Everyone from the 1980’s and 90’s will remember LL Cool J from his numerous radio hits that made him one of the greatest musicians of that era. Using the full meaning of his name ladies love cool James , the Queens rapper was able to cater to ladies with serenades on romantic songs like “I Need Love,” “Doin’ It,” and “Hey Lover,” as well as hardcore hip-hop fans with songs like “Rock.” The Bells” and “Going Back to Cali”.
Of late, LL Cool J may be better known as an actor and TV presenter. He has appeared in numerous films and television series, including “In Too Deep” (1999), “SWAT” (2003), “NCIS: Los Angeles” (2009-present).
Read to know more about his Biography, Family, Wife, Children, Net worth and Sexual Orientation.
biography
LL Cool J was born James Todd Smith to OndreaGriffith and James Louis Smith Jr. on January 14, 1968 in Long Island, New York. However, he was raised by his mother after she separated from her husband, who once shot and killed her and her father during a confrontation.
A young LL Cool J saw hip-hop as a way out of everything that was happening around him. He started rapping at the age of 9 and by the age of 11 he was writing down his lyrics. His grandfather, a jazz saxophonist, recognized his talent and bought him DJ equipment so he could make his own demo tapes.
Def Jam signed LL Cool J among other major artists, mostly from the New York area, and released the song he created with Rubin as his debut track. The single was well received throughout New York, selling more than 100,000 copies.
Cool J dropped out of school almost immediately to focus on his music career. In 1985 he released his debut album, Radio, to critical acclaim. The album achieved mainstream success, making him one of the first hip hop artists to accomplish such a feat. The album sold more than 1.5 million copies. That same year, LL Cool J made his acting debut in the film Krush Groove, about the early days of Def Jam Recordings.
In 1987, LL Cool J released his second album entitled “Bigger and Deffer”. Titled “I’m Bad,” “I Need Love,” and “Bristol Hotel,” the album surpassed his previous work and proved to be his best-selling career album. The album sold more than 3 million copies and spent 11 weeks at number one on Billboard’s R&B chart.
After the success of his second album LL Cool J decided to use this recipe for his third album Walking with a Panther. Although it was a commercial success, there was obvious dissatisfaction among its fan base with the presence of too many “soft songs”.
He went back to his roots for his fourth album, Mama Said Knock You Out, which was released in 1990. The title track earned him a Grammy Award for Best Rap Solo Performance for winning back his fans. Over two million copies of the album were sold. During this time, LL Cool J continued his acting career, appearing in the NBC sitcom In the House and the films The Hard Way (1991) and Toys (1992).
His next big musical hit was his sixth album Mr. Smith” with the singles “Doin’ It” and “Hey Lover”. The latter won another Grammy Award in 1997 for Best Rap Solo Performance. LL Cool J released seven more music projects, bringing the total to thirteen.
Continuing to appear in films and TV series, LL Cool J has also had a good career as a TV presenter/host, hosting the Grammy Awards and the show Lip Sync Battle for several years.
LL Cool J Net Worth
LL Cool J is estimated to have a net worth of around $100 million. He amassed his wealth from selling albums and concert tickets, as well as from the salaries he received from his numerous hosting gigs and film/television appearances. He is reported to have been awarded $150,000 for his work on NCIS: Los Angeles, which he has starred on since 2009.
Cool J is also an independent entrepreneur. He founded the popular ’90s clothing line FUBU and has signed a deal with Sears to create affordable clothing for families.
Family – wife (Simone Smith), children
LL Cool J married his wife Simone Smith (née Johnson) in 1995. The couple have been together since they were teenagers, having been introduced to each other by her cousin, a friend of Cool J’s. They now have four children; a son, Najee Laurent Todd Eugene Smith, and three daughters, Italia Anita Maria Smith, Nina Simone Smith and Samaria Leah Wisdom Smith.
Simone is a jewelry designer, entrepreneur and philanthropist. She was diagnosed with bone cancer in 2004, but has since recovered from the disease.
Is LL Cool J gay?
LL Cool J is definitely not gay. However, he has kindly spoken about gay people in the past, saying that he has no problem with homosexuals and how they want to live their lives. He went on to reiterate that he is straight and loves his wife.