As LL Cool J pursued mainstream stardom with chart-topping hits, Ice-T focused on being a self-described activist of street authenticity. East Coast Swagger Meets West Coast GritThe clash between Ice-T and LL Cool J began from differences in ideologies, styles, and backgrounds. LL Cool J was the polished Bay Shore, New York prodigy, who had already signed with Def Jam Records in 1984, at just 16. LL Cool J represented a new-school rapper with endorsement deals, capable of charming his audience and delivering streetwise lyrics. LL Cool J claimed himself being the greatest rapper alive, while Ice-T pushed back with the release of “I'm Your Pusher” (1988).