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Wikipedia

LL Cool J

March 20, 2023

James Todd Smith (born January 14, 1968), known professionally as LL Cool J (short for Ladies Love Cool James),[3] is an American rapper, songwriter, record producer, and actor.[4] He is one of the earliest rappers to achieve commercial success, alongside fellow new school hip hop acts Beastie Boys and Run-DMC.

LL Cool J
LL Cool J receiving the 2017 Kennedy Center Honors
Born
James Todd Smith

(1968-01-14) January 14, 1968 (age 55)
Bay Shore, Islip, New York, U.S.
Occupations
  • Rapper
  • songwriter
  • record producer
  • actor
Years active1984–present
Spouse
Simone Smith
​
(m. 1995)​
[1]
PartnerKidada Jones (1992–1994)[2]
Children4[1]
Musical career
OriginQueens, New York, U.S.
GenresHip hop
Instrument(s)
  • Vocals
Labels
Websitellcoolj.com

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). He achieved further commercial and critical success with the albums Bigger and Deffer (1987), Walking with a Panther (1989), Mama Said Knock You Out (1990), Mr. Smith (1995), and Phenomenon (1997). His twelfth album, Exit 13 (2008), was his last in his long-tenured deal with Def Jam.

LL Cool J 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. He currently plays NCIS Special Agent Sam Hanna in the CBS crime drama television series NCIS: Los Angeles. LL Cool J was also the host of Lip Sync Battle on Paramount Network.[5][6]

A two-time Grammy Award winner, LL Cool J is known for hip hop songs such as "Going Back to Cali", "I'm Bad", "The Boomin' System", "Rock the Bells", and "Mama Said Knock You Out", as well as R&B hits such as "Doin' It", "I Need Love", "Around the Way Girl" and "Hey Lover". In 2010, VH1 placed him on their "100 Greatest Artists Of All Time" list.[7] In 2017, LL Cool J became the first rapper to receive the Kennedy Center Honors.[8] In 2021, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with an award for Musical Excellence.[9]

Early life and family

James Todd Smith was born on January 14, 1968, in Bay Shore, New York to Ondrea Griffith (born on January 19, 1946) and James Louis Smith Jr,[10] also known as James Nunya.[11][12][13] According to the Chicago Tribune, "[As] a kid growing up middle class and Catholic in Queens, life for Smith was heart-breaking. His father shot his mother and grandfather, nearly killing them both. When 4-year-old Smith found them, blood was everywhere."[14] In 1972, Smith and his mother moved into his grandparents' home in St. Albans, Queens, where he was raised.[15][16] He suffered physical and mental abuse from his mother's ex-boyfriend Roscoe.[14]

Smith began rapping at the age of 10, influenced by the hip-hop group The Treacherous Three. In 1984, sixteen-year-old Smith was creating demo tapes in his grandparents' home.[17] His grandfather, a jazz saxophonist, bought him $2,000 worth of equipment, including two turntables, an audio mixer and an amplifier.[18] During this time, Smith reconciled with his father who "made amends for a lot of things" by offering him guidance at the start of his music career.[14][12][19] His mother was also supportive of his musical endeavors, using her tax refund to buy him a Korg drum machine.[20] Smith has stated that by the time he received musical equipment from his relatives, he "was already a rapper. In this neighborhood, the kids grow up in rap. It's like speaking Spanish if you grow up in an all-Spanish house."[18] This was at the same time that NYU student Rick Rubin and promoter-manager Russell Simmons founded the then-independent Def Jam label. By using the mixer he had received from his grandfather, Smith produced and mixed his own demos and sent them to various record companies throughout New York City, including Def Jam.[18]

Musical career

In the VH1 documentary Planet Rock: The Story of Hip Hop and the Crack Generation, Smith revealed that he initially called himself J-Ski, but did not want to associate his stage name with the cocaine culture (The rappers who use "Ski" or "Blow" as part of their stage name, e.g., Kurtis Blow and Joeski Love, were associated with the rise of the cocaine culture, as depicted in the 1983 remake of Scarface.) Under his new stage name LL Cool J (an abbreviation for Ladies Love Cool James), coined by his friend and fellow rapper Mikey D,[21][15] Smith was signed by Def Jam, which led to the release of his first official record, the 12-inch single "I Need a Beat" (1984).[17] The single was a hard-hitting, streetwise b-boy song with spare beats and ballistic rhymes.[17] Smith later discussed his search for a label, stating "I sent my demo to many different companies, but it was Def Jam where I found my home."[22] That same year, Smith made his professional debut concert performance at Manhattan Center High School. In a later interview, LL Cool J recalled the experience, stating "They pushed the lunch room tables together and me and my DJ, Cut Creator, started playing. ... As soon as it was over there were girls screaming and asking for autographs. Right then and there I said 'This is what I want to do'."[23] LL's debut single sold over 100,000 copies and helped establish both Def Jam as a label and Smith as a rapper. The commercial success of "I Need a Beat", along with the Beastie Boys' single "Rock Hard" (1984), helped lead Def Jam to a distribution deal with Columbia Records the following year.[24]

1985–1987: Radio

Radio was released to critical acclaim, both for production innovation and LL's powerful rap.[25] Released November 18, 1985, on Def Jam Recordings in the United States,[26] Radio earned a significant amount of commercial success and sales for a hip hop record at the time. Shortly after its release, the album sold over 500,000 copies in its first five months, eventually selling over 1 million copies by 1988, according to the Recording Industry Association of America.[27][28] Radio peaked at number 6 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart and at number 46 on the Billboard 200 albums chart.[29] It entered the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart on December 28, 1985, and remained there for 47 weeks, while also entering the Pop Albums chart on January 11, 1986,[29] remaining on that chart for thirty-eight weeks.[29] By 1989, the album had earned platinum status from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), with sales exceeding one million copies; it had previously earned a gold certification in the United States on April 14, 1986.[28] "I Can't Live Without My Radio" and "Rock the Bells" were singles that helped the album go platinum. It eventually reached 1,500,000 copies sold in the US.[30]

With the breakthrough success of his hit single "I Need a Beat" and the Radio LP, LL Cool J became one of the early hip-hop acts to achieve mainstream success along with Kurtis Blow and Run-D.M.C. Gigs at larger venues were offered to LL as he would join the 1986-'87 Raising Hell tour, opening for Run-D.M.C. and the Beastie Boys.[31] Another milestone of LL's popularity was his appearance on American Bandstand as the first hip hop act on the show,[32] as well as an appearance on Diana Ross' 1987 television special, Red Hot Rhythm & Blues.

The album's success also helped in contributing to Rick Rubin's credibility and repertoire as a record producer. Radio, along with Raising Hell (1986) and Licensed to Ill (1986), would form a trilogy of New York City-based, Rubin-helmed albums that helped to diversify hip-hop.[33][34] Rubin's production credit on the back cover reads "REDUCED BY RICK RUBIN", referring to his minimalist production style, which gave the album its stripped-down and gritty sound. This style would serve as one of Rubin's production trademarks and would have a great impact on future hip-hop productions.[35] Rubin's early hip hop production work, before his exit from Def Jam to Los Angeles, helped solidify his legacy as a hip hop pioneer and establish his reputation in the music industry.[35]

1987–1993: Breakthrough and success

LL Cool J's second album was 1987's Bigger and Deffer, which was produced by DJ Pooh and the L.A. Posse.[36] This stands as one of his biggest-selling career albums, having sold in excess of two million copies in the United States alone.[37] It spent 11 weeks at No. 1 on Billboard's R&B albums chart. It also reached No. 3 on the Billboard's Pop albums chart. The album featured the singles "I'm Bad", the revolutionary "I Need Love" - LL's first #1 R&B and Top 40 hit, "Kanday", "Bristol Hotel", and "Go Cut Creator Go". While Bigger and Deffer, which was a big success, was produced by the L.A. Posse (at the time consisting of Dwayne Simon, Darryl Pierce and, according to himself the most important for crafting the sound of the LP, Bobby "Bobcat" Ervin), Dwayne Simon was the only one left willing to work on producing LL Cool J's third album Walking with a Panther.[38] Released in 1989, the album was a commercial success, with several charting singles ("Going Back to Cali", which had originally been released on the 1987 movie soundtrack Less than Zero, "I'm That Type of Guy", "Big Ole Butt", and "One Shot at Love"). Despite commercial appeal, the album was often criticized by the hip-hop community as being too commercial and materialistic, and for focusing too much on love ballads.[39] As a result, his audience base began to decline due to the album's bold commercial and pop aspirations.[40] According to Billboard, the album peaked at No. 6 on the Billboard 200 and was LL Cool J's second #1 R&B Album where it spent five weeks.

In 1990, LL released Mama Said Knock You Out, his fourth studio album. The Marley Marl produced album received critical acclaim and eventually went double Platinum, selling over two million copies according to the RIAA. Mama Said Knock You Out marked a turning point in LL Cool J's career, as he proved to critics his ability to stay relevant and hard-edged despite the misgivings of his previous album.[40] LL won a Grammy Award for Best Rap Solo Performance in 1992 for the title track. The album's immense success propelled Mama Said Knock You Out to be LL's top selling album of his career (as of 2002) and solidified his status as a hip-hop icon. LL also recorded a rap solo for Michael Jackson's demo of "Serious Effect" that remains unreleased but leaked online[40]

1993–2005: Continued success and career prominence

 
LL Cool J in 1999

After acting in The Hard Way and Toys, LL Cool J released 14 Shots to the Dome. The album had four singles ("How I'm Comin'", "Back Seat (of My Jeep)", "Pink Cookies in a Plastic Bag Getting Crushed by Buildings", "Stand By Your Man") and guest-featured labelmates Lords of the Underground on "NFA-No Frontin' Allowed". The album went gold.

LL Cool J starred in In the House, an NBC sitcom, before releasing Mr. Smith (1995), which went on to sell over two million copies. Its singles included "Hey Lover", "Doin' It" and "Loungin". "Hey Lover", featured Boyz II Men, and sampled Michael Jackson's "The Lady in My Life". The song also earned him a Grammy Award. Another song from the album, "I Shot Ya Remix", included debut vocal work by Foxy Brown. In 1996, Def Jam released this "greatest hits" package, offering a good summary of Cool J's career, from the relentless minimalism of early hits such as "Rock the Bells" to the smooth-talking braggadocio that followed. Classic albums including Bigger and Deffer and Mama Said Knock You Out are well represented here. In December 1996, his loose cover of the Rufus and Chaka Khan song "Ain't Nobody" was included on the Beavis and Butt-Head Do America soundtrack & released as a single. LL Cool J's interpretation of "Ain't Nobody" was particularly successful in the United Kingdom, where it topped the UK Singles Chart in early-1997.[41] Later that same year, he released the album Phenomenon. The singles included "Phenomenon" and "Father". The official second single from Phenomenon was "4, 3, 2, 1", which featured Method Man, Redman & Master P and introduced DMX and Canibus.

 
 
LL Cool J during a 2001 performance in Germany

In 2000, LL Cool J released the album G.O.A.T., which stood for the "Greatest of All Time." It debuted at number one on the Billboard album charts,[42] and went platinum. LL Cool J thanked Canibus in the liner notes of the album, "for the inspiration". LL Cool J's next album 10 from 2002, was his ninth studio (10th overall including his greatest hits compilation All World), and included the singles "Paradise" (featuring Amerie), and the number 1 R&B hit "Luv U Better", produced by the Neptunes. Later pressings of the album added the 2003 Jennifer Lopez duet, "All I Have". The album reached platinum status. LL Cool J's tenth album The DEFinition was released on August 31, 2004. The album debuted at No. 4 on the Billboard charts. Production came from Timbaland, 7 Aurelius, R. Kelly, and others. The lead single was the Timbaland-produced "Headsprung", which peaked at No. 7 on the Hip-Hop and R&B singles chart, and No. 16 on the Billboard Hot 100. The second single was the 7 Aurelius–produced, "Hush", which peaked at No. 14 on the Billboard Hip-Hop and R&B chart and No. 26 on the Hot 100.

2006–2012: Exit 13 and touring

LL Cool J's 11th album, Todd Smith, was released on April 11, 2006. It includes collaborations with 112, Ginuwine, Juelz Santana, Teairra Mari and Freeway. The first single was the Jermaine Dupri-produced "Control Myself" featuring Jennifer Lopez. They shot the video for "Control Myself" on January 2, 2006, at Sony Studios, New York. The second video, directed by Hype Williams, was "Freeze" featuring Lyfe Jennings.

 
LL Cool J performing in Wilmington, Delaware in August 2008

In July 2006, LL Cool J announced details about his final album with Def Jam Recordings, the only label he has ever been signed to. The album is titled Exit 13. The album was originally scheduled to be executively produced by fellow Queens rapper 50 Cent.[43] Exit 13 was originally slated for a fall 2006 release, however, after a 2-year delay, it was released on September 9, 2008 without 50 Cent as the executive producer. Tracks that the two worked on were leaked to the internet and some of the tracks produced with 50 made it to Exit 13. LL Cool J partnered with DJ Kay Slay to release a mixtape called "The Return of the G.O.A.T.". It was the first mixtape of his 24-year career and includes freestyling by LL Cool J in addition to other rappers giving their renditions of his songs. A track titled "Hi Haterz" was leaked onto the internet on June 1, 2008. The song contains LL Cool J rapping over the instrumental to Maino's "Hi Hater". He toured with Janet Jackson on her Rock Witchu tour, only playing in Los Angeles, Chicago, Toronto, and Kansas City.

In September 2009, LL Cool J released a song about the NCIS TV series. It is a single and is available on iTunes. The new track is based on his experiences playing special agent Sam Hanna. "This song is the musical interpretation of what I felt after meeting with NCIS agents, experienced Marines and Navy SEALs," LL Cool J said. "It represents the collective energy in the room. I was so inspired I wrote the song on set."[44]

At South by Southwest in March 2011, LL Cool J was revealed to be Z-Trip's special guest at the Red Bull Thre3Style showcase. This marked the beginning of a creative collaboration between the rap and DJ superstars. The two took part in an interview with Carson Daly where they discussed their partnership.[45] Both artists have promised future collaborations down the road, with LL Cool J calling the duo "organic"[46] One early track to feature LL's talents was Z-Trip's remix of British rock act Kasabian's single "Days Are Forgotten", which was named by influential DJ Zane Lowe as his "Hottest Record In The World"[47] and received a favorable reception in both Belgium and the United Kingdom. In January 2012, the pair released the track "" as a free download to celebrate the New York Giants Super Bowl victory. The two have been touring together since 2011, with future dates planned through 2012 and beyond.

2012–present: Authentic, G.O.A.T. 2 and future projects

On October 6, 2012, LL Cool J released "Ratchet", a new single from his upcoming album titled Authentic Hip-Hop. Following that, on November 3, 2012, LL collaborated with Joe and the production duo Trackmasters on his second single, "Take It".[48]

On February 8, 2013, it was announced that the title of LL's upcoming album would be changed from Authentic Hip-Hop to Authentic, with a new release date of April 30, 2013. A new cover was also unveiled.[49] At around the same time, it was announced that LL Cool J had collaborated with Van Halen guitarist Eddie Van Halen on two tracks on the album.[50][51][52]

On October 16, 2013, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame announced LL Cool J as a nominee for inclusion in 2014.[53] In October 2014, LL announced that his 14th studio album would be called G.O.A.T. 2 and would be released in 2015.[54] LL stated that "the concept behind the album was to give upcoming artists an opportunity to shine, and put myself in the position where I have to spit bars with some of the hardest rhymers in the game"; however, the album was put on hold. LL Cool J explained the reason for it, saying, "It was good but I didn't feel like it was ready yet."[55]

On January 21, 2016, LL received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.[56]

In March 2016, LL announced his retirement on social media, but quickly walked back his announcement and indicated that a new album was on the way.[57] LL hosted the Grammy Awards Show for five consecutive years, from the 54th Grammy Awards on February 12, 2012, through the 58th Grammy Awards on February 15, 2016.[58]

In October 2018, LL Cool J was nominated for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.[59] In September 2019, it was announced that LL had re-signed to Def Jam for future album releases.[60] His upcoming album will be produced by Q-Tip.[61]

On December 29, 2021, LL Cool J canceled his performance at Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve With Ryan Seacrest 2022 after testing positive for COVID-19.[62]

LL hosted the 2022 iHeartRadio Music Awards on March 22, 2022.[63][64]

Acting career

While LL Cool J first appeared as a rapper in the movie Krush Groove (performing "I Can't Live Without My Radio"),[65] his first acting part was a small role in a high school football movie called Wildcats.[66] He landed the role of Captain Patrick Zevo in Barry Levinson's 1992 film Toys.[67] From 1995 to 1999, he starred in his own television sitcom In the House. He portrayed an ex-Oakland Raiders running back who finds himself in financial difficulties and is forced to rent part of his home out to a single mother and her two children, one of whom moves out with her before the third season.[68]

In 1998, LL Cool J played security guard Ronny in Halloween H20, the seventh movie in the Halloween franchise.[69] In 1999, co-starred as Preacher, the chef in the Renny Harlin horror/comedy Deep Blue Sea.[70] He received positive reviews for his role as Dwayne Gittens, an underworld boss nicknamed "God", in In Too Deep.[71] Later that year, he starred as Julian Washington—a talented but selfish running back on fictional professional football team the Miami Sharks—in Oliver Stone's drama Any Given Sunday. He and co-star Jamie Foxx allegedly got into a real fistfight while filming a fight scene.[72] During the next two years, LL Cool J appeared in Rollerball,[73] Deliver Us from Eva,[74] S.W.A.T.,[75] and Mindhunters.[76]

In 2005, he returned to television in a guest-starring role on the Fox medical drama House; he portrayed a death row inmate felled by an unknown disease in an episode entitled "Acceptance". He appeared as Queen Latifah's love interest in the 2006 movie Last Holiday.[77] He also guest-starred on 30 Rock in the 2007 episode "The Source Awards", portraying a hip-hop producer called Ridikulous who Tracy Jordan fears may kill him.[78] LL Cool J appeared in Sesame Street's 39th season, introducing the word of the day--"Unanimous"—in episode 4169 (September 22, 2008) and performing "The Addition Expedition" in episode 4172 (September 30, 2008).[79]

Since 2009, LL Cool J has starred on the CBS police procedural NCIS: Los Angeles. The show is a spin-off of NCIS, which itself is a spin-off of the naval legal drama JAG. LL Cool J portrays NCIS Special Agent Sam Hanna, an ex–Navy SEAL who is fluent in Arabic and is an expert on West Asian culture. The series debuted in autumn of 2009, but the characters were introduced in an April 2009 crossover episode on the parent show.[80][81] In 2013, LL received a Teen Choice Award for Choice TV Actor: Action for his work on the show.[82]

In 2013, LL co-starred as a gym owner in the sports dramedy Grudge Match.[83] Since April 2015, LL has hosted the show Lip Sync Battle.[84] He played Beth's father in Neighbors 2: Sorority Rising and was shown in a trailer for the film but his scenes were cut from the final product.[85]

Other ventures

LL Cool J worked behind the scenes with the mid-1980s hip-hop sportswear line TROOP.[86] LL Cool J launched a clothing line (called "Todd Smith").[87] The brand produces popular urban apparel. Designs include influences from LL's lyrics and tattoos, as well as from other icons in the hip-hop community.[88] LL Cool J has written four books, including I Make My Own Rules, (1997), an autobiography cowritten with Karen Hunter. His second book was the children-oriented book called And The Winner Is... published in 2002. In 2006, LL Cool J and his personal trainer, Dave "Scooter" Honig, wrote a fitness book titled The Platinum Workout. His fourth book, LL Cool J (Hip-Hop Stars) was cowritten in 2007 with hip-hop historian Dustin Shekell and Public Enemy's Chuck D.

LL Cool J started his own businesses in the music industry such as the music label in 1993 called P.O.G. (Power Of God) and formed the company Rock The Bells to produce music. With the Rock The Bells label, he had artists such as AMyth,[89] Smokeman, Natice, Chantel Jones and Simone Starks. Rock the Bells Records was also responsible for the Deep Blue Sea soundtrack for the 1999 movie of the same name. Rufus "Scola" Waller was also signed to the label, but was released when the label folded.[90] LL Cool J founded and launched Boomdizzle.com, a record label / social networking site launched in September 2008. The website accepts music uploads from aspiring artists, primarily from the hip-hop genre, and the site's users rate songs through contests, voting, and other community events.[91]

In March 2015, LL Cool J also appeared in an introduction to WrestleMania 31.[92]

Legacy

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-DMC. Gigs at larger venues were offered to LL as he would join the 1986-'87 Raising Hell tour, opening for Run-D.M.C. and the Beastie Boys.[31] Another milestone of LL's popularity was his appearance on American Bandstand as the first hip-hop act on the show.[32]

The album's success also helped in contributing to Rick Rubin's credibility and repertoire as a record producer. Radio, along with Raising Hell (1986) and Licensed to Ill (1986), would form a trilogy of New York City-based, Rubin-helmed albums that helped to diversify hip-hop.[33][34] Rubin's production credit on the back cover reads "REDUCED BY RICK RUBIN", referring to his minimalist production style, which gave the album its stripped-down and gritty sound. This style would serve as one of Rubin's production trademarks and would have a great impact on future hip-hop productions.[35] Rubin's early hip hop production work, before his exit from Def Jam to Los Angeles, helped solidify his legacy as a hip hop pioneer and establish his reputation in the music industry.[35]

Radio's release coincided with the growing new school scene and subculture, which also marked the beginning of hip-hop's "golden age" and the replacement of old school hip hop.[93] This period of hip hop was marked by the end of the disco rap stylings of old school, which had flourished prior to the mid-1980s, and the rise of a new style featuring "ghetto blasters". Radio served as one of the earliest records, along with Run-D.M.C.'s debut album, to combine the vocal approach of hip hop and rapping with the musical arrangements and riffing sound of rock music, pioneering the rap rock hybrid sound.[94]

The emerging new-school scene was initially characterized by drum machine-led minimalism, often tinged with elements of rock, as well as boasts about rapping delivered in an aggressive, self-assertive style. In image as in song, the artists projected a tough, cool, street b-boy attitude. These elements contrasted sharply with the 1970s P-Funk and disco-influenced outfits, live bands, synthesizers and party rhymes of acts prevalent in 1984, rendering them old school.[95] In contrast to the lengthy, jam-like form predominant throughout early hip hop ("King Tim III", "Rapper's Delight", "The Breaks"), new-school artists tended to compose shorter songs that would be more accessible and had potential for radio play, and conceived more cohesive LPs than their old-school counterparts; the style typified by LL Cool J's Radio.[96] A leading example of the new school sound is the song "I Can't Live Without My Radio", a loud, defiant declaration of public loyalty to his boom box, which The New York Times described as "quintessential rap in its directness, immediacy and assertion of self".[18] It was featured in the film Krush Groove (1985), which was based on the rise of Def Jam and new school acts such as Run-D.M.C. and the Fat Boys.[97]

The energy and hardcore delivery and musical style of rapping featured on Radio, as well as other new-school recordings by artists such as Run-D.M.C., Schooly D, T La Rock and Steady B, proved to be influential to hip-hop acts of the "golden age" such as Boogie Down Productions and Public Enemy.[98] The decline of the old-school form of hip hop also led to the closing of Sugar Hill Records, one of the labels that helped contribute to early hip hop and that, coincidentally, rejected LL's demo tape.[99] As the album served as an example of an expansion of hip-hop music's artistic possibilities, its commercial success and distinct sound soon led to an increase in multi-racial audiences and listeners, adding to the legacy of the album and hip hop as well.[94][100]

In 2017, LL Cool J became the first rapper to receive Kennedy Center Honors.[8]

In 2021, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with an award for Musical Excellence.[9]

Personal life

Smith dated Kidada Jones, daughter of producer Quincy Jones, from 1992 to 1994.[101] He married Simone Johnson in 1995.[11] The couple met in 1987 and have four children.[102]

In an episode of Finding Your Roots, Smith learned that his mother was adopted by Eugene Griffith and Ellen Hightower. The series' genetic genealogist CeCe Moore identified Smith's biological grandparents as Ethel Mae Jolly and Nathaniel Christy Lewis through analysis of his DNA. Smith's biological great-uncle was Hall of Fame boxer John Henry Lewis.[10]

Political involvement

In 2002, LL Cool J supported George Pataki's bid for a third term as Governor of New York.[103] In 2003, LL Cool J spoke at a U.S. Senate Committee hearing on the RIAA lawsuits against Americans distributing or downloading copyrighted music over peer-to-peer networks. He appeared to endorse the RIAA's position, claiming illegal file sharing was hurting his sales and that his session musicians "can't live" due to the lost income. Chuck D provided an opposing viewpoint, saying free file-sharing could be leveraged as a promotional tool and the industry was being overprotective of its copyright.[104] LL also voiced his support for New York State Senator Malcolm Smith, a Democrat, during an appearance on the senator's local television show;[105] LL worked with Smith in putting on the annual Jump and Ball Tournament in the rapper's childhood neighborhood of St. Albans, Queens.[106] In a February 10, 2012 televised interview with CNN host Piers Morgan, LL Cool J expressed sympathy for President Barack Obama and ascribed negative impressions of his leadership to Republican obstruction designed to "make it look like you have a coordination problem." He was quick to add that no one "should assume that I'm a Democrat either. I'm an Independent, you know?"[107] In his 2020 book LL Cool J's Platinum 360 Diet and Lifestyle, he included Obama in a list of people he admired, stating that the then-president had "accomplished what people thought was impossible."[108]

Philanthropy

LL Cool J has his own charitable foundation called Jump & Ball, which is based in his hometown of Queens, New York, and offers an athletic and team-building program for young people. He is also involved in many charitable causes for literacy, music, and arts programs for kids and schools.[109]

Discography

Main article: LL Cool J discography
Studio albums

Filmography

Film

Year Title Role Notes
1985 Krush Groove Himself
1986 Wildcats Rapper
1991 The Hard Way Detective Billy
1992 Toys Captain Patrick Zevo
1995 Out-of-Sync Jason St. Julian
Eyes on Hip Hop Rapper Video
1996 The Right to Remain Silent Charles Red Taylor TV movie
1997 Touch Himself
B*A*P*S
1998 Caught Up Roger
Woo Darryl
Halloween H20: 20 Years Later Ronny Jones
1999 Deep Blue Sea Sherman "Preacher" Dudley
In Too Deep Dwayne Keith "God" Gittens
Any Given Sunday Julian "J-Man" Washington
2000 Charlie's Angels Mr. Jones
2001 Kingdom Come Ray Bud Slocumb
2002 Rollerball Marcus Ridley
2003 Deliver Us from Eva Ray Adams
S.W.A.T. Officer Deacon "Deke" Kaye
2004 Mindhunters Gabe Jensen
2005 Edison Officer Rafe Deed
Slow Burn Luther Pinks
2006 Last Holiday Sean Williams
2007 The Man Manny Baxter TV movie
2008 The Deal Bobby Mason
2013 Grudge Match Frankie Brite

Television

Year Title Role Notes
1994 The Adventures of Pete & Pete Mr. Throneberry Episode: "Sick Day"
1995–99 In the House Marion Hill Main Cast
1998 Oz Jiggy Walker Episode: "Strange Bedfellows"
2005 House Clarence Episode: "Acceptance"
2007 30 Rock Ridikolus Episode: "The Source Awards"
2009 WWII in HD Shelby Westbrook (voice) [110] Episode: "Striking Distance"
NCIS Special Agent Sam Hanna Episode: "Legend: Part 1 & 2"
2009–23 NCIS: Los Angeles Main Cast
2012 Hawaii Five-0 Episode: "Pa Make Loa"
2012–16 Grammy Awards Himself Host; TV Special
2015–19 Lip Sync Battle
2017 American Dad! Special Agent Sam Hanna (voice) Episode: "Casino Normale"
2022 iHeartRadio Music Awards Himself/host TV Special
2023 NCIS Special Agent Sam Hanna Episode: "Too Many Cooks"
NCIS: Hawai'i Episode: "Deep Fake"
BMF Himself Episode: "Family Business"

Documentary

Year Title
1986 Big Fun In The Big Town

Awards and nominations

Music

Grammy Awards

Year Nominated work Award Result Ref
1989 "Going Back To Cali" Best Rap Performance Nominated [111]
1992 "Mama Said Knock You Out" Best Rap Solo Performance Won [112]
1993 "Strictly Business" Nominated [113]
1994 "Stand By Your Man" Nominated [114]
1997 "Hey Lover" Won [115]
1997 Mr. Smith Best Rap Album Nominated [115]
1998 "Ain't Nobody" Best Rap Solo Performance Nominated [116]
2004 "Luv U Better" Best Rap/Sung Collaboration Nominated [117]
2005 The DEFinition Best Rap Album Nominated [118]

MTV Video Music Awards

Year Nominated work Award Result Ref
1991 "Mama Said Knock You Out" Best Rap Video Won [119]
Best Cinematography in a Video Nominated [119]
1996 "Doin' It" Best Rap Video Nominated [120]
1997 Lifetime Achievement Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award Won [121]

NAACP Image Awards

Year Nominated Work Category Result Ref
1996 Mr. Smith Best Rap Artist Won [122]
1997 Phenomenon Best Rap Artist Won
2001 G.O.A.T. Outstanding Hip-Hop/Rap Artist Won [123]
2003 10 Outstanding Male Artist Won [124]

Soul Train Music Awards

Year Nominated Work Category Result Ref
1987 Radio Best Rap Album Nominated [citation needed]
1988 Bigger and Deffer Best Rap Album Won [citation needed]
"I Need Love" Best Rap Single Won [125]
1991 Mama Said Knock You Out Best Rap Album Nominated [citation needed]
2003 10 Best R&B/Soul or Rap Album of the Year Nominated [126]
Outstanding Career Achievements in the Field of Entertainment Quincy Jones Award Won [127]
2005 "Headsprung" Best R&B/Soul or Rap Dance Cut Nominated [128]

Other honors and awards

Acting

Year Award Category Work Result Ref
1996 NAACP Image Awards Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series In the House Nominated [122]
1997 Kids' Choice Awards Favorite Television Actor Nominated [citation needed]
1998 NAACP Image Awards Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series Nominated [citation needed]
2000 Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture Deep Blue Sea Nominated [140]
Blockbuster Entertainment Award Favorite Supporting Actor – Action Won [141]
2004 Black Reel Awards Best Actor Deliver Us from Eva Nominated [142]
2006 Teen Choice Awards Award for Choice Movie: Liplock (shared with Queen Latifah) Last Holiday Nominated [citation needed]
2011 NAACP Image Awards Outstanding Actor in a Drama Series NCIS: Los Angeles Won [143]
Teen Choice Awards Choice TV Actor: Action Nominated [144]
2012 NAACP Image Awards Outstanding Actor in a Drama Series Won [145]
Teen Choice Awards Choice TV Actor: Action Nominated [146]
Primetime Emmy Awards Outstanding Special Class Programs The 54th Annual Grammy Awards Nominated [147]
2013 NAACP Image Awards Outstanding Actor in a Drama Series NCIS: Los Angeles Won [148]
Teen Choice Awards Choice TV Actor: Action Won [149]
2014 NAACP Image Awards Outstanding Actor in a Drama Series Won [150]
Prism Awards Male Performance in a Drama Series Multi-Episode Storyline Nominated [151]
2015 NAACP Image Awards Outstanding Actor in a Drama Series Nominated [152]
2016 Outstanding Actor in a Drama Series Nominated [153]
Primetime Emmy Awards Outstanding Structured Reality Program Lip Sync Battle Nominated [154]
People's Choice Awards Favorite TV Crime Drama Actor NCIS: Los Angeles Nominated [155]
2017 Favorite TV Crime Drama Actor Nominated [156]

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Further reading

External links

 
Wikiquote has quotations related to LL Cool J.
  • Official website  
  • LL Cool J at IMDb
  • LL Cool J discography at Discogs

March 20, 2023
cool, james, todd, smith, born, january, 1968, known, professionally, short, ladies, love, cool, james, american, rapper, songwriter, record, producer, actor, earliest, rappers, achieve, commercial, success, alongside, fellow, school, acts, beastie, boys, rece. James Todd Smith born January 14 1968 known professionally as LL Cool J short for Ladies Love Cool James 3 is an American rapper songwriter record producer and actor 4 He is one of the earliest rappers to achieve commercial success alongside fellow new school hip hop acts Beastie Boys and Run DMC LL Cool JLL Cool J receiving the 2017 Kennedy Center HonorsBornJames Todd Smith 1968 01 14 January 14 1968 age 55 Bay Shore Islip New York U S OccupationsRapper songwriter record producer actorYears active1984 presentSpouseSimone Smith m 1995 wbr 1 PartnerKidada Jones 1992 1994 2 Children4 1 Musical careerOriginQueens New York U S GenresHip hopInstrument s VocalsLabels429 Def Jam Violator S BROWebsitellcoolj wbr comSigned 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 He achieved further commercial and critical success with the albums Bigger and Deffer 1987 Walking with a Panther 1989 Mama Said Knock You Out 1990 Mr Smith 1995 and Phenomenon 1997 His twelfth album Exit 13 2008 was his last in his long tenured deal with Def Jam LL Cool J 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 He currently plays NCIS Special Agent Sam Hanna in the CBS crime drama television series NCIS Los Angeles LL Cool J was also the host of Lip Sync Battle on Paramount Network 5 6 A two time Grammy Award winner LL Cool J is known for hip hop songs such as Going Back to Cali I m Bad The Boomin System Rock the Bells and Mama Said Knock You Out as well as R amp B hits such as Doin It I Need Love Around the Way Girl and Hey Lover In 2010 VH1 placed him on their 100 Greatest Artists Of All Time list 7 In 2017 LL Cool J became the first rapper to receive the Kennedy Center Honors 8 In 2021 he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with an award for Musical Excellence 9 Contents 1 Early life and family 2 Musical career 2 1 1985 1987 Radio 2 2 1987 1993 Breakthrough and success 2 3 1993 2005 Continued success and career prominence 2 4 2006 2012 Exit 13 and touring 2 5 2012 present Authentic G O A T 2 and future projects 3 Acting career 4 Other ventures 5 Legacy 6 Personal life 6 1 Political involvement 6 2 Philanthropy 7 Discography 8 Filmography 8 1 Film 8 2 Television 8 3 Documentary 9 Awards and nominations 9 1 Music 9 1 1 Grammy Awards 9 1 2 MTV Video Music Awards 9 1 3 NAACP Image Awards 9 1 4 Soul Train Music Awards 9 1 5 Other honors and awards 9 2 Acting 10 References 11 Further reading 12 External linksEarly life and family EditJames Todd Smith was born on January 14 1968 in Bay Shore New York to Ondrea Griffith born on January 19 1946 and James Louis Smith Jr 10 also known as James Nunya 11 12 13 According to the Chicago Tribune As a kid growing up middle class and Catholic in Queens life for Smith was heart breaking His father shot his mother and grandfather nearly killing them both When 4 year old Smith found them blood was everywhere 14 In 1972 Smith and his mother moved into his grandparents home in St Albans Queens where he was raised 15 16 He suffered physical and mental abuse from his mother s ex boyfriend Roscoe 14 Smith began rapping at the age of 10 influenced by the hip hop group The Treacherous Three In 1984 sixteen year old Smith was creating demo tapes in his grandparents home 17 His grandfather a jazz saxophonist bought him 2 000 worth of equipment including two turntables an audio mixer and an amplifier 18 During this time Smith reconciled with his father who made amends for a lot of things by offering him guidance at the start of his music career 14 12 19 His mother was also supportive of his musical endeavors using her tax refund to buy him a Korg drum machine 20 Smith has stated that by the time he received musical equipment from his relatives he was already a rapper In this neighborhood the kids grow up in rap It s like speaking Spanish if you grow up in an all Spanish house 18 This was at the same time that NYU student Rick Rubin and promoter manager Russell Simmons founded the then independent Def Jam label By using the mixer he had received from his grandfather Smith produced and mixed his own demos and sent them to various record companies throughout New York City including Def Jam 18 Musical career EditIn the VH1 documentary Planet Rock The Story of Hip Hop and the Crack Generation Smith revealed that he initially called himself J Ski but did not want to associate his stage name with the cocaine culture The rappers who use Ski or Blow as part of their stage name e g Kurtis Blow and Joeski Love were associated with the rise of the cocaine culture as depicted in the 1983 remake of Scarface Under his new stage name LL Cool J an abbreviation for Ladies Love Cool James coined by his friend and fellow rapper Mikey D 21 15 Smith was signed by Def Jam which led to the release of his first official record the 12 inch single I Need a Beat 1984 17 The single was a hard hitting streetwise b boy song with spare beats and ballistic rhymes 17 Smith later discussed his search for a label stating I sent my demo to many different companies but it was Def Jam where I found my home 22 That same year Smith made his professional debut concert performance at Manhattan Center High School In a later interview LL Cool J recalled the experience stating They pushed the lunch room tables together and me and my DJ Cut Creator started playing As soon as it was over there were girls screaming and asking for autographs Right then and there I said This is what I want to do 23 LL s debut single sold over 100 000 copies and helped establish both Def Jam as a label and Smith as a rapper The commercial success of I Need a Beat along with the Beastie Boys single Rock Hard 1984 helped lead Def Jam to a distribution deal with Columbia Records the following year 24 1985 1987 Radio Edit Radio was released to critical acclaim both for production innovation and LL s powerful rap 25 Released November 18 1985 on Def Jam Recordings in the United States 26 Radio earned a significant amount of commercial success and sales for a hip hop record at the time Shortly after its release the album sold over 500 000 copies in its first five months eventually selling over 1 million copies by 1988 according to the Recording Industry Association of America 27 28 Radio peaked at number 6 on the Top R amp B Hip Hop Albums chart and at number 46 on the Billboard 200 albums chart 29 It entered the Top R amp B Hip Hop Albums chart on December 28 1985 and remained there for 47 weeks while also entering the Pop Albums chart on January 11 1986 29 remaining on that chart for thirty eight weeks 29 By 1989 the album had earned platinum status from the Recording Industry Association of America RIAA with sales exceeding one million copies it had previously earned a gold certification in the United States on April 14 1986 28 I Can t Live Without My Radio and Rock the Bells were singles that helped the album go platinum It eventually reached 1 500 000 copies sold in the US 30 With the breakthrough success of his hit single I Need a Beat and the Radio LP LL Cool J became one of the early hip hop acts to achieve mainstream success along with Kurtis Blow and Run D M C Gigs at larger venues were offered to LL as he would join the 1986 87 Raising Hell tour opening for Run D M C and the Beastie Boys 31 Another milestone of LL s popularity was his appearance on American Bandstand as the first hip hop act on the show 32 as well as an appearance on Diana Ross 1987 television special Red Hot Rhythm amp Blues The album s success also helped in contributing to Rick Rubin s credibility and repertoire as a record producer Radio along with Raising Hell 1986 and Licensed to Ill 1986 would form a trilogy of New York City based Rubin helmed albums that helped to diversify hip hop 33 34 Rubin s production credit on the back cover reads REDUCED BY RICK RUBIN referring to his minimalist production style which gave the album its stripped down and gritty sound This style would serve as one of Rubin s production trademarks and would have a great impact on future hip hop productions 35 Rubin s early hip hop production work before his exit from Def Jam to Los Angeles helped solidify his legacy as a hip hop pioneer and establish his reputation in the music industry 35 1987 1993 Breakthrough and success Edit LL Cool J s second album was 1987 s Bigger and Deffer which was produced by DJ Pooh and the L A Posse 36 This stands as one of his biggest selling career albums having sold in excess of two million copies in the United States alone 37 It spent 11 weeks at No 1 on Billboard s R amp B albums chart It also reached No 3 on the Billboard s Pop albums chart The album featured the singles I m Bad the revolutionary I Need Love LL s first 1 R amp B and Top 40 hit Kanday Bristol Hotel and Go Cut Creator Go While Bigger and Deffer which was a big success was produced by the L A Posse at the time consisting of Dwayne Simon Darryl Pierce and according to himself the most important for crafting the sound of the LP Bobby Bobcat Ervin Dwayne Simon was the only one left willing to work on producing LL Cool J s third album Walking with a Panther 38 Released in 1989 the album was a commercial success with several charting singles Going Back to Cali which had originally been released on the 1987 movie soundtrack Less than Zero I m That Type of Guy Big Ole Butt and One Shot at Love Despite commercial appeal the album was often criticized by the hip hop community as being too commercial and materialistic and for focusing too much on love ballads 39 As a result his audience base began to decline due to the album s bold commercial and pop aspirations 40 According to Billboard the album peaked at No 6 on the Billboard 200 and was LL Cool J s second 1 R amp B Album where it spent five weeks In 1990 LL released Mama Said Knock You Out his fourth studio album The Marley Marl produced album received critical acclaim and eventually went double Platinum selling over two million copies according to the RIAA Mama Said Knock You Out marked a turning point in LL Cool J s career as he proved to critics his ability to stay relevant and hard edged despite the misgivings of his previous album 40 LL won a Grammy Award for Best Rap Solo Performance in 1992 for the title track The album s immense success propelled Mama Said Knock You Out to be LL s top selling album of his career as of 2002 and solidified his status as a hip hop icon LL also recorded a rap solo for Michael Jackson s demo of Serious Effect that remains unreleased but leaked online 40 1993 2005 Continued success and career prominence Edit LL Cool J in 1999 After acting in The Hard Way and Toys LL Cool J released 14 Shots to the Dome The album had four singles How I m Comin Back Seat of My Jeep Pink Cookies in a Plastic Bag Getting Crushed by Buildings Stand By Your Man and guest featured labelmates Lords of the Underground on NFA No Frontin Allowed The album went gold LL Cool J starred in In the House an NBC sitcom before releasing Mr Smith 1995 which went on to sell over two million copies Its singles included Hey Lover Doin It and Loungin Hey Lover featured Boyz II Men and sampled Michael Jackson s The Lady in My Life The song also earned him a Grammy Award Another song from the album I Shot Ya Remix included debut vocal work by Foxy Brown In 1996 Def Jam released this greatest hits package offering a good summary of Cool J s career from the relentless minimalism of early hits such as Rock the Bells to the smooth talking braggadocio that followed Classic albums including Bigger and Deffer and Mama Said Knock You Out are well represented here In December 1996 his loose cover of the Rufus and Chaka Khan song Ain t Nobody was included on the Beavis and Butt Head Do America soundtrack amp released as a single LL Cool J s interpretation of Ain t Nobody was particularly successful in the United Kingdom where it topped the UK Singles Chart in early 1997 41 Later that same year he released the album Phenomenon The singles included Phenomenon and Father The official second single from Phenomenon was 4 3 2 1 which featured Method Man Redman amp Master P and introduced DMX and Canibus LL Cool J during a 2001 performance in Germany In 2000 LL Cool J released the album G O A T which stood for the Greatest of All Time It debuted at number one on the Billboard album charts 42 and went platinum LL Cool J thanked Canibus in the liner notes of the album for the inspiration LL Cool J s next album 10 from 2002 was his ninth studio 10th overall including his greatest hits compilation All World and included the singles Paradise featuring Amerie and the number 1 R amp B hit Luv U Better produced by the Neptunes Later pressings of the album added the 2003 Jennifer Lopez duet All I Have The album reached platinum status LL Cool J s tenth album The DEFinition was released on August 31 2004 The album debuted at No 4 on the Billboard charts Production came from Timbaland 7 Aurelius R Kelly and others The lead single was the Timbaland produced Headsprung which peaked at No 7 on the Hip Hop and R amp B singles chart and No 16 on the Billboard Hot 100 The second single was the 7 Aurelius produced Hush which peaked at No 14 on the Billboard Hip Hop and R amp B chart and No 26 on the Hot 100 2006 2012 Exit 13 and touring Edit LL Cool J s 11th album Todd Smith was released on April 11 2006 It includes collaborations with 112 Ginuwine Juelz Santana Teairra Mari and Freeway The first single was the Jermaine Dupri produced Control Myself featuring Jennifer Lopez They shot the video for Control Myself on January 2 2006 at Sony Studios New York The second video directed by Hype Williams was Freeze featuring Lyfe Jennings LL Cool J performing in Wilmington Delaware in August 2008 In July 2006 LL Cool J announced details about his final album with Def Jam Recordings the only label he has ever been signed to The album is titled Exit 13 The album was originally scheduled to be executively produced by fellow Queens rapper 50 Cent 43 Exit 13 was originally slated for a fall 2006 release however after a 2 year delay it was released on September 9 2008 without 50 Cent as the executive producer Tracks that the two worked on were leaked to the internet and some of the tracks produced with 50 made it to Exit 13 LL Cool J partnered with DJ Kay Slay to release a mixtape called The Return of the G O A T It was the first mixtape of his 24 year career and includes freestyling by LL Cool J in addition to other rappers giving their renditions of his songs A track titled Hi Haterz was leaked onto the internet on June 1 2008 The song contains LL Cool J rapping over the instrumental to Maino s Hi Hater He toured with Janet Jackson on her Rock Witchu tour only playing in Los Angeles Chicago Toronto and Kansas City In September 2009 LL Cool J released a song about the NCIS TV series It is a single and is available on iTunes The new track is based on his experiences playing special agent Sam Hanna This song is the musical interpretation of what I felt after meeting with NCIS agents experienced Marines and Navy SEALs LL Cool J said It represents the collective energy in the room I was so inspired I wrote the song on set 44 At South by Southwest in March 2011 LL Cool J was revealed to be Z Trip s special guest at the Red Bull Thre3Style showcase This marked the beginning of a creative collaboration between the rap and DJ superstars The two took part in an interview with Carson Daly where they discussed their partnership 45 Both artists have promised future collaborations down the road with LL Cool J calling the duo organic 46 One early track to feature LL s talents was Z Trip s remix of British rock act Kasabian s single Days Are Forgotten which was named by influential DJ Zane Lowe as his Hottest Record In The World 47 and received a favorable reception in both Belgium and the United Kingdom In January 2012 the pair released the track Super Baller as a free download to celebrate the New York Giants Super Bowl victory The two have been touring together since 2011 with future dates planned through 2012 and beyond 2012 present Authentic G O A T 2 and future projects Edit On October 6 2012 LL Cool J released Ratchet a new single from his upcoming album titled Authentic Hip Hop Following that on November 3 2012 LL collaborated with Joe and the production duo Trackmasters on his second single Take It 48 On February 8 2013 it was announced that the title of LL s upcoming album would be changed from Authentic Hip Hop to Authentic with a new release date of April 30 2013 A new cover was also unveiled 49 At around the same time it was announced that LL Cool J had collaborated with Van Halen guitarist Eddie Van Halen on two tracks on the album 50 51 52 On October 16 2013 the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame announced LL Cool J as a nominee for inclusion in 2014 53 In October 2014 LL announced that his 14th studio album would be called G O A T 2 and would be released in 2015 54 LL stated that the concept behind the album was to give upcoming artists an opportunity to shine and put myself in the position where I have to spit bars with some of the hardest rhymers in the game however the album was put on hold LL Cool J explained the reason for it saying It was good but I didn t feel like it was ready yet 55 On January 21 2016 LL received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame 56 In March 2016 LL announced his retirement on social media but quickly walked back his announcement and indicated that a new album was on the way 57 LL hosted the Grammy Awards Show for five consecutive years from the 54th Grammy Awards on February 12 2012 through the 58th Grammy Awards on February 15 2016 58 In October 2018 LL Cool J was nominated for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame 59 In September 2019 it was announced that LL had re signed to Def Jam for future album releases 60 His upcoming album will be produced by Q Tip 61 On December 29 2021 LL Cool J canceled his performance at Dick Clark s New Year s Rockin Eve With Ryan Seacrest 2022 after testing positive for COVID 19 62 LL hosted the 2022 iHeartRadio Music Awards on March 22 2022 63 64 Acting career EditWhile LL Cool J first appeared as a rapper in the movie Krush Groove performing I Can t Live Without My Radio 65 his first acting part was a small role in a high school football movie called Wildcats 66 He landed the role of Captain Patrick Zevo in Barry Levinson s 1992 film Toys 67 From 1995 to 1999 he starred in his own television sitcom In the House He portrayed an ex Oakland Raiders running back who finds himself in financial difficulties and is forced to rent part of his home out to a single mother and her two children one of whom moves out with her before the third season 68 In 1998 LL Cool J played security guard Ronny in Halloween H20 the seventh movie in the Halloween franchise 69 In 1999 co starred as Preacher the chef in the Renny Harlin horror comedy Deep Blue Sea 70 He received positive reviews for his role as Dwayne Gittens an underworld boss nicknamed God in In Too Deep 71 Later that year he starred as Julian Washington a talented but selfish running back on fictional professional football team the Miami Sharks in Oliver Stone s drama Any Given Sunday He and co star Jamie Foxx allegedly got into a real fistfight while filming a fight scene 72 During the next two years LL Cool J appeared in Rollerball 73 Deliver Us from Eva 74 S W A T 75 and Mindhunters 76 In 2005 he returned to television in a guest starring role on the Fox medical drama House he portrayed a death row inmate felled by an unknown disease in an episode entitled Acceptance He appeared as Queen Latifah s love interest in the 2006 movie Last Holiday 77 He also guest starred on 30 Rock in the 2007 episode The Source Awards portraying a hip hop producer called Ridikulous who Tracy Jordan fears may kill him 78 LL Cool J appeared in Sesame Street s 39th season introducing the word of the day Unanimous in episode 4169 September 22 2008 and performing The Addition Expedition in episode 4172 September 30 2008 79 Since 2009 LL Cool J has starred on the CBS police procedural NCIS Los Angeles The show is a spin off of NCIS which itself is a spin off of the naval legal drama JAG LL Cool J portrays NCIS Special Agent Sam Hanna an ex Navy SEAL who is fluent in Arabic and is an expert on West Asian culture The series debuted in autumn of 2009 but the characters were introduced in an April 2009 crossover episode on the parent show 80 81 In 2013 LL received a Teen Choice Award for Choice TV Actor Action for his work on the show 82 In 2013 LL co starred as a gym owner in the sports dramedy Grudge Match 83 Since April 2015 LL has hosted the show Lip Sync Battle 84 He played Beth s father in Neighbors 2 Sorority Rising and was shown in a trailer for the film but his scenes were cut from the final product 85 Other ventures EditLL Cool J worked behind the scenes with the mid 1980s hip hop sportswear line TROOP 86 LL Cool J launched a clothing line called Todd Smith 87 The brand produces popular urban apparel Designs include influences from LL s lyrics and tattoos as well as from other icons in the hip hop community 88 LL Cool J has written four books including I Make My Own Rules 1997 an autobiography cowritten with Karen Hunter His second book was the children oriented book called And The Winner Is published in 2002 In 2006 LL Cool J and his personal trainer Dave Scooter Honig wrote a fitness book titled The Platinum Workout His fourth book LL Cool J Hip Hop Stars was cowritten in 2007 with hip hop historian Dustin Shekell and Public Enemy s Chuck D LL Cool J started his own businesses in the music industry such as the music label in 1993 called P O G Power Of God and formed the company Rock The Bells to produce music With the Rock The Bells label he had artists such as AMyth 89 Smokeman Natice Chantel Jones and Simone Starks Rock the Bells Records was also responsible for the Deep Blue Sea soundtrack for the 1999 movie of the same name Rufus Scola Waller was also signed to the label but was released when the label folded 90 LL Cool J founded and launched Boomdizzle com a record label social networking site launched in September 2008 The website accepts music uploads from aspiring artists primarily from the hip hop genre and the site s users rate songs through contests voting and other community events 91 In March 2015 LL Cool J also appeared in an introduction to WrestleMania 31 92 Legacy EditWith 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 DMC Gigs at larger venues were offered to LL as he would join the 1986 87 Raising Hell tour opening for Run D M C and the Beastie Boys 31 Another milestone of LL s popularity was his appearance on American Bandstand as the first hip hop act on the show 32 The album s success also helped in contributing to Rick Rubin s credibility and repertoire as a record producer Radio along with Raising Hell 1986 and Licensed to Ill 1986 would form a trilogy of New York City based Rubin helmed albums that helped to diversify hip hop 33 34 Rubin s production credit on the back cover reads REDUCED BY RICK RUBIN referring to his minimalist production style which gave the album its stripped down and gritty sound This style would serve as one of Rubin s production trademarks and would have a great impact on future hip hop productions 35 Rubin s early hip hop production work before his exit from Def Jam to Los Angeles helped solidify his legacy as a hip hop pioneer and establish his reputation in the music industry 35 Radio s release coincided with the growing new school scene and subculture which also marked the beginning of hip hop s golden age and the replacement of old school hip hop 93 This period of hip hop was marked by the end of the disco rap stylings of old school which had flourished prior to the mid 1980s and the rise of a new style featuring ghetto blasters Radio served as one of the earliest records along with Run D M C s debut album to combine the vocal approach of hip hop and rapping with the musical arrangements and riffing sound of rock music pioneering the rap rock hybrid sound 94 The emerging new school scene was initially characterized by drum machine led minimalism often tinged with elements of rock as well as boasts about rapping delivered in an aggressive self assertive style In image as in song the artists projected a tough cool street b boy attitude These elements contrasted sharply with the 1970s P Funk and disco influenced outfits live bands synthesizers and party rhymes of acts prevalent in 1984 rendering them old school 95 In contrast to the lengthy jam like form predominant throughout early hip hop King Tim III Rapper s Delight The Breaks new school artists tended to compose shorter songs that would be more accessible and had potential for radio play and conceived more cohesive LPs than their old school counterparts the style typified by LL Cool J s Radio 96 A leading example of the new school sound is the song I Can t Live Without My Radio a loud defiant declaration of public loyalty to his boom box which The New York Times described as quintessential rap in its directness immediacy and assertion of self 18 It was featured in the film Krush Groove 1985 which was based on the rise of Def Jam and new school acts such as Run D M C and the Fat Boys 97 The energy and hardcore delivery and musical style of rapping featured on Radio as well as other new school recordings by artists such as Run D M C Schooly D T La Rock and Steady B proved to be influential to hip hop acts of the golden age such as Boogie Down Productions and Public Enemy 98 The decline of the old school form of hip hop also led to the closing of Sugar Hill Records one of the labels that helped contribute to early hip hop and that coincidentally rejected LL s demo tape 99 As the album served as an example of an expansion of hip hop music s artistic possibilities its commercial success and distinct sound soon led to an increase in multi racial audiences and listeners adding to the legacy of the album and hip hop as well 94 100 In 2017 LL Cool J became the first rapper to receive Kennedy Center Honors 8 In 2021 he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with an award for Musical Excellence 9 Personal life EditSmith dated Kidada Jones daughter of producer Quincy Jones from 1992 to 1994 101 He married Simone Johnson in 1995 11 The couple met in 1987 and have four children 102 In an episode of Finding Your Roots Smith learned that his mother was adopted by Eugene Griffith and Ellen Hightower The series genetic genealogist CeCe Moore identified Smith s biological grandparents as Ethel Mae Jolly and Nathaniel Christy Lewis through analysis of his DNA Smith s biological great uncle was Hall of Fame boxer John Henry Lewis 10 Political involvement Edit In 2002 LL Cool J supported George Pataki s bid for a third term as Governor of New York 103 In 2003 LL Cool J spoke at a U S Senate Committee hearing on the RIAA lawsuits against Americans distributing or downloading copyrighted music over peer to peer networks He appeared to endorse the RIAA s position claiming illegal file sharing was hurting his sales and that his session musicians can t live due to the lost income Chuck D provided an opposing viewpoint saying free file sharing could be leveraged as a promotional tool and the industry was being overprotective of its copyright 104 LL also voiced his support for New York State Senator Malcolm Smith a Democrat during an appearance on the senator s local television show 105 LL worked with Smith in putting on the annual Jump and Ball Tournament in the rapper s childhood neighborhood of St Albans Queens 106 In a February 10 2012 televised interview with CNN host Piers Morgan LL Cool J expressed sympathy for President Barack Obama and ascribed negative impressions of his leadership to Republican obstruction designed to make it look like you have a coordination problem He was quick to add that no one should assume that I m a Democrat either I m an Independent you know 107 In his 2020 book LL Cool J s Platinum 360 Diet and Lifestyle he included Obama in a list of people he admired stating that the then president had accomplished what people thought was impossible 108 Philanthropy Edit LL Cool J has his own charitable foundation called Jump amp Ball which is based in his hometown of Queens New York and offers an athletic and team building program for young people He is also involved in many charitable causes for literacy music and arts programs for kids and schools 109 Discography EditMain article LL Cool J discography Studio albumsRadio 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 2000 10 2002 The DEFinition 2004 Todd Smith 2006 Exit 13 2008 Authentic 2013 Filmography EditFilm Edit Year Title Role Notes1985 Krush Groove Himself1986 Wildcats Rapper1991 The Hard Way Detective Billy1992 Toys Captain Patrick Zevo1995 Out of Sync Jason St JulianEyes on Hip Hop Rapper Video1996 The Right to Remain Silent Charles Red Taylor TV movie1997 Touch HimselfB A P S1998 Caught Up RogerWoo DarrylHalloween H20 20 Years Later Ronny Jones1999 Deep Blue Sea Sherman Preacher DudleyIn Too Deep Dwayne Keith God GittensAny Given Sunday Julian J Man Washington2000 Charlie s Angels Mr Jones2001 Kingdom Come Ray Bud Slocumb2002 Rollerball Marcus Ridley2003 Deliver Us from Eva Ray AdamsS W A T Officer Deacon Deke Kaye2004 Mindhunters Gabe Jensen2005 Edison Officer Rafe DeedSlow Burn Luther Pinks2006 Last Holiday Sean Williams2007 The Man Manny Baxter TV movie2008 The Deal Bobby Mason2013 Grudge Match Frankie BriteTelevision Edit Year Title Role Notes1994 The Adventures of Pete amp Pete Mr Throneberry Episode Sick Day 1995 99 In the House Marion Hill Main Cast1998 Oz Jiggy Walker Episode Strange Bedfellows 2005 House Clarence Episode Acceptance 2007 30 Rock Ridikolus Episode The Source Awards 2009 WWII in HD Shelby Westbrook voice 110 Episode Striking Distance NCIS Special Agent Sam Hanna Episode Legend Part 1 amp 2 2009 23 NCIS Los Angeles Main Cast2012 Hawaii Five 0 Episode Pa Make Loa 2012 16 Grammy Awards Himself Host TV Special2015 19 Lip Sync Battle2017 American Dad Special Agent Sam Hanna voice Episode Casino Normale 2022 iHeartRadio Music Awards Himself host TV Special2023 NCIS Special Agent Sam Hanna Episode Too Many Cooks NCIS Hawai i Episode Deep Fake BMF Himself Episode Family Business Documentary Edit Year Title1986 Big Fun In The Big TownAwards and nominations EditMusic Edit Grammy Awards Edit Year Nominated work Award Result Ref1989 Going Back To Cali Best Rap Performance Nominated 111 1992 Mama Said Knock You Out Best Rap Solo Performance Won 112 1993 Strictly Business Nominated 113 1994 Stand By Your Man Nominated 114 1997 Hey Lover Won 115 1997 Mr Smith Best Rap Album Nominated 115 1998 Ain t Nobody Best Rap Solo Performance Nominated 116 2004 Luv U Better Best Rap Sung Collaboration Nominated 117 2005 The DEFinition Best Rap Album Nominated 118 MTV Video Music Awards Edit Year Nominated work Award Result Ref1991 Mama Said Knock You Out Best Rap Video Won 119 Best Cinematography in a Video Nominated 119 1996 Doin It Best Rap Video Nominated 120 1997 Lifetime Achievement Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award Won 121 NAACP Image Awards Edit Year Nominated Work Category Result Ref1996 Mr Smith Best Rap Artist Won 122 1997 Phenomenon Best Rap Artist Won2001 G O A T Outstanding Hip Hop Rap Artist Won 123 2003 10 Outstanding Male Artist Won 124 Soul Train Music Awards Edit Year Nominated Work Category Result Ref1987 Radio Best Rap Album Nominated citation needed 1988 Bigger and Deffer Best Rap Album Won citation needed I Need Love Best Rap Single Won 125 1991 Mama Said Knock You Out Best Rap Album Nominated citation needed 2003 10 Best R amp B Soul or Rap Album of the Year Nominated 126 Outstanding Career Achievements in the Field of Entertainment Quincy Jones Award Won 127 2005 Headsprung Best R amp B Soul or Rap Dance Cut Nominated 128 Other honors and awards Edit 1988 Enstooled as Kwasi Achi Bru a chieftain of the Akan people in Abidjan Ivory Coast 1991 Billboard Top Rap Singles Artist 129 1997 Patrick Lippert Award Rock The Vote 130 2003 Source Foundation Image Award for his community work 2007 Long Island Music Hall of Fame Inducted as part of the Inaugural Class of Inductees for his contribution to Long Island s rich musical heritage 131 2011 BET Hip Hop Awards Honored with the I Am Hip Hop Award for his contributions to hip hop culture 132 2013 A New York City double decker tour bus was dedicated to LL Cool J and his life s work 133 2014 Honorary Doctor of Arts Northeastern University for his contributions to hip hop culture 134 2016 LL Cool J was awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk Of Fame 135 2017 first hip hop artist to receive a Kennedy Center Honor LL Cool J has been nominated six times for induction into The Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame He has been nominated in 2010 2011 2014 2018 2019 and 2021 as a performer 136 In 2021 He was inducted into The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with an award for Musical Excellence 9 2022 Honored with the Key of the City of New York in the Queens borough 137 138 139 Acting Edit Year Award Category Work Result Ref1996 NAACP Image Awards Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series In the House Nominated 122 1997 Kids Choice Awards Favorite Television Actor Nominated citation needed 1998 NAACP Image Awards Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series Nominated citation needed 2000 Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture Deep Blue Sea Nominated 140 Blockbuster Entertainment Award Favorite Supporting Actor Action Won 141 2004 Black Reel Awards Best Actor Deliver Us from Eva Nominated 142 2006 Teen Choice Awards Award for Choice Movie Liplock shared with Queen Latifah Last Holiday Nominated citation needed 2011 NAACP Image Awards Outstanding Actor in a Drama Series NCIS Los Angeles Won 143 Teen Choice Awards Choice TV Actor Action Nominated 144 2012 NAACP Image Awards Outstanding Actor in a Drama Series Won 145 Teen Choice Awards Choice TV Actor Action Nominated 146 Primetime Emmy Awards Outstanding Special Class Programs The 54th Annual Grammy Awards Nominated 147 2013 NAACP Image Awards Outstanding Actor in a Drama Series NCIS Los Angeles Won 148 Teen Choice Awards Choice TV Actor Action Won 149 2014 NAACP Image Awards Outstanding Actor in a Drama Series Won 150 Prism Awards Male Performance in a Drama Series Multi Episode Storyline Nominated 151 2015 NAACP Image Awards Outstanding Actor in a Drama Series Nominated 152 2016 Outstanding Actor in a Drama Series Nominated 153 Primetime Emmy Awards Outstanding Structured Reality Program Lip Sync Battle Nominated 154 People s Choice Awards Favorite TV Crime Drama Actor NCIS Los Angeles Nominated 155 2017 Favorite TV Crime Drama Actor Nominated 156 References Edit a b Eve Crosbie March 21 2021 Meet NCIS Los Angeles star LL Cool J s family Hello J LL Cool Hunter Karen 1998 I Make My Own Rules New York St Martin s Press pp 152 154 ISBN 978 0 312 17110 0 CBS September 12 2008 There s No Doubt Ladies Love Cool James CBS News Retrieved May 20 2009 Farber Jim October 24 2010 Your nabe A guide to the hip hop haven of Hollis Queens NY Daily News Retrieved February 20 2019 baseballproo77 April 2 2015 Lip Sync Battle TV Series 2015 IMDb Lip Sync Battle Paramount Network paramountnetwork com VH1 100 Greatest Artists Of All Time Stereogum Retrieved July 1 2016 a b Carmichael Rodney August 3 2017 LL Cool J to Become Kennedy Center s First Hip Hop Honoree NPR a b c Tina Turner Jay Z Foo Fighters Among Those Inducted Into Rock amp Roll Hall Of Fame NPR Retrieved May 12 2021 a b Finding Your Roots Season 3 Episode 27 February 16 2016 Public Broadcasting Station a b Schneider Karen February 13 2003 Hip Pop People Retrieved August 5 2018 a b RIP to My Father James Nunya You passed away yesterday But The lessons you taught me live on in my heart Thank you I love you Twitter com September 27 2012 LL Cool J forgives dad for shooting mother Hollywood com January 28 2013 Retrieved August 5 2018 a b c Wiltz Teresa September 19 1997 Rapper Ll Cool J Puts Wild Days Demons Behind Him Chicago Tribune Retrieved August 5 2018 a b Hess Mickey 2009 Hip Hop in America A Regional Guide ABC CLIO p 59 ISBN 0 31334 321 7 Southeastern Queens Saint Albans QNSMADE Retrieved July 1 2021 a b c MTV com LL Cool J Bio MTV Networks Archived from the original on May 15 2008 Retrieved June 24 2008 a b c d Holden Stephen From Rock To Rap Archived December 5 2008 at the Wayback Machine New York Times April 26 1987 Retrieved on November 16 2008 LL Cool J Revealed in 1997 Memoir That His Dad Shot His Mom Grandfather eurweb com Retrieved September 22 2022 Danielle Harling January 21 2014 LL Cool J Says His Mother s Tax Refund Funded His Demo Hiphopdx com I sent demo after demo into every record company And I got rejection letters from company after company And I just kept at it And then what actually happened is I quit and my mother got her tax return And she took her tax return and bought me some equipment because she knew I was depressed and I was down in the dumps because I didn t have the proper equipment to make what I felt was a good demo So she took her whole tax return bought me a drum machine It was a Korg actually And me and my man Frankie we went in the basement we didn t even read the instructions We played it manually Acronyms and abbreviations by the Free Online Dictionary Farlex Inc Retrieved July 1 2008 Def Jam Recordings LL Cool J Biography The Island Def Jam Music Group Archived from the original on April 29 2008 Retrieved May 25 2008 LL Cool J bio Edison Force ActorTribute ca Tribute Entertainment Media Group Retrieved June 24 2008 Address Island Def Jam Records Def Jam history GoDaddy com Inc Archived from the original on July 24 2008 Retrieved June 24 2008 Hirschberg Lynn September 2 2007 The Music Man New York Times Magazine LL Cool J career discography at HeadSprung net Headsprung net Archived from the original on July 24 2008 Retrieved June 24 2008 George 2000 pp 1 4 a b RIAA searchable database Recording Industry Association of America Archived from the original on September 24 2015 Retrieved June 19 2008 a b c Billboard Music Charts Search Results LL Cool J Radio Billboard Retrieved August 4 2008 dead link Chris Harris April 19 2006 LL Cool J Can t Knock Out Billboard Champs MTV a b Biography and other information at Askmen com IGN Entertainment Inc Archived from the original on July 20 2008 Retrieved June 24 2008 a b Career overview at McgillisMusic World Wide Entertainment USA Inc Archived from the original on April 12 2008 Retrieved June 24 2008 a b Radio cd product notes Muze Inc Archived from the original on August 28 2008 Retrieved June 19 2008 a b Kurtis Blow Presents The History Of Rap Vol 1 The Genesis Rhino Entertainment Archived from the original on September 16 2011 Retrieved June 24 2008 a b c d About com Rick Rubin s Style and Approach Archived from the original on January 23 2008 Retrieved June 24 2008 Stephen Thomas Erlewine DJ Pooh Biography AllMusic Retrieved April 19 2014 US Certifications Recording Industry Association of America Retrieved January 17 2015 The Rap Talk Crew A historic sit down with Bobcat Rap Talk Magazine Archived from the original on August 10 2011 Retrieved October 25 2010 Huey Steve Walking with a Panther Review AllMusic Retrieved December 23 2009 a b c All Music Guide to Rock The Definitive Guide to Rock Pop and Soul Backbeat Books 2002 p 664 ISBN 087930653X Beavis and Butt Head Do America Original Soundtrack Allmusic com Biography LL Cool J Billboard Retrieved March 24 2011 Moss Corey July 5 2006 50 Cent LL Cool J Teaming Up For LP News Story Music Celebrity Artist News MTV News Mtv Retrieved March 24 2011 Adam Bryant September 16 2010 VIDEO Check out LL Cool J s New NCIS LA Inspired Song TV Guide Retrieved September 16 2010 Daly Carson Last Call NBC Archived from the original on June 2 2013 Retrieved May 14 2012 Freedman Pete March 20 2011 SXSW Interview LL Cool J and Z Trip Talk About Their Collaboration Their High Esteem For The Hip Hop Blueprint and Their Thoughts On Rap s Up And Coming Talent Dallas Observer Retrieved May 15 2012 Lowe Zane Hottest Record Kasabian Days Are Forgotten LL Cool J Remix BBC Retrieved May 15 2012 LL Cool J Take It ft Joe Youtube Horowitz Steven J February 14 2013 LL Cool J Announces Authentic Release Date amp Tracklist HipHopdx com Retrieved May 2 2013 LL Cool J On Eddie Van Halen Collabo Now He s Officially Done Hip Hop Retrieved June 30 2016 Eddie Van Halen Teams Up With LL Cool J April 2 2013 Retrieved June 30 2016 Hear Eddie Van Halen Perform on Two New LL Cool J Songs Ultimate Classic Rock Retrieved June 30 2016 Nirvana Kiss Hall and Oates Nominated for Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Archived September 2 2016 at the Wayback Machine Rolling Stone October 16 2013 Retrieved October 16 2013 LL Cool J On Def Jam s 30th Anniversary And His New Street Album XXL Mag Unretired Rap Legend LL Cool J Shares New Album Details amp Offers G O A T 2 Update Billboard Archived from the original on April 19 2016 Retrieved March 18 2016 LL COOL J Gets a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame CBS Archived from the original on March 3 2016 Retrieved January 22 2016 LL Cool J retires unretires then announces new album CNN March 15 2016 Archived from the original on May 3 2016 Retrieved March 18 2016 Grammys LL Cool J Back for Fifth Year as Host Hollywood Reporter Retrieved May 29 2021 Class of 2019 Nominees Rock amp Roll Hall of Fame Retrieved October 11 2018 EXCLUSIVE Def Jam Records Re Signs LL Cool J To Iconic Label Allhiphop com Retrieved April 13 2020 Lamarre Carl Q Tip Reacts to Rock Hall Nomination Music s Evolution Can t Happen Without Hip Hop Artists Billboard Retrieved February 14 2022 Mamo Heran December 29 2021 LL Cool J Cancels New Year s Rockin Eve Performance After Testing Positive for COVID 19 Billboard Retrieved December 29 2021 Grein Paul February 24 2022 LL Cool J Set to Host 2022 iHeartRadio Music Awards Billboard Retrieved February 24 2022 Carter Justin How to Watch iHeartRadio Music Awards How to Watch and Stream Major League amp College Sports Sports Illustrated Retrieved March 23 2022 LL Cool J s Journey From Krush Groove To The Grammys MTV Retrieved October 20 2019 MOVIE REVIEW WILDCATS DOESN T PUT POINTS ON SCOREBOARD L A Times February 13 1986 Retrieved October 20 2019 The Military Industrial Toy Chest Barry Levinson s Toys at 25 Consequence of Sound December 17 2017 Retrieved October 20 2019 LL Cool J s Defense With the Rapper In the House His Street Rep Is on the Line L A Times March 21 1996 Retrieved October 20 2019 Gelder Lawrence Van August 5 1998 FILM REVIEW Monster and Victim Older Not Wiser The New York Times Holden Stephen July 28 1999 FILM REVIEW Superjaws Lab Sharks Turn Men Into Sushi The New York Times Retrieved October 20 2019 In Too Deep The Charisma of Human Evil Washington Post Retrieved October 20 2019 LL Cool J Jamie Foxx Exchange Blows On Set Of Oliver Stone Football Flick MTV Simmons Bill Dropping the Rollerball ESPN Retrieved October 20 2019 Holden Stephen February 7 2003 FILM REVIEW Dreaming Up a Riddle for a Know It All The New York Times Retrieved October 20 2019 Mitchell Elvis August 8 2003 FILM REVIEW Working Up A S W E A T The New York Times Retrieved October 20 2019 Ebert Roger Mindhunters movie review amp film summary RogerEbert com Retrieved October 20 2019 Dargis Manohla January 13 2006 From Bad News Springs a Newfound Joie de Vivre The New York Times Retrieved October 20 2019 Why you should revisit 30 Rock this St Patrick s Day Washington Post Retrieved October 20 2019 See What Happens When Rappers Visit Sesame Street IFC Retrieved October 20 2019 Bierly Mandi February 25 2009 NCIS spinoff officially lands LL Cool J Entertainment Weekly Archived from the original on March 1 2009 Retrieved February 25 2009 There s something familiar about NCIS Los Angeles Newsday Retrieved October 20 2019 Complete list of Teen Choice 2013 Awards winners Los Angeles Times August 12 2013 In Grudge Match Not Quite Rocky Balboa Against Raging Bull The Village Voice December 24 2013 Retrieved October 21 2019 LL Cool J to Host Spike s Lip Sync Battle for EP Jimmy Fallon Hollywood Reporter January 7 2015 Retrieved October 20 2019 Stephanie Merry May 23 2016 Jokes from the Neighbors 2 trailer aren t in the movie Should we be angry The Washington Post Washington D C ISSN 0190 8286 OCLC 1330888409 Allhiphop AllHipHop com Archived from the original on October 12 2007 Todd Smith by LL Cool J Toddsmithny com December 29 2010 Archived from the original on February 8 2011 Retrieved March 24 2011 LL Cool J Todd Smith Clothing Collection Launch and Video Celebrity Clothing Line March 14 2008 Archived from the original on May 27 2011 Retrieved March 24 2011 Whitburn Joel 2000 Top Pop Singles 1955 1999 Menomonee Falls Wisconsin Record Research Inc p 13 ISBN 0 89820 139 X SCOLA Music blackplanet com Retrieved March 24 2011 Press Release Boomdizzle com July 15 2008 Retrieved March 24 2011 Here s LL Cool J s Emotional Opening To WrestleMania 31 Uproxx March 29 2015 Retrieved October 20 2019 Encyclopedia Britannica Online Encyclopedia Def Jam LL amp new school hip hop 2008 Encyclopaedia Britannica Retrieved June 24 2008 a b Yahoo Music Radio Archived July 17 2011 at the Wayback Machine Yahoo Inc Retrieved on November 16 2008 Toop 2000 p 126 Shapiro 2005 p 228 CaseNet com LL Cool J CaseNet Archived from the original on November 21 2007 Retrieved June 24 2008 Coleman 2007 p 354 LL Cool J Radio RapReviews Back to the Lab series by Steve Flash Juon RapReviews com Retrieved June 19 2008 EntertainmentSimone Smith LL Cool J s Wife 5 Fast Facts You Need to Know Archived April 19 2016 at the Wayback Machine heavy com April 22 2015 LL Cool J 1997 I Make My Own Rules New York NY St Martin s Press pp 152 153 ISBN 978 0 312 17110 0 Weigle Lauren December 26 2017 LL Cool J s Kids With Wife Simone Smith Heavy com Retrieved March 31 2018 Katz Celeste September 27 2002 Cool J comes out for Pataki New York Daily News Retrieved March 30 2012 Dean Katie October 1 2003 Rappers in Disharmony on P2P Wired Retrieved March 30 2012 Senator Malcolm Smith Show w LL Cool J part 3 YouTube January 2 2008 Archived from the original on October 28 2021 Retrieved March 30 2012 One On 1 Hip Hop Artist LL Cool J Leaves Footprints Beyond Music NY1 com Archived from the original on May 24 2013 Retrieved March 30 2012 CNN Transcripts Transcripts cnn com Retrieved May 2 2013 LL Cool J with Dave Honig Chris Palmer amp Jim Stoppani LL Cool J s Platinum 360 Diet and Lifestyle A Full Circle Guide to Developing Your Mind Body and Soul page 14 Rodale 2010 LL Cool J 2018 We are Family Humanitarian Award honoree www wearefamily org Retrieved January 22 2022 WWII in HD DVD Set WW2 HD DVD History Channel Shop history com Archived from the original on February 24 2012 Retrieved March 24 2011 Rock On The Net 31st Annual Grammy Awards 1989 Rockonthenet com Retrieved November 18 2016 Rock On The Net 34th Annual Grammy Awards 1992 Rockonthenet com Retrieved November 18 2016 Rock On The Net 35th Annual Grammy Awards 1993 Rockonthenet com Retrieved November 18 2016 Rock On The Net 36th Annual Grammy Awards 1994 Rockonthenet com Retrieved November 18 2016 a b Rock On The Net 39th Annual Grammy Awards 1997 Rockonthenet com Retrieved November 18 2016 40th Annual Grammy Award Nominations Coverage 1998 DigitalHit com Digitalhit com Retrieved November 18 2016 Complete List Of 2004 Grammy Nominations Music slam com Retrieved November 18 2016 Complete List Of 2005 Grammy Nominees Music slam com Retrieved November 18 2016 a b Rock On The Net 1991 MTV Video Music Awards Rockonthenet com Retrieved November 18 2016 Rock On The Net 1996 MTV Video Music Awards Rockonthenet com Retrieved November 18 2016 Kangas Chaz September 6 2012 The 1997 Edition Was the Best MTV Video Music Awards L A Weekly Retrieved November 18 2016 a b SNOW SHAUNA February 22 1996 5 Films Head Nominations for NAACP Image Awards Los Angeles Times Retrieved November 18 2016 2001 NAACP Image Awards Infoplease com Retrieved November 18 2016 Blackflix com 34th NAACP Image Award Nominees Blackflix com Retrieved November 18 2016 2nd Annual STMA Winners August 29 2002 Archived from the original on August 29 2002 Retrieved November 18 2016 2003 Soul Train Music Awards Nominees Billboard Retrieved November 18 2016 Ashanti Amerie Lead Pack Of Nominees For Soul Train Awards MTV News Retrieved November 18 2016 19th Annual Soul Train Awards Nominations Billboard Retrieved November 18 2016 Gregory Andy July 5 2002 International Who s Who in Popular Music 2002 Europa Publication p 308 ISBN 978 1857431612 Retrieved November 18 2016 Calendar Billboard No February 1 1997 February 1 1997 Retrieved November 18 2016 LL Cool J Long Island Music Hall of Fame Limusichalloffame org Retrieved November 18 2016 BET Hip Hop Awards winners Entertainment Weekly s EW com Retrieved November 18 2016 LL Cool J extends his reach during Gray Line New York s Ride Of Fame induction ceremony which honored the native New Yorker Monday at Manhattan s Pier 78 People com May 14 2013 LL Cool J gets honorary degree from Northeastern Northeastern edu Barker Andrew January 21 2016 LL Cool J Receives a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame Variety Retrieved November 18 2016 Fela nominated for 2021 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Premiumtimesng com February 12 2021 Retrieved June 23 2021 LL COOL J Honored With Key To The City In Queens New York During First Rock The Bells Festival HipHopDX August 8 2022 Retrieved September 17 2022 LL Cool J Honored With Key To Queens New York BET Retrieved September 17 2022 LL Cool J Received The Key To The City Of Queens During Inaugural Rock The Bells Festival The Root August 9 2022 Retrieved September 17 2022 february 2000 blackfilm com features naacp image awards nominees Blackfilm com Retrieved November 18 2016 Blockbuster Entertainment Award winners Variety May 9 2000 Retrieved November 18 2016 Inc Media Pro Tech Filmmakers com Film The 2004 Black Reel Awards Nominations Announced Filmmakers com Retrieved November 18 2016 a href Template Cite web html title Template Cite web cite web a last1 has generic name help King Susan March 4 2011 For Colored Girls wins for best film at NAACP Image Awards Los Angeles Times Retrieved November 18 2016 Teen Choice Awards 2011 Nominees Announced Harry Potter vs Twilight The Huffington Post June 29 2011 Retrieved November 18 2016 NAACP Image Awards 2012 Full list of winners ABC7 Los Angeles Archived from the original on January 6 2016 Retrieved November 18 2016 Teen Choice Awards 2012 Complete Winners List MTV News Retrieved November 18 2016 Nominees Winners Television Academy Retrieved November 18 2016 The 44th NAACP Image Award complete winners list Los Angeles Times February 1 2013 Retrieved November 18 2016 Teen Choice 2013 August 11 on FOX Vote Every Day August 21 2013 Archived from the original on August 21 2013 Retrieved November 18 2016 NAACP Image Awards 2014 Complete winners list Los Angeles Times February 22 2014 Retrieved November 18 2016 EIC Announces Nominations For 18th Annual PRISM Awards Nods for Julia Roberts Meryl Streep Oprah Joseph Gordon Levitt Edie Falco Allison Janney LL Cool J Jewel PRWeb Retrieved November 18 2016 Team The Deadline December 9 2014 Selma amp Get On Up Lead NAACP Image Awards Nominations Deadline Retrieved November 18 2016 Television Creed Empire Top NAACP Image Award Nominations Full List The Hollywood Reporter February 4 2016 Retrieved November 18 2016 Nominees Winners Television Academy Retrieved November 18 2016 List Who won People s Choice Awards USA Today Retrieved November 18 2016 People s Choice Awards 2017 Full List Of Nominees People s Choice November 15 2016 Archived from the original on November 17 2016 Retrieved November 18 2016 Further reading EditLL Cool J Karen Hunter 1997 I Make My Own Rules St Martin s Press ISBN 978 0 3121 7110 0 External links Edit Wikiquote has quotations related to LL Cool J LL Cool J at Wikipedia s sister projects Media from Commons Data from Wikidata Official website LL Cool J at IMDb LL Cool J discography at Discogs Portals Biography Music United States Retrieved from https en wikipedia org w index php title LL Cool J amp oldid 1145689581, wikipedia, wiki, book, books, library,

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