LL Cool J, born James Todd Smith on January 14, 1968, in Bay Shore, Long Island, New York, 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.
Signed to Def Jam Recordings in 1984, LL Cool J’s breakthrough came with his single, I Need a Beat, and his landmark debut album, Radio (1985).
In addition to his music career, he has appeared in numerous films, including Halloween H20, In Too Deep, Any Given Sunday, Deep Blue Sea, S.W.A.T., Mindhunters, Last Holiday and Edison.
| Net worth | $120 million |
| Date of birth | January 14, 1968 |
| Profession | Rapper, actor, record producer |
| Nationality | American |
Background
LL Cool J had a challenging childhood marked by his parents’ separation and violence.
His parents, James and Ondrea Smith, split when he was young.
LL Cool J witnessed his father shooting his mother and grandfather, leading to a tumultuous upbringing.
His mother, Ondrea, later moved with him to his grandparents’ home for a more stable environment.
LL Cool J’s grandparents, Eugene Griffith and Ellen Hightower, played a significant role in nurturing his talent and supporting his musical aspirations.
Net worth
LL Cool J’s net worth is estimated to be $120 million, making him one of the wealthiest rappers in the industry.
His fortune stems from his successful career as a rapper, actor, author, and entrepreneur, with significant earnings from music sales, acting roles and various business ventures.
NCIS: Los Angeles salary
It’s been reported that LL Cool J’s salary per episode on NCIS: Los Angeles is $350,000.
He plays the role of Special Agent Sam Hanna in the TV series, NCIS: Los Angeles.
LL Cool J joined the show in 2009 and remained a main character until the show’s end in early 2023.
Despite the show’s end, LL Cool J will be returning for NCIS: Hawai’i as a recurring guest star.
His character, Sam Hanna, made a surprise cameo in the Season 2 finale of NCIS: Hawai’i and will continue to appear in the upcoming third season.
LL Cool J’s character is a highly skilled and experienced NCIS agent who has played a significant role in the show’s storylines and character development.
His addition to the show has been well-received by fans and has contributed to the show’s success.
Endorsem*nt deals
Throughout his career, LL Cool J has worked with brands like Coca-Cola, Gap and FUBU, helping to boost his net worth further
Boomdizzle
LL Cool J founded and launched Boomdizzle.com in September 2008.
This platform serves as a record label and social networking site, allowing aspiring artists, primarily in the hip-hop genre, to upload their music.
Users can rate songs through contests, voting and community events, fostering a supportive environment for emerging talent.
TROOP
TROOP was a streetwear brand founded by Teddy Held in the mid-1980s, known for its brash style and premium prices. It gained popularity among urban youth and was worn by celebrities like LL Cool J, MC Hammer and Chuck D.
However, the brand’s reputation was tarnished by false rumors suggesting it was run by the Ku Klux Klan, with the acronym ‘To Rule Over Oppressed People’.
These rumors, perpetuated by rappers like MC Shan and Eminem, led to a decline in the brand’s popularity.
Clothing line
LL Cool J has a clothing line that includes a variety of items such as hats, shirts, sweatshirts and accessories.
The line features vintage and Y2K-inspired pieces, as well as collaborations with other brands like Rock the Bells.
Fans can find LL Cool J merchandise on websites like Amazon, Merchbar and Poshmark, as well as the official LL Cool J store on Merchbar.
The collection includes items like hoodies, T-shirts and jeans, with some pieces featuring the rapper’s iconic logo and imagery.
LL Cool J’s P.O.G. (Power of God) Recordings
LL Cool J’s P.O.G. (Power of God) Recordings was a subsidiary label of Def Jam Recordings, which was founded by LL Cool J in 1993.
The label was created to provide a platform for new and upcoming artists in the hip-hop genre, and to give LL Cool J more creative control over his music.
The label’s roster included artists like AMyth, Smokeman, Natice, Chantel Jones and Simone Starks.
LL Cool J himself released music under the label, including the soundtrack for the 1999 film Deep Blue Sea.
The soundtrack featured contributions from LL Cool J, as well as other artists signed to P.O.G. Recordings.
In addition to P.O.G. Recordings, LL Cool J also founded the company Rock The Bells, which was used to produce music and events related to hip-hop culture.
The company produced the Rock The Bells music festival, which featured performances from LL Cool J and other prominent hip-hop artists.
Music career
LL Cool J is one of the earliest rappers to achieve commercial success, alongside Beastie Boys and Run-DMC.
Signed to Def Jam Recordings in 1984, his breakthrough came with his single, I Need a Beat, and his debut album, Radio.
LL Cool J has since released 13 albums, with hits like I Need Love, Hey Lover and Mama Said Knock You Out.
Acting career
LL Cool J’s acting career began in 1985 with his appearance in the film, Krush Groove.
Over the years, he transitioned into acting more prominently, starring in various movies like Deep Blue Sea, S.W.A.T. and Last Holiday.
LL Cool J also took on lead roles in TV series like NCIS: Los Angeles and hosted shows like the Grammy Awards and Lip Sync Battle.
His versatility in both music and acting has earned him accolades, including a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and recognition at the Kennedy Center Honors.
Awards and accolades
LL Cool J’s awards and accolades include two Grammy Awards for Best Rap Solo Performance (Mama Said Knock You Out in 1991 and Hey Lover in 1997), four Grammy nominations and induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with an award for Musical Excellence in 2021.
He was enstooled as a chieftain of the Akan people in Abidjan, Ivory Coast in 1988 and received the Billboard Top Rap Singles Artist award in 1991.
LL Cool J has been honored with the Patrick Lippert Award from Rock The Vote in 1997, the Source Foundation Image Award for community work in 2003 and the Long Island Music Hall of Fame Inductee in 2007.
He received an honorary Doctor of Arts degree from Northeastern University in 2014 and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2016.
In 2017, LL Cool J became the first hip-hop artist to receive a Kennedy Center Honor.
He has also received NAACP Image Awards nominations, Kids’ Choice Awards nominations, Black Reel Awards nominations and a Teen Choice Awards nomination.
In 2011, LL Cool J received the BET Hip Hop Awards I Am Hip Hop Award, and in 2013, he was given the Key of the City of New York in the Queens borough.
Personal life
LL Cool J has been married to Simone I. Smith since 1995.
They have four children together, namely Najee, Italia, Samaria and Nina-Symone.
Najee is the oldest and was born in 1989, followed by Italia in 1991, Samaria in 1995 and Nina-Symone in 2000.
Najee and Italia have chosen careers that keep them out of the spotlight, while Samaria and Nina-Symone have followed in their father’s footsteps in the entertainment industry Samaria is a denim brand owner and influencer, and Nina-Symone is a singer who released her debut single in late 2020.
LL Cool J and Simone Smith have been together since they were teenagers and have been open about what it takes to make a marriage last.
