Did this Rapper Create a Lane for LL Cool J?

The argument is if LL Cool J’s “I Need Love” was the first rap ballad in hip-hop.

Many consider it to be, and even LL has been quoted saying, it was the first of its kind.

Cool J’s ballad was released in 1987 and quickly rose up the charts and became one of the first rap songs that got air-play on radio stations that didn’t usually play rap but there’s a song that came out seven years prior that was based on the love theme that could be considered the first rap ballad as well.

The Love Rapper has not gone down in history as on of the best MC’s of all time and ironically it is thought he made another rap record called Election 80 Rap as The Unknown Rapper, which might be telling of his short career.

But should he at least get an honorable mention as being one of the forefather’s of rap ballads?

Listen to The Love Rapper’s – The Lover’s Rapp and you decide!