James Todd Smith, better known by his stage name LL Cool J, is an American rapper, record producer, actor, author, and entrepreneur from Queens, New York. With the breakthrough success of his hit single "I Need a Beat" and the Radio LP, LL Cool J became an early hip-hop act to achieve mainstream success along with Kurtis Blow and Run-D.M.C. LL Cool J has released 13 studio albums and two greatest hits compilations. His twelfth album Exit 13, was his last for his long-tenured deal with Def Jam Recordings. LL Cool J appeared in numerous films, including In Too Deep, Any Given Sunday, S.W.A.T., Deep Blue Sea, Mindhunters, and Edison. He currently plays NCIS Special Agent Sam Hanna in the CBS crime drama television series NCIS: Los Angeles. LL Cool J also is the host of Lip Sync Battle on Paramount Network.
| Birth name: | James Todd Smith |
| Born: | January 14, 1968, Long Island, New York, U.S. |
| Origin: | Queens, New York, U.S. |
| Genres: | Hip hop |
| Occupation(s): | Rapper, record producer, actor, author, entrepreneur |
| Instruments: | Vocals, turntables |
| Years active: | 1984–present |
| Labels: | 429, Def Jam, Violator, S-BRO |
| Twitter: | LL Cool J's Twitter profile |
| Instagram: | LL Cool J's Instagram profile |
| Facebook: | LL Cool J's Facebook profile |
| Youtube: | LL Cool J's Youtube channel |
| IMDb: | LL Cool J's IMDb |
About LL Cool J
One of the first true rap superstars, his debut album, Radio, went platinum back in 1985. His 1990 studio album, Mama Said Knock You Out, is considered one of the best hip-hop albums of all time. He also became an actor, appearing in the films Any Given Sunday and SWAT and joining the cast of the CBS series NCIS: Los Angeles in 2009.
Before Fame
He was raised by Ondrea and James Smith in Bay Shore, New York.
Achievement
Some of his popular singles include "I Need Love," "Around the Way Girl," and "Hey Lover."
Family Life
He married Simone Johnson on August 7, 1995 and they had four children together, Samaria, Nina, Italia, and Najee.
Associations
His 2008 album, Exit 13, was produced by 50 Cent.
Information related to LL Cool J
- LL Cool J Category
- Pop rappers
- Def Jam Recordings artists
- Kennedy Center honorees
- Rappers from New York City
- African-American songwriters
- African-American Christians
