The discourse surrounding the greatest all time has been one rife with adamance, hot takes, and hyperbole. And yet, it remains one the most fun talking points, be it in a barbershop setting or merely among friends. Names like , Biggie, Jay-Z, , , , and are ten hailed; newer voices like Kendrick Lamar and Drake have recently gained credibility as contenders. Yet one name who ten goes uncelebrated, despite boasting a massive influence on lyricism and flow, is LL Cool J.

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Currently bringing classic hip-hop to the masses as the host Rock The Bells radio, LL has amassed a sizable discography hits, collaborations, and memorable verses to his name. For Snoop Dogg, birthday boy LL served as a dominant inspiration during his come-up, a fact he openly shared in a celebratory Instagram post this morning. 

“Happy c day to my. O. G,” pens Uncle Snoop, alongside a picture LL in his heydey. “One the rappers I studied and learned line for line bar for bar style attitude and class on the mic. Goat is why I still here. L. L. Cool. J. Is hard. As hell.” He’s certainly not alone in that assessment; his former mentor , a rare sighting indeed. , equally selective in who he reaches out to. Perhaps it’s time to start including LL in the greater GOAT discourse — who is vouching for him?