.svg){kind=small}
.svg){kind=small}
LL Cool J is an early rap artist with successful career in music, acting and production.
LL Cool J, born James Todd Smith, is an iconic American rapper, actor, author and entrepreneur. He has released 13 studio albums during his career and is credited as one of the pioneers of hip-hop. He is also known for his roles in television series such as NCIS: Los Angeles.
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date'>1968</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>LL Cool J is Born</div><div 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.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date'>1984</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Debut Single is Released</div><div class='timeline-text'>LL releases his debut single "I Need a Beat" on Def Jam Recordings.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date'>1985</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>1st Album</div><div class='timeline-text'>Releases his self-titled debut album, LL Cool J.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date'>1993</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Mama Said Knock You Out</div><div class='timeline-text'>Releases his fourth studio album Mama Said Knock You Out which earns him Grammy Award nominations.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date'>1995</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Acting Career Begins</div><div class='timeline-text'>Begins acting career with roles in films like Deep Blue Sea and Any Given Sunday.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date'>2008</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>LL Launches Clothing Line</div><div class='timeline-text'>Launches his own clothing line, FUBU.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date'>2012</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Joins NCIS: Los Angeles</div><div class='timeline-text'>Joins the cast of NCIS: Los Angeles as a series regular.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>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><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>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><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>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></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-heading'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1.</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>First Rapper To Be Nominated For A Grammy</h3><p 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><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-heading'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2.</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Started His Career at Age</h3><p 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><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-heading'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3.</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Actor and Television Host</h3><p 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><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-heading'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4.</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Author and Entrepreneur</h3><p 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></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-heading'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5.</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Holds World Record for Longest Rap Verse</h3><p class='facts-text'>In 2012, LL Cool J set a Guinness World Record for the longest rap verse when he recited an 8 minute long rap on stage during a concert in New York City.</p></div></div>
LL Cool J, a rapper and actor, was born on January 14, 1968, and is currently 55 years old. LL Cool J is best known as a pioneering figure in hip hop, having released several popular albums throughout his career, including "Radio" and "Mama Said Knock You Out." He also starred in television and films, including the CBS procedural "NCIS: Los Angeles."
LL Cool J has an estimated net worth of $120M. His wealth comes mainly from his successful music career; he has sold more than 10 million albums and has earned several Grammy awards. He has also made money from business ventures, such as a clothing line and a restaurant, as well as through endorsements and acting roles.
