Best National Rap/Hip-hop Act

LL Cool J

He's something like a phenomenon, a rapper, a gansta, a humanitarian, a writer, a producer, and an actor all in one Gap-wrapped package. Whether playing Marion Hill in UPN's In the House or singing on seven rap albums spanning 1984 to 1997, LL Cool J has proven to be an entertainer in every sense of the word. His greatest success, however, is bringing himself mainstream without betraying his fans. With his diverse rapping style from hardcore, in-your-face, old-school rhymes like "I'm Gonna Knock You Out" to soulful rhythms like "Doin' It Well," he's earned the admiration of all levels of rap fans. So now it is not just ladies who love cool James.

At a recent Worcester appearance, loyal fans strained their voices for 40 minutes as LL, backed by smoke, lighting, deep bass sounds that effortlessly vibrated your body, and beautiful background dancers, performed like a master entertainer despite being in a college gym. With one wave of his arm, he roused the crowd to moshing excitement and soothed the crowd surfers with gentle smiles when things got dangerous. During breath-catching breaks between songs, LL used his stage as a platform to discuss the importance of education, family, and spirituality (he was, after all, performing at Holy Cross) to stop violence among America's youth. Coming from his baby face, the words of warning and concern didn't seem forced. They were genuine, like he was briefly slipping into one of his many roles, this time as father, talking to his children. It was the perfect segue into "Father Figure," on which George Michael's looped voice provides the background.

In between his public-service announcements, LL Cool J will return to Worcester on May 29 to perform at the Centrum Centre, lyrically fight fellow rapper Cannibus's dis-record, and cut a track on Warren Beatty's new movie sound track. Basically, ladies and gentlemen, LL Cool J is Hot!

-- Jill Giordano