Legendary rapper LL Cool J, who burst onto the scene four decades ago, has left many fans astonished as they finally uncover what his stage name means.

LL Cool J became a pioneering force in rap music and achieved commercial triumph early in his career after being signed by Def Jam Recordings in 1984, alongside iconic names like Beastie Boys and Run-DMC.

His debut single ‘I Need a Beat’ laid the groundwork for a succession of hits including ‘Mama Said Knock You Out’, ‘Doin It’, ‘Around The Way…