LL Cool J

LL Cool J: biography

LL Cool J, born James Todd Smith, is an American rapper, actor, and entrepreneur.

Childhood and youth

LL Cool J was born and raised in Bay Shore, New York. He was the youngest of four children and grew up in a household that struggled financially. His parents split up when he was young, and he was primarily raised by his grandparents. LL Cool J attended various schools growing up, but had a difficult time fitting in due to his stutter. He found solace in music and began writing and performing his own rap lyrics at a young age. His talent was recognized by a friend who introduced him to a local DJ, which marked the beginning of his music career.

Music career

He began his music career in the 1980s, and quickly became known for his unique blend of hard-hitting lyrics and catchy beats.

LL Cool J's debut album, "Radio," was released in 1985, and contained the hit singles "I Can't Live Without My Radio" and "Rock the Bells." His second album, "Bigger and Deffer," was released in 1987, and featured the hit singles "I Need Love" and "Go Cut Creator Go."

Over the years, LL Cool J has released numerous hit albums and singles, including "Mama Said Knock You Out," "Phenomenon," "Hey Lover," and "Doin' It." He has won two Grammy Awards, and has been nominated for many others.

In addition to his music career, LL Cool J has also had a successful acting career, appearing in movies and TV shows such as "NCIS: Los Angeles," "Deep Blue Sea," and "Any Given Sunday." He has also authored several books and launched his own clothing line.

Acting career

LL Cool J (James Todd Smith) has had a successful acting career that has spanned several decades. He made his acting debut in 1985, appearing in the film "Krush Groove," which was loosely based on his own life as a rapper. Since then, he has appeared in numerous movies and television shows, establishing himself as a versatile and talented actor.

One of LL Cool J's most memorable roles is as Special Agent Sam Hanna on the CBS crime drama "NCIS: Los Angeles." He has been a main cast member on the show since its premiere in 2009, and has received critical acclaim for his performance. He has also appeared in other TV shows such as "In the House," "30 Rock," and "Hawaii Five-0."

LL Cool J has appeared in a variety of film genres, including action, comedy, and drama. He has starred in movies such as "Toys," "Deep Blue Sea," "S.W.A.T.," and "Any Given Sunday." He has also had supporting roles in movies like "Charlie's Angels," "Rollerball," and "Grudge Match."

In addition to his work in front of the camera, LL Cool J has also served as a producer on several TV shows, including "NCIS: Los Angeles," "Lip Sync Battle," and the reality series "In the House with LL Cool J."

LL Cool J's success as an actor is due in part to his ability to seamlessly transition between his music and acting careers. He has been able to bring his natural charisma and energy to his acting roles, often playing characters that are similar to his own personality.

Overall, LL Cool J's acting career has been an important part of his multi-faceted entertainment career, and has helped to solidify his status as a true icon of popular culture.

Personal life

LL Cool J has been married to Simone Smith since 1995, and the couple has four children together. He is known for being a devoted family man, and often shares photos and stories about his wife and children on social media. Outside of his career and family life, LL Cool J is also involved in various philanthropic endeavors, including his own charity organization, the Todd Smith Foundation, which supports youth programs in his hometown of Queens, New York.

Discography

LL Cool J has released numerous albums and singles over the course of his career. Here is a list of his discography:

Albums:

• Radio (1985)
• Bigger and Deffer (1987)
• Walking with a Panther (1989)
• Mama Said Knock You Out (1990)
• 14 Shots to the Dome (1993)
• Mr. Smith (1995)
• Phenomenon (1997)
• G.O.A.T. (Greatest of All Time) (2000)
• 10 (2002)
• The DEFinition (2004)
• Todd Smith (2006)
• Exit 13 (2008)

Singles:

• I Can't Live Without My Radio (1985)
• Rock the Bells (1985)
• I Need Love (1987)
• Going Back to Cali (1988)
• Around the Way Girl (1990)
• Mama Said Knock You Out (1990)
• Hey Lover (1995)
• Loungin (1996)
• Doin' It (1996)
• Phenomenon (1997)
• Luv U Better (2002)
• Headsprung (2004)
• Baby (feat. The-Dream) (2009)

Filmography

Films:

• Krush Groove (1985)
• Wildcats (1986)
• The Hard Way (1991)
• Toys (1992)
• Out-of-Sync (1995)
• Halloween H20: 20 Years Later (1998)
• Deep Blue Sea (1999)
• Any Given Sunday (1999)
• Charlie's Angels (2000)
• Rollerball (2002)
• S.W.A.T. (2003)
• Mindhunters (2004)
• Edison (2005)
• Slow Burn (2005)
• The Deal (2008)
• The Man (2011)
• Grudge Match (2013)

Television:

• In the House (1995-1999)
• Oz (2000)
• House (2006)
• 30 Rock (2009)
• NCIS: Los Angeles (2009-present)
• Hawaii Five-0 (2012)
• Lip Sync Battle (2015-present)
• American Dad! (2017)
• iHeartRadio Music Awards (2022)
• NCIS: Hawai'i (2023)

LL Cool J has also served as a producer on several TV shows, including "NCIS: Los Angeles," "Lip Sync Battle," and the reality series "In the House with LL Cool J." His success as an actor has helped to solidify his status as a multi-talented entertainer.

Awards and nominations

Music:

• NAACP Image Awards for Outstanding Male Artist (1991, 1996, 1998, 2003)
• 2 Grammy Awards for Best Rap Solo Performance ("Mama Said Knock You Out" in 1992, and "Hey Lover" in 1997)
• VH1 Hip Hop Honors Honoree (2006)
• BET Hip Hop Awards I Am Hip Hop Icon Award (2011)

Acting:

• NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Actor in a Drama Series for "In the House" (1998)
• Teen Choice Award for Choice TV Actor - Action for "NCIS: Los Angeles" (2010)
• Nominated for a Golden Globe for Best Performance by an Actor in a TV Series - Drama for "NCIS: Los Angeles" (2010)

LL Cool J's contributions to both music and acting have been widely recognized throughout his career, and he is considered a pioneer in both fields.