Bio
James Todd Smith, better known as LL Cool J is a twenty-first century Renaissance man. When it comes to the entertainment field, he can do it all. From music, to film and television, publishing and fashion design, LL Cool J is one of the most talented members of the NCIS: Los Angeles team.
LL Cool J had an auspicious start in the world. He grew up a victim of abuse, having been physically and verbally attacked by a family member which resulted in him taking the same route as a bully himself. Luckily, he found a way out: hip hop music. He started early and by the time he was 11 years of age, he was writing his own music and four years later, LL Cool J (Ladies Love Cool James) was born! He got his big break in 1985 when his first debut album Radio appeared on the scene and secured a distribution deal for Def Jam Recordings with Columbia/CBS records.
Becoming a hip hop music legend wasn’t enough for LL Cool J because in 1985 he also made his acting debut in Krush Groove and continued to take on small roles while furthering his music career. He went on to star in films like Halloween H2O, Any Given Sunday, Deep Blue Sea, Rollerball and S.W.A.T. He even landed his own television sitcom, In the House in 1995. Some of his other TV guest appearances before he landed the role of Sam Hanna were on House, 20 Rock and Sesame Street!
Besides penning his autobiography, I Make My Own Rules, LL Cool J has also written for children and his fitness book was a New York Times best seller. Not to leave the fashion scene behind, the multi-talented star has designed his own hip-hop and urban sportswear line and a line for men’s footwear as well.
Even with a well established acting career, he hasn’t forgotten his music roots and continues to record and tour on his time away from the screen. He even launched Boomdizzle.com a record label and social networking site to help aspiring hip-hop artists.
Born to Ondrea and James Smith in Long Island, NY on January 14, 1968, LL Cool J is currently married to Simone Johnson and together they have raised four children. LL Cool J has won two Grammy awards, two MTV Video Music awards and four NAACP Image Awards along with many other accolades too numerous to mention!
Websites
Twitter – @llcoolj
Facebook – LL Cool J
Website – Boomdizzle.com
IMDB – LL Cool J
Fansites
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