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). 2 and would be released in 2015. [63][64], 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. When 4-year-old Smith found them, blood was everywhere. He would beat me for watching television, for lookin at him funny, for looking out the window watching other kids play. According to the Chicago Tribune, "[As] a kid growing up middle class and Catholic in Queens, life for LL was heart-breaking. [28] The rapper-actor recently took to Twitter to tell fans of . }); Copyright 2015 . LL Cool J is a 55 year old American Rapper. 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. The "NCIS" actor recounted grueling details about his childhood in his book "I Make My Own Rules," beginning with his parents' divorce when he was younger. Yet, the scars never fully healed. "[14] In 1972, Smith and his mother moved into his grandparents' home in St. Albans, Queens, where he was raised. They teamed up to financially support and inspire people through the "Beat Cancer Like A Boss" campaign for the American Cancer Society. [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. [91], In March 2015, LL Cool J also appeared in an introduction to WrestleMania 31. Here is the truth behind the rapper's life. My family is a very interesting family. LL Cool J is one of the most respected rappers in the game but even he has endured his fair share of obstacles. It also reached No. "[108], 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. The iconic rapper and actor tops the list as one of the few black entertainers with a happy home and no controversies. It was like the scene in `Glory when Denzel Washington was getting beat down like a slave, except I was like 8 years old. L.A. City Council Shutdown Because Council Members Caught on Opinion: Sacramento Mass Shooting Confirms What Experts Already Knew, What the Puck? He appeared as Queen Latifah's love interest in the 2006 movie Last Holiday. }); Copyright 2015 . 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. [9], Smith dated Kidada Jones, daughter of producer Quincy Jones, from 1992 to 1994. At the age of four, he saw his mother and grandfather shot by his own father. [94][100], In 2017, LL Cool J became the first rapper to receive Kennedy Center Honors. and the Beastie Boys. [101] He married Simone Johnson in 1995. Then his mom ended up marrying her physical therapist, who ended up being extremely abusive. 4 on the Billboard charts. The album is titled Exit 13. In 2006, LL Cool J and his personal trainer, Dave "Scooter" Honig, wrote a fitness book titled The Platinum Workout. mode: 'thumbnails-rr1', "I Can't Live Without My Radio" and "Rock the Bells" were singles that helped the album go platinum. that benefits the victims. In March 2011 at South by Southwest, LL Cool J was revealed to be Z-Trip's special guest at the Red Bull Thre3Style showcase. We Publish News 24/7. There is no more complete source for urban news than the Electronic Urban Report. [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. He had a tough childhood because his parents had a violent relationship. [43] Exit 13 was originally slated for a fall 2006 release, however, after a 2-year delay, it was released September 9, 2008 without 50 Cent as the executive producer. Season 2 Episode 220. When he was very young his parents got a divorce and it angered his biological father, James, so much that he shot both LL's mother and grandfather with a shotgun. Designs include influences from LL's lyrics and tattoos, as well as from other icons in the hip-hop community. He actually had to overcome many challenges to get to where he is today. L.L. Plus, LL shares what his father's mistakes taught him about mercy. Although LL Cool J may have a perfect life with his wife of 25 years, he has experienced a few bumps on the ride to a successful life. 253 comments. When LL Cool J was just 4 years old, his father shot his mother and grandfather. Series overview and suggestions on where to start! AmoMama creates engaging, meaningful content for women. I guess it would leave you scarred, at four years old, based on how the people around you dealt with it and encouraged you to deal with it. LL Cool J worked behind the scenes with the mid-1980s hip-hop sportswear line TROOP. [53], In October 2014, LL announced that his 14th studio album would be called G.O.A.T. Description: James Todd Smith (born January 14, 1968) is an American hip hop artist better known by his stage name, LL Cool J ("Ladies Love Cool James"). [69] In 1999, co-starred as Preacher, the chef in the Renny Harlin horror/comedy Deep Blue Sea. During an interview that the actor had with Oprah Winfrey, the host asked if such a terrible incident had left a scar in him. A few years later, Simone was diagnosed with bone cancer. u/Gabriel9078. 2' Update", "LL COOL J Gets a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame", "LL Cool J retires, unretires, then announces new album", "Grammys: LL Cool J Back for Fifth Year as Host", "EXCLUSIVE: Def Jam Records Re-Signs LL Cool J To Iconic Label", "Q-Tip Reacts to Rock Hall Nomination: 'Music's Evolution Can't Happen Without Hip-Hop Artists', "LL Cool J Cancels 'New Year's Rockin' Eve' Performance After Testing Positive for COVID-19", "LL Cool J Set to Host 2022 iHeartRadio Music Awards", "LL Cool J's Journey From 'Krush Groove' To The Grammys", "MOVIE REVIEW: 'WILDCATS' DOESN'T PUT POINTS ON SCOREBOARD", "The Military Industrial Toy Chest: Barry Levinson's Toys at 25", "LL Cool J's Defense: With the Rapper 'In the House,' His Street Rep Is on the Line", "FILM REVIEW; Monster and Victim: Older, Not Wiser", "FILM REVIEW; Superjaws: Lab Sharks Turn Men Into Sushi", "LL Cool J, Jamie Foxx Exchange Blows On Set Of Oliver Stone Football Flick", "FILM REVIEW; Dreaming Up a Riddle for a Know-It-All", "Mindhunters movie review & film summary", "From Bad News Springs a Newfound Joie de Vivre", "Why you should revisit '30 Rock' this St. Patrick's Day", "See What Happens When Rappers Visit Sesame Street", "There's something familiar about 'NCIS: Los Angeles', "Complete list of Teen Choice 2013 Awards winners", "In Grudge Match, Not Quite Rocky Balboa Against Raging Bull", "LL Cool J to Host Spike's 'Lip Sync Battle' for EP Jimmy Fallon", "Jokes from the 'Neighbors 2' trailer aren't in the movie. 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. AmoMama creates engaging, meaningful content for women. At the age of four, he saw his mother and grandfather shot by his own father. LL Cool J. 2 years ago. 74. window._taboola = window._taboola || []; 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. When he was a young boy, LL Cool J's father, James Nyunya, shot his father-in-law and his ex-wife, LL's mother, in the back while they were going through a divorce. After that, Ondrea started dating a new man named Roscoe Granger, who was abusive to the young LL Cool J. Digging into the way that his mothers boyfriend treated him, the actor explained: Roscoe beat me for just about anything. The abuse he suffered from Roscoe was damaging, but living with the pain of his father shooting his mother and grandfather must have been worse. [18], 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.) . By Kory Grow. The hip-hop Icon LL Cool J opened up about his rough childhood and the abusive nature of his stepdad and his biological father who he claimed shot his mother when he was just a child. Eventually, LL's father James came back into his life and helped him out in the early stages of his budding rap career. _taboola.push({ Announcement. He currently plays NCIS Special Agent Sam Hanna in the CBS crime drama television series NCIS: Los Angeles. His father, James Nunya, was so incensed over the divorce in that he shot his father-in-law in the stomach and estranged wife Ondrea in the back, I Love Old School Music reports. Cool J was born James Todd Smith on January 14, 1968, in Bay Shore, Long Island, New York, the son of Ondrea Griffith and James Louis Smith, Jr. Todd, as he was called, did not have a very happy childhood. [92], 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. [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. James Todd Smith was born on 14 January 1968 to Ondrea Griffith in Bay Shore, New York, and James Louis Smith, Jr, also known as James Nunya. [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. In 2006, LL Cool J and his personal trainer, Dave "Scooter" Honig, wrote a fitness book titled The Platinum Workout. 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. The first single was the Jermaine Dupri-produced "Control Myself" featuring Jennifer Lopez. When he was very young his parents got a divorce and it angered his biological father, James, so much that he shot both LLs mother and grandfather with a shotgun. Should we be angry? 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. As a young boy growing up in New York City LL witnessed a few traumatic events that he carried with him into his adulthood. His father shot his mother and grandfather, nearly killing them both. 26 on the Hot 100. [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". Unfortunately, that relationship turned sour when James mismanaged LLs funds and he ended up owing $2 million dollars to the IRS. Punched me in the chest stomped me out on the flo'. 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). During an appearance on Finding Your Roots With Henry Louis . James Todd Smith (born January 14, 1968), better known by his stage name LL Cool J (short for Ladies Love Cool James), is an American rapper, record producer. [71] Later that year, he starred as Julian Washingtona talented but selfish running back on fictional professional football team the Miami Sharksin Oliver Stone's drama Any Given Sunday. Rock the Bells Records was also responsible for the Deep Blue Sea soundtrack for the 1999 movie of the same name. He shot him in the stomach before shooting his estranged wife, Ondrea, LL Cool J's mother. His second book was the children-oriented book called And The Winner Is published in 2002. [24], Radio was released to critical acclaim, both for production innovation and LL's powerful rap. LL Cool J partnered with DJ Kay Slay to release a mixtape called "The Return of the G.O.A.T.". After labeling his family as very interesting, he revealed one of the most shocking aspects of the entire situation: LL Cool Js mother forgave his father for shooting her in the back. James Todd Smith, popularly known as LL Cool J, is a well-known artist in the movie and music industry. [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. LL and his mother moved into his grandparents' home in St. Albans, Queens in 1972 where he was raised. mode: 'thumbnails-rr1', In his follow-up album, 1987's Bigger and Deffer, LL Cool J showed his softer side with the popular ballad, "I Need Love." The song became a hit on both the rap and pop charts. His mother, Ondrea, was a nurse's assistant, while his father, James, drove a truck. Eventually, LLs father James came back into his life and helped him out in the early stages of his budding rap career. Eventually Ondrea left Roscoe but after all of the trauma LL suffered it was too little too late. It was tough. His father, , it would be years before LL was able to forgive his father. Eventually, LLs father James came back into his life and helped him out in the early stages of his budding rap career. He eliminated the threatening forces and continued advancing in his career while making money selling books, platinum records, and helping children. Welcome to /r/DragonQuest! [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"). February 20, 2023. He didnt need a good reason. [25] LL Cool J's tenth album The DEFinition was released on August 31, 2004. 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. [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]. Taryll revealing this sexual abuse, Iyanla said, was a huge step in his . The Marley Marl produced album received critical acclaim and eventually went double Platinum, selling over two million copies according to the RIAA. By the 90s, he already established himself as an actor and juggled both careers seamlessly. The rest is history. To this day, there are limited details on the incident, but witnesses say it was a . When he was four years old, he witnessed his father shooting his mother and grandfather. ': What Happened to the Stars of the Iconic Series through the Years, LL Cool J Discovered the Grandparents Who 'Embraced' Him Were Not Biologically Related to Him, Tyler Perry Was Broke Living in His Car - He Recalls in Tears That He Was Only 'Praying & Believing, Michael J Fox Was Isolating Himself From Wife of 34 Years & Kids - She Helped Him to Become Part Of Family Again. LL Cool J founded and launched Boomdizzle.com, a record label / social networking site launched in September 2008. [102], In an episode of Finding Your Roots, Smith learned that his mother was adopted by Eugene Griffith and Ellen Hightower. 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". Even more, he was featured in a television documentary series called Finding Your Roots; LL Cool J learned of the family secret so well-hidden that even his own mother was unaware . LL Cool J also dealt with a friend's betrayal and ruthless accountants that siphoned his money. To make matters worse, it was the Grammy Award winner who found his mom and grandfather on the floor after his dad shot them. The incident happened at the couple's home at New Meadows Road . Posted by. . It was just a power trip.". target_type: 'mix' 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. At the age of four, he saw his mother and grandfather shot by his own father. The series' genetic genealogist CeCe Moore identified Smith's biological grandparents as Ethel Mae Jolly and Nathaniel Christy Lewis through analysis of his DNA. [79], Since 2009, LL Cool J has starred on the CBS police procedural NCIS: Los Angeles. LL Cool J on February 9, 2019 in Beverly Hills, California | Source: Getty Images. Eventually, LLs father James came back into his life and helped him out in the early stages of his budding rap career. Unlike what many people might believe, LL Cool Js children are not spoiled as he has made sure to instill values in them, as well as the notion of working hard for what they want to achieve in life. The song contains LL Cool J rapping over the instrumental to Maino's "Hi Hater". My father made a massive blunder, but he also did a lot of things right, he said. The new track is based on his experiences playing special agent Sam Hanna. Apr 3, 2018 - Explore Kellz M's board "LL Cool J" on Pinterest. [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. . Jul 19, 2021 09:00 P.M. My family is a very interesting family. He is best known for romantic ballads like I Need Love as well as hardcore rap like I Can't Live Without My Radio. LL Cool J during a press conference at Hotel St. Regis on June 5, 2019 in Mexico City, Mexico | Source: Getty Images. You have entered an incorrect email address! window._taboola = window._taboola || []; Unfortunately, that relationship turned sour when James mismanaged LLs funds and he ended up owing $2 million dollars to the IRS. I think thats important.. window._taboola = window._taboola || []; Both relatives survived their injuries, and the NCIS: Los Angeles star insists he has since made peace with his dad even though he was initially reluctant to allow him back into his life. Sadly, a few years later, the young man stated that his dad mismanaged his funds which led to him getting fired. When he was very young his parents got a divorce and it angered his biological father, James, so much that he shot both LL's mother and grandfather with a shotgun. As a result LL fired James and hired a new manager. Before then, they were lovers with an unsettling relationship plagued by the rapper's familiarity with women and his flirtatious attitude. In his book, LL details (via The Daily Press) how Roscoe constantly beat his mother. They made amends and until later when he felt his father was mismanaging his money and he cut ties with him again. Please fill in your e-mail so we can share with you our top stories. [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. I guess it would leave you scarred, at four years old, based on how the people around you dealt with it and encouraged you to deal with it. 14 on the Billboard Hip-Hop and R&B chart and No. window._taboola = window._taboola || []; LL Cool J has been in a relationship with Kidada Jones (1992 - 1994).. LL Cool J is rumoured to have hooked up with Karrine Steffans (2007), Pilar Sanders (1996) and Gabrielle Union.. About. It was tough. According to Hollywood.com; Truck driver James Nunya shot his father-in-law Eugene in the stomach and estranged wife Ondrea in the back out . Classic albums including Bigger and Deffer and Mama Said Knock You Out are well represented here. When 4-year-old LL found them, blood was everywhere." After this experience, the couple's relationship became stronger. LL Cool J was born James Todd Smith in Bay Shore, New York on January 14, 1968 to James Louis Smith (AKA James Nunya) and Ondrea Griffith. In 2000, LL Cool J released the album G.O.A.T., which stood for the "Greatest of All Time." [40] According to Billboard, the album peaked at No. Who are LL Cool J parents? He started rapping when he was 9 years of age, his biggest influencers were the sugarhill gang and the treacherous tree. The Journal of Steffanie Jay-Zs Shock in Running Into Kelly Rowland Is Your WATCH LIVE! Cool J and his mother moved to his grandparent's house in 1972. placement: 'Right Rail Thumbnails', Aired on 01/27/2013 | CC. Beat with belts like a slave with a whip. LL was a young boy growing up in New York when his parents separated in 1972. Right then and there I said 'This is what I want to do'. [68], In 1998, LL Cool J played security guard Ronny in Halloween H20, the seventh movie in the Halloween franchise. 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. We humbly honor the old school soul music era and will keep pushing forward to keep it alive. Another of the album's singles, "Hey Lover", featured Boyz II Men, and sampled Michael Jackson's "The Lady in My Life"; it eventually became an early hip-hop music video to air on VH1. Thankfully for the family, both of them survived the incident. 6 on the Billboard 200 and was LL Cool J's second #1 R&B Album where it spent five weeks. At the beginning of their marriage, Simone ignored her husband for two weeks because he did not honor their honeymoon. He has been in films such as "Any Given Sunday", "In Too Deep", and "Deep Blue Sea" just to . His mother did survived, but once she divorced LL's dad, she hooked up with a . It was just a power trip , Hed make me take off all my clothes and put my arms up on my bunk bed with the `Star Wars sheets while he beat me. that benefits the victims. target_type: 'mix' You know how glad I was to have Roscoe out of my life, but the damage was done. His father shot his mother and grandfather, leaving them with serious injuries. Track 9 on Phenomenon. When LL was four years old, his father shot his mother and grandfather. And LL was the one who discovered them! When he was very young his parents got a divorce and it angered his biological father, James, so much that he shot both LLs mother and grandfather with a shotgun. . My family is a very interesting family. We humbly honor the old school soul music era and will keep pushing forward to keep it alive. His upbringing, though, was quite traumatic. I was doing all kinds of wild things by then and getting in all kinds of trouble.. The album debuted at No. Together, they share four children named Najee, Samaria, Italia, and Nina. LL Cool J achieved an 'MTV Video Music Award' for his hit track 'Mama Said Knock You Out in . ", "LL Cool J Todd Smith Clothing Collection Launch and Video", "Here's LL Cool J's Emotional Opening To WrestleMania 31", "Encyclopedia - Britannica Online Encyclopedia Def Jam, LL, & new school hip hop", "LL Cool J:: Radio ** RapReviews "Back to the Lab" series ** by Steve "Flash" Juon", EntertainmentSimone Smith, LL Cool J's Wife: 5 Fast Facts You Need to Know, "LL Cool J's Kids With Wife Simone Smith", "Senator Malcolm Smith Show w. 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Rapper, actor, author and entrepreneur LL Cool J was rap music's first big solo star. Gigs at larger venues were offered to LL as he would join the 1986-'87 Raising Hell tour, opening for Run-D.M.C. Instead, he rose above all that, making a success of his life with the help of his father, James Smith. After they recovered from their injuries,. LL Cool J's second album was 1987's Bigger and Deffer, which was produced by DJ Pooh and the L.A.