On May 29, 1987, legendary rapper LL Cool J released his second studio album, Bigger and Deffer, under Def Jam Recordings and Columbia Records. This album, abbreviated as BAD on the cover, quickly became one of LL Cool J’s most successful releases, selling over two million copies in the United States.
Bigger and Deffer dominated the summer of 1987, spending an impressive 11 weeks at the top of the Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart and peaking at number three on the Billboard 200. It made history as the fourth hip-hop album to receive platinum certification from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).
The album features iconic tracks such as “I’m Bad,” which was released as a single on June 13, 1987, and “I Need Love,” which debuted on July 22, 1987. “I Need Love” is notably recognized as the first commercially successful rap ballad, showcasing LL Cool J’s versatility as an artist. The album also includes the popular track “Go Cut Creator Go,” a tribute to his DJ, along with fan favorites like “Kanday,” “The Do Wop,” “My Rhyme Ain’t Done,” “The Breakthrough,” and “The Bristol Hotel.”
In 1998, Bigger and Deffer was honored as one of The Source magazine’s 100 Best Rap Albums, solidifying its status as a hip-hop classic. The album’s cover art features LL Cool J standing on the hood of his Audi 5000 in front of Andrew Jackson High School in Queens, where he dropped out, and the back cover was shot in his grandmother’s basement, showcasing his humble beginnings. Both photos were captured by famed photographer Glen E. Friedman.
With its impactful tracks and memorable visuals, Bigger and Deffer remains a significant part of hip-hop history and continues to influence artists today. For more insights and history from the world of hip-hop, be sure to check out HipHopRaisedMeTheBlog.com!
