LL Cool J never imagined that a lyric he casually created in a song more than two decades ago would become a defining phrase for generations to come. Rising to fame in the 1980s as one of hip-hop’s pioneers, the New York rapper—born James Todd Smith—was already known for his influence on the genre. But in 2000, his track “The G.O.A.T.” introduced a phrase that would explode far beyond music. In the song’s chorus, he boldly declared himself “the Greatest Of All Time,” blending inspiration from Muhammad Ali’s famous words and the nickname of legendary streetball player Earl “The Goat” Manigault. What started as a self-confident lyric soon entered everyday language, now used to label icons like Beyoncé, LeBron James, and Simone Biles. Looking back, LL Cool J admitted he never expected the phrase to become global slang—and even joked that he wishes he had trademarked it.

The rapper later built on the concept with his album G.O.A.T., cementing the term into pop culture history. He reflected that creating a phrase embraced worldwide proved the reach of his artistry and pushed him to think bigger creatively. Today, his legacy extends beyond music, influencing how greatness itself is defined in modern conversation. As he prepares to headline a free New Year’s Eve concert in Philadelphia, LL Cool J continues to celebrate the unexpected power of his work. From a single lyric to a universal expression of excellence, his story proves that art can shape language, identity, and culture in ways even its creator never foresaw.