The world of hip-hop is a great one. I have nothing against music today, but I’m always discovering songs, albums, and artists from the 70s, 80s, and 90s. I usually find these songs and artists from their connection to current artists I listen to.

I found out about LL Cool J (and this book) after a little research. I found some sources claiming that I Make My Own Rules was the only book Eminem ever read. Being a big fan of Eminem, I wondered what makes this book so captivating. Naturally, I got the book from the library (because that’s what anyone would do of course). I’m quite glad I did.

Even after reading the autobiography, there’s probably a lot I don’t know about LL. Maybe some know him as a big fitness guru guy (I don’t). But I’ll tell you what I do know, James Todd Smith (LL) had quite the rocky childhood. Troubles encompassed his parents, friends, and just about every part of his life. And this rocky start (a decade or so) is the motivation that drove his rap career to a beginning.

–Warning: spoilers —

On one fated day, Mama Cool J and Father Cool J were arguing in the car. Things got so intense that Mama Cool J decided to get out of the car while it was still moving. She didn’t care, so she jumped out.

I forgot to add that she was pregnant with LL Cool J.

The rest of LL’s life was a metaphor of that event.

I like this book because it provided the simple message of building oneself, along with a series of very bizarre and unfortunate events. Sometimes when the story is that crazy, people will listen to the message. He brings up a lot of negativity in his past to show his experiences. As he goes on, he’s also telling a story of what he should have done differently.

The novel is 234 pages, so it isn’t a long read. If you’re a hip-hop fan, this book does a good job of giving a back-story to many hit songs. I really love the moments when he mentions some song or artist and I’m just sitting there grinning. If this book doesn’t teach you a moral lesson, it will definitely teach you some hip-hop history.