LL Cool J

Rapper

James Todd Smith, known professionally as LL Cool J, is an American rapper, songwriter, record producer, and actor. He is one of the earliest rappers to achieve commercial success, alongside fellow new school hip hop acts Beastie Boys and Run-DMC.

Full Name

James Todd Smith

Birthday

Jan 14, 1968

deathday

AGE

BORN

United States

BIrth SIGN

Capricorn

RElationship

Married

Height

6′ 2″

Net Worth

$120M

About

LL Cool J (born James Todd Smith) was born on January 14, 1968 in Bay Shore, New York. He is an American rapper and actor of African-American descent. LL Cool J's music career started when he released his debut album Radio in 1985 at the age of 17. The album was a runaway success, selling over 2 million copies and earning him two Grammy awards nominations. His follow up albums Bigger and Deffer (1987), Walking With A Panther (1989) and Mama Said Knock You Out (1990) were equally successful and certified platinum by the RIAA.

In addition to his music career, LL Cool J has also been active in acting since his appearances in Krush Groove (1985) and Halloween H20: 20 Years Later (1998). He also starred in his own sitcom In the House from 1995-1999, as well as appearing in NCIS: Los Angeles from 2009-2020. In 2020, he was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame for his contributions to hip hop culture and music.

Life Timeline

<div id="" class="timeline-item"><p id="" class="timeline-year">1968</p><h3 id="" class="timeline-title">LL Cool J is Born</h3><p id="" class="timeline-text">On January 14, 1968, James Todd Smith was born in Bay Shore, New York. He is later known as LL Cool J.</p></div>

<div id="" class="timeline-item"><p id="" class="timeline-year">1984</p><h3 id="" class="timeline-title">Debut Single is Released</h3><p id="" class="timeline-text">LL releases his debut single "I Need a Beat" on Def Jam Recordings.</p></div>

<div id="" class="timeline-item"><p id="" class="timeline-year">1985</p><h3 id="" class="timeline-title">1st Album</h3><p id="" class="timeline-text">Releases his self-titled debut album, LL Cool J.</p></div>

<div id="" class="timeline-item"><p id="" class="timeline-year">1993</p><h3 id="" class="timeline-title">Mama Said Knock You Out</h3><p id="" class="timeline-text">Releases his fourth studio album Mama Said Knock You Out which earns him Grammy Award nominations.</p></div>

<div id="" class="timeline-item"><p id="" class="timeline-year">1995</p><h3 id="" class="timeline-title">Acting Career Begins</h3><p id="" class="timeline-text">Begins acting career with roles in films like Deep Blue Sea and Any Given Sunday.</p></div>

<div id="" class="timeline-item"><p id="" class="timeline-year">2008</p><h3 id="" class="timeline-title">LL Launches Clothing Line</h3><p id="" class="timeline-text">Launches his own clothing line, FUBU.</p></div>

<div id="" class="timeline-item"><p id="" class="timeline-year">2012</p><h3 id="" class="timeline-title">Joins NCIS: Los Angeles</h3><p id="" class="timeline-text">Joins the cast of NCIS: Los Angeles as a series regular.</p></div>

Why We Love Them

<div id="" class="whywelove-item"><h3 id="" class="whywelove-title"><span class="whywelove-leter">A.</span> He's a Pioneering Artist</h3><p id="" class="whywelove-text">LL Cool J is one of the pioneers of hip hop music. He started making music in the early 1980s and paved the way for artists like Jay-Z, Nas and Kanye West. He also helped introduce rap to a wider audience with his Grammy Award winning song “Mama Said Knock You Out”.</p></div>

<div id="" class="whywelove-item"><h3 id="" class="whywelove-title"><span class="whywelove-leter">B.</span> He's an Actor</h3><p id="" class="whywelove-text">LL Cool J is not only a musician but also an actor. He has starred in several films over the years including "Any Given Sunday", "S.W.A.T." and "NCIS: Los Angeles". His acting skills have earned him multiple awards including two NAACP Image Awards.</p></div>

<div id="" class="whywelove-item"><h3 id="" class="whywelove-title"><span class="whywelove-leter">C.</span> His Fashion Sense</h3><p id="" class="whywelove-text">LL Cool J has always had great fashion sense. From his iconic Kangol hats to his designer suits, LL Cool J knows how to dress to impress. His unique style has earned him the title of an “iconic dresser” and he continues to be a fashion trendsetter today.</p></div>

Interesting Facts

<div id="" class="facts-item"><h3 id="" class="facts-title"><span class="facts-number">1.</span> First Rapper To Be Nominated For A Grammy</h3><p id="" class="facts-text">LL Cool J was the first rapper to be nominated for a Grammy Award, receiving a nomination in 1985 for Best Rap Performance.</p></div>

<div id="" class="facts-item"><h3 id="" class="facts-title"><span class="facts-number">2.</span> Started His Career at Age 16</h3><p id="" class="facts-text">LL Cool J started his music career at the age of 16 when he signed with Def Jam Records. He released his debut album, Radio, in 1985.</p></div>

<div id="" class="facts-item"><h3 id="" class="facts-title"><span class="facts-number">3.</span> Actor and Television Host</h3><p id="" class="facts-text">In addition to being a rapper, LL Cool J has appeared in multiple films and television shows, including NCIS: Los Angeles, Any Given Sunday, and Last Holiday. He also hosted Lip Sync Battle on Spike TV from 2015-2019.</p></div>

<div id="" class="facts-item"><h3 id="" class="facts-title"><span class="facts-number">4.</span> Author and Entrepreneur</h3><p id="" class="facts-text">LL Cool J is an author, having written two books - I Make My Own Rules and The Platinum Workout. He is also the founder of Boomdizzle Networks, an online platform for musicians.</p></div>