to try next

Kool Moe Dee

Kool Moe Dee

Kool Moe Dee combines smooth lyrical delivery with catchy hooks, much like LL Cool J, while also incorporating elements of funk and R&B.

hip-hop
Big Daddy Kane

Big Daddy Kane

Big Daddy Kane's charismatic flow and romantic themes in his lyrics resonate with the smooth melodies and assertive beats found in LL Cool J's work.

East Coast hip-hop hardcore hip-hop hip-hop
Nas

Nas

Guide

Nas often blends storytelling with melodic hooks and a strong rhythmic presence, similar to LL Cool J’s engaging lyrical approach.

East Coast hip-hop alternative hip-hop boom bap
T.I.

T.I.

Guide

T.I. incorporates catchy choruses and a blend of smooth and aggressive delivery that aligns well with LL Cool J’s signature style.

Atlanta hip-hop Southern hip-hop dirty south
Jay-Z

Jay-Z

JAY-Z's ability to weave smooth melodies into his verses while maintaining a confident cadence reflects the dynamic tension present in LL Cool J's music.

East Coast hip-hop gangsta rap hardcore hip-hop
Mase

Mase

Mase's laid-back flow and knack for catchy hooks create a similar vibe to LL Cool J's infectious grooves and rhythmic cadences.

Christian hip-hop East Coast hip-hop hip-hop
Drake

Drake

Guide

Drake often blends rap with melodic elements and emotional themes, akin to the smooth yet assertive style of LL Cool J.

contemporary R&B dancehall drill
50 Cent

50 Cent

Guide

50 Cent combines catchy melodies with confident delivery, paralleling the rhythmic cadences and infectious grooves characteristic of LL Cool J.

East Coast hip-hop gangsta rap hardcore hip-hop

Common questions

Who sounds like LL Cool J?

Artists similar to LL Cool J include Kool Moe Dee, Big Daddy Kane, Nas and T.I.. Each shares elements of LL Cool J's sound while bringing their own perspective.

What genre is LL Cool J?

LL Cool J is primarily known for hip-hop. LL Cool J’s music pulses with infectious grooves and rhythmic cadences, layering smooth melodies atop assertive beats to create a compelling dynamic tension.

Where should I start if I like LL Cool J?

If you enjoy LL Cool J, start with Kool Moe Dee — their album "How Ya Like Me Now" is a great entry point. Kool Moe Dee combines smooth lyrical delivery with catchy hooks, much like LL Cool J, while also incorporating elements of funk and R&B.