LL Cool J

LL Cool J, acronym for Ladies Love Cool James, is an American rapper, music producer, actor, TV host, author and businessman.

Early Accomplishments

He started rapping since age 9 and by age 16, started recording demos he made with the $2,000 worth of equipment his grandfather acquired for him, sending them out to record companies.

He was 18 years when he signed his first recording deal with Def Jam and that year, released his debut single, I Need A Beat in 1984.

Best Known For

In a career spanning over 3 decades, he has delivered 13 albums with hit songs such Hush in 2004, I’m Bad and I Need Love in 1987, Mama Said Knock You Out in 1990 and Hey Lover in 1995. 

He has also starred in several movies such as Kingdom Come in 2001, Deep Blue Sea in 1999, Deliver Us From Eva in 2003 as well as a main role in NCIS: Los Angeles since 2009.

He is the executive producer and co-host of famed TV show Lip Sync Battle since 2015.

Sexual Orientation

Like his name suggests, the man is straight. He was in a relationship with Simone Smith right from 1987 and started to birth children. They split shortly after the birth of Italia, he dated Kidada Jones from 1992 to 1994 but got back together with Simone in 1995 to ring wedding bells and are still going strong.

Family

His biological parents are Nathaniel Lewis and Ethel Jolly but he was raised by James Louis Smith Jr. a.k.a James Nunya and Ondrea Griffith and was christened James Todd Smith. 

He is the father of 3 girls and a boy; Najee born in 1989, Italia born in 1990, Samaria born in 1995 and Nina Simone born in 2000.  

Religion

LL is a devout Christian and never misses an opportunity to talk about his love for God and the importance of reading the Bible.

Worth To Know

He hosted 5 consecutive editions of the annual Grammy Awards from the 54th to 58th editions between 2012 and 2016.

He became a recipient of a Hollywood Walk of Fame star in 2016.