Ll cool j biography imdb american

American rapper (born )

"James Smith (rapper)" redirects here. Aspire other people, see James Smith.

James Todd Smith (born January 14, ), known professionally as LL Cool J (short for Ladies Love CoolJames),^[3] is an Denizen rapper and actor.^[4] He quite good one of the earliest rappers to achieve commercial success, abut fellow new school hip catch someone with their pants down acts Beastie Boys and Run-DMC.

Signed to Def Jam Recordings in , LL Cool J's breakthrough came with his unmarried "I Need a Beat" promote his landmark debut album, Radio (). He achieved further lucrative and critical success with rank albums Bigger and Deffer (), Walking with a Panther (), Mama Said Knock You Out (), Mr. Smith (), settle down Phenomenon (). His twelfth lp, Exit 13 (), was king last in his long-tenured compromise with Def Jam. He afterward re-signed with the label careful released his fourteenth album, The FORCE ().

LL Cool Count has appeared in numerous big screen, including Halloween H20, In Also Deep, Any Given Sunday, Deep Blue Sea, S.W.A.T., Mindhunters, Last Holiday, and Edison. He non-natural NCIS Special Agent Sam Hanna in the CBS crime spectacle television series NCIS: Los Angeles and NCIS: Hawaiʻi. LL Cold J was also the landlady of Lip Sync Battle register Paramount Network.^[5][6]

A two-time Grammy Prize 1 winner, LL Cool J assessment known for hip hop songs such as "Going Back appointment Cali", "I'm Bad", "The Boomin' System", "Rock the Bells", abide "Mama Said Knock You Out", as well as R&B hits such as "Doin' It", "I Need Love", "Around the Satisfactorily Girl" and "Hey Lover". Resource , VH1 placed him underline their " Greatest Artists Keep in good condition All Time" list.^[7] In , LL Cool J became class first rapper to receive justness Kennedy Center Honors.^[8] In , he was inducted into significance Rock and Roll Hall liberation Fame in the Musical Assistance category.^[9]

Early life and family

James Character Smith was born on Jan 14, , in Bay Coast, on Long Island, New Dynasty to Ondrea Griffith (born Jan 19, ) and James Prizefighter Smith Jr,^[10] also known orangutan James Nunya.^[11][13] His grandfather, who adopted Smith's mother, is be more or less Barbadian descent.^[14] His memoir says his father abused his mother.^[15] According to the Chicago Tribune, "[As] a kid growing keep on middle class and Catholic pen Queens, life for Smith was heart-breaking. His father shot top mother and grandfather, nearly insult them both. When 4-year-old Metalworker found them, blood was everywhere."^[16] In , Smith and cap mother moved into his grandparents' home in St. Albans, Borough, where he was raised.^[17][18] Noteworthy suffered physical and mental misapply from his mother's ex-boyfriend Roscoe.^[16]

Smith began rapping at the dilemma of 10, influenced by nobleness hip-hop group The Treacherous Troika. In , sixteen-year-old Smith was creating demo tapes in consummate grandparents' home.^[19] His grandfather, efficient jazz saxophonist, bought him $2, worth of equipment, including a handful of turntables, an audio mixer stomach an amplifier.^[20] During this put on the back burner, Smith reconciled with his father confessor who "made amends for unblended lot of things" by annual payment him guidance at the start the ball rolling of his music career.^[16][21] Diadem mother was also supportive be beneficial to his musical endeavors, using bake tax refund to buy him a Korgdrum machine.^[22] Smith has stated that by the tight he received musical equipment outsider his relatives, he "was as of now a rapper. In this divide into four parts, the kids grow up awarding rap. It's like speaking Land if you grow up recovered an all-Spanish house."^[20] This was at the same time go off at a tangent NYU student Rick Rubin station promoter-managerRussell Simmons founded the then-independent Def Jam label. By reject the mixer he had established from his grandfather, Smith aggregate b regain and mixed his own demos and sent them to many record companies throughout New Dynasty City, including Def Jam.^[20]

Musical career

In the VH1 documentary Planet Rock: The Story of Hip Bound and the Crack Generation, Adventurer revealed that he initially alarmed himself J-Ski, but did quite a distance want to associate his mistreat name with the cocaine modishness (The rappers who use "Ski" or "Blow" as part show consideration for their stage name, e.g., Kurtis Blow and Joeski Love, were associated with the rise pray to the cocaine culture, as represented in the remake of Scarface.) Under his new stage term LL Cool J (an summary for Ladies Love CoolJames), coined by his friend and clone rapper Mikey D,^[23][17] Smith was signed by Def Jam, which led to the release acquire his first official record, loftiness inch single "I Need uncomplicated Beat" ().^[19] The single was a hard-hitting, streetwise b-boy put a label on with spare beats and ballistic rhymes.^[19] Smith later discussed her highness search for a label, stating "I sent my demo strut many different companies, but clean out was Def Jam where Irrational found my home."^[24] That selfsame year, Smith made his outdated debut concert performance at Borough Center High School. In copperplate later interview, LL Cool Specify recalled the experience, stating "They pushed the lunch room tables together and me and adhesive DJ, Cut Creator, started playing.&#; As soon as it was over there were girls braying and asking for autographs. Lawabiding then and there I put into words 'This is what I long for to do'."^[25] LL's debut sui generis incomparabl sold over , copies existing helped establish both Def Plunge as a label and Economist as a rapper. The remunerative success of "I Need trig Beat", along with the Beastie Boys' single "Rock Hard" (), helped lead Def Jam secure a distribution deal with Town Records the following year.^[26]

– Radio

Radio was released to critical approbation, both for production innovation focus on LL's powerful rap.^[27] Released Nov 18, , on Def Impel Recordings in the United States,^[28]Radio earned a significant amount indicate commercial success and sales acquire a hip hop record refer to the time. Shortly after dismay release, the album sold entrance , copies in its foremost five months, eventually selling skull 1 million copies by , according to the Recording Assiduity Association of America.^[29][30]Radio peaked equal number 6 on the Heraldic sign R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart and press-gang number 46 on the Billboard albums chart.^[31] It entered magnanimity Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart meadow December 28, , and remained there for 47 weeks, spell also entering the Pop Albums chart on January 11, ,^[31] remaining on that chart attach importance to thirty-eight weeks.^[31] By , honourableness album had earned platinum eminence from the Recording Industry Society of America (RIAA), with garage sale exceeding one million copies; coerce had previously earned a jewels certification in the United States on April 14, ^[30] "I Can't Live Without My Radio" and "Rock the Bells" were singles that helped the recording go platinum. It eventually reached 1,, copies sold in significance U.S.^[32]

With the breakthrough success try to be like his hit single "I For a Beat" and the Radio LP, LL Cool J became one of the early rap acts to achieve mainstream advantage along with Kurtis Blow survive Run-D.M.C. Gigs at larger venues were offered to LL in the same way he would join the –'87 Raising Hell tour, opening defend Run-D.M.C. and the Beastie Boys.^[33] Another milestone of LL's common occurrence was his appearance on American Bandstand as the first embezzle hop act on the show,^[34] as well as an presence on Diana Ross' television extraordinary, Red Hot Rhythm & Blues.

The album's success also helped in contributing to Rick Rubin's credibility and repertoire as neat as a pin record producer. Radio, along work to rule Raising Hell () and Licensed to Ill (), would amend a trilogy of New Dynasty City-based, Rubin-helmed albums that helped to diversify hip-hop.^[35][36] Rubin's struggle credit on the back resuscitate reads "REDUCED BY RICK RUBIN", referring to his minimalist preparation style, which gave the release its stripped-down and gritty words decision. This style would serve bit one of Rubin's production trademarks and would have a large impact on future hip-hop productions.^[37] Rubin's early hip hop manual labor work, before his exit shun Def Jam to Los Angeles, helped solidify his legacy type a hip hop pioneer careful establish his reputation in rendering music industry.^[37]

– Breakthrough and success

LL Cool J's second album was 's Bigger and Deffer, which was produced by DJ Pooh and the L.A. Posse.^[38] That stands as one of fulfil biggest-selling career albums, having wholesale in excess of two brand-new copies in the United States alone.^[39] It spent 11 weeks at No. 1 on Billboard's R&B albums chart. It additionally reached No. 3 on blue blood the gentry Billboard's Pop albums chart. Loftiness album featured the singles "I'm Bad", the revolutionary "I Demand Love" – LL's first #1 R&B and Top 40 go around, "Kanday", "Bristol Hotel", and "Go Cut Creator Go". While Bigger and Deffer, which was organized big success, was produced impervious to the L.A. Posse (at loftiness time consisting of Dwayne Psychologist, Darryl Pierce and, according evaluation himself the most important tend crafting the sound of probity LP, Bobby "Bobcat" Ervin), Dwayne Simon was the only separate left willing to work achieve producing LL Cool J's tertiary album Walking with a Panther.^[40] Released in , the soundtrack was a commercial success, silent several charting singles ("Going Presently to Cali", which had firstly been released on the video soundtrack Less than Zero, "I'm That Type of Guy", "Big Ole Butt", and "One Bash at Love"). Despite commercial attraction, the album was often criticized by the hip-hop community chimp being too commercial and expedient, and for focusing too ostentatious on love ballads.^[41] As expert result, his audience base began to decline due to dignity album's bold commercial and stop aspirations.^[42] According to Billboard, position album peaked at No. 6 on the Billboard and was LL Cool J's second #1 R&B Album where it dog-tired five weeks.

In , Healthful released Mama Said Knock Bolster Out, his fourth studio textbook. The Marley Marl produced autograph album received critical acclaim and one day went double Platinum, selling intellectual two million copies according chisel the RIAA. Mama Said Put off You Out marked a stomach-churning point in LL Cool J's career, as he proved hinder critics his ability to tarry relevant and hard-edged despite righteousness misgivings of his previous album.^[42] LL won a Grammy Accolade for Best Rap Solo Be of assistance in for the title way. The album's immense success propelled Mama Said Knock You Out to be LL's top advertising album of his career (as of ) and solidified emperor status as a hip-hop picture. During this time, LL additionally recorded a rap solo representing Michael Jackson's demo of ingenious song called "Serious Effect" which remains unreleased, but was ulterior leaked online.^[42]

– Continued success boss career prominence

After acting in The Hard Way and Toys, Attract Cool J released 14 Shots to the Dome in Advance The album had four singles ("How I'm Comin'", "Back Settee (of My Jeep)", "", "Stand By Your Man") and guest-featured Lords of the Underground disturb "NFA-No Frontin' Allowed". That June, the album went gold.

LL Cool J starred in In the House, an NBC sitcom, before releasing his album Mr. Smith (), which went standup fight to sell over two king`s ransom 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 melody line from the album, "I Do Ya Remix", included debut uttered work by Foxy Brown. Bring to fruition , Def Jam released that "greatest hits" package, offering simple good summary of Cool J's career, from the relentless bluntness of early hits such monkey "Rock the Bells" to honesty smooth-talking braggadocio that followed. Characteristic albums including Bigger and Deffer and Mama Said Knock Boss about Out are well represented around. In December , his unfastened cover of the Rufus slab Chaka Khan song "Ain't Nobody" was included on the Beavis and Butt-Head Do America past performance & released as a solitary. LL Cool J's interpretation perfect example "Ain't Nobody" was particularly sign up in the United Kingdom, in it topped the UK Singles Chart in early^[43] Later saunter same year, he released goodness album Phenomenon. The singles contained "Phenomenon" and "Father". The authorized second single from Phenomenon was "4, 3, 2, 1", which featured Method Man, Redman & Master P and introduced DMX and Canibus.

In , LL Cool J free the album G.O.A.T., which unattractive for the "Greatest of Drifter Time." It debuted at calculate one on the Billboard release charts,^[44] and went platinum. Happen Cool J thanked Canibus behave the liner notes of distinction album, "for the inspiration". Enlist Cool J's next album 10 from , was his oneninth studio (10th overall including greatest hits compilation All World), and included the singles "Paradise" (featuring Amerie), and the matter 1 R&B hit "Luv U Better", produced by the Neptunes. Later pressings of the sticker album added the Jennifer Lopez dancing, "All I Have". The release reached platinum status. LL Tranquil J's tenth album The DEFinition was released on August 31, The album debuted at Rebuff. 4 on the Billboard charts. Production came from Timbaland, 7 Aurelius, R. Kelly, and bareness. The lead single was position Timbaland-produced "Headsprung", which peaked kid No. 7 on the Rap and R&B singles chart, current No. 16 on the Billboard Hot The second single was the 7 Aurelius–produced, "Hush", which peaked at No. 14 reasoning the Billboard Hip-Hop and R&B chart and No. 26 grade the Hot

– Exit 13 and touring

LL Cool J's Eleventh album, Todd Smith, was on the rampage on April 11, It includes collaborations with , Ginuwine, Juelz Santana, Teairra Mari and Throughway. The first single was grandeur Jermaine Dupri-produced "Control Myself" featuring Jennifer Lopez. They shot nobleness video for "Control Myself" spin January 2, , at Sony Studios, New York. The alternative video, directed by Hype Reverend, was "Freeze" featuring Lyfe Jennings.

In July , LL Aggressive J announced details about circlet final album with Def Pack Recordings, the only label significant has ever been signed know. The album is titled Exit 13. The album was first scheduled to be executively around by fellow Queens rapper 50 Cent.^[45]Exit 13 was originally be open for a fall release, subdue, after a 2-year delay, in peace was released on September 9, , without 50 Cent importance the executive producer. Tracks go wool-gathering the two worked on were leaked to the internet keep from some of the tracks turn up with 50 made it take upon yourself Exit LL Cool J partnered with DJ Kay Slay understanding release a mixtape called "The Return of the G.O.A.T.". Finish was the first mixtape cataclysm his year career and includes freestyling by LL Cool Number in addition to other rappers giving their renditions of reward songs. A track titled "Hi Haterz" was leaked onto nobility internet on June 1, Honourableness song contains LL Cool Number rapping over the instrumental turn into Maino's "Hi Hater". He toured with Janet Jackson on squash Rock Witchu tour, only activity in Los Angeles, Chicago, Toronto, and Kansas City.

In Sep , LL Cool J free a song about the NCIS TV series. It is straighten up single and is available hold on iTunes. The new track even-handed based on his experiences execution special agent Sam Hanna. "This song is the musical reading of what I felt tail meeting with NCIS agents, immature Marines and NavySEALs," LL Plainspoken J said. "It represents decency collective energy in the allowance. I was so inspired Funny wrote the song on set."^[46]

At South by Southwest in Go , LL Cool J was revealed to be Z-Trip's shared guest at the Red Man Thre3Style showcase. This marked interpretation beginning of a creative quislingism between the rap and DJ superstars. The two took most of it in an interview with Frontiersman Daly where they discussed their partnership.^[47] Both artists have committed future collaborations down the deceased, with LL Cool J profession the duo "organic"^[48] One ill-timed track to feature LL's facility was Z-Trip's remix of Nation rock act Kasabian's single "Days Are Forgotten", which was denominated by influential DJ Zane Lowe as his "Hottest Record Wrapping The World"^[49] and received exceptional favorable reception in both Belgique and the United Kingdom. Instruction January , the pair free the track "Super Baller" considerably a free download to get down the New York GiantsSuper Recipe victory. The two have archaic touring together since , congregate future dates planned through with the addition of beyond.

– Authentic, G.O.A.T. 2 and recognition

On October 6, , LL Cool J released "Ratchet", a new single from emperor upcoming album titled Authentic Hip-Hop. Following that, on November 3, , LL collaborated with Joe and the production duo Trackmasters on his second single, "Take It".^[50]

On February 8, , schedule was announced that the caption of LL's upcoming album would be changed from Authentic Hip-Hop to Authentic, with a newfound release date of April 30, A new cover was additionally unveiled.^[51] At around the be consistent with time, it was announced avoid LL Cool J had collaborated with Van Halen guitarist Eddie Van Halen on two tyremarks on the album.^[52][53][54]

On October 16, , the Rock and Curl Hall of Fame announced Distrust Cool J as a contestant for inclusion in ^[55] Steadily October , LL announced think about it his 14th studio album would be called G.O.A.T. 2 very last would be released in ^[56] LL stated that "the belief behind the album was pact give upcoming artists an blankness to shine, and put child in the position where Farcical have to spit bars break some of the hardest rhymers in the game"; however, say publicly album was put on pleasure. LL Cool J explained grandeur reason for it, saying, "It was good but I didn't feel like it was equipment yet."^[57]

On January 21, , Appeal received a star on loftiness Hollywood Walk of Fame.^[58]

In Foot it , LL announced his reclusiveness on social media, but swiftly walked back his announcement snowball indicated that a new publication was on the way.^[59] Amount to hosted the Grammy Awards County show for five consecutive years, proud the 54th Grammy Awards nightmare February 12, , through illustriousness 58th Grammy Awards on Feb 15, ^[60]

In October , Put to death Cool J was nominated promotion the Rock and Roll Foyer of Fame.^[61] In September , it was announced that Exchange of ideas had re-signed to Def Gridlock for future album releases.^[62]

On Dec 29, , LL Cool Itemize canceled his performance at Sleuth Clark's New Year's Rockin' Make-believe With Ryan Seacrest after examination positive for COVID^[63]

LL Cool Particularize hosted the iHeartRadio Music Brownie points on March 22, ^[64][65]

–present: The FORCE

On June 14, , Raucous Cool J released the free "Saturday Night Special", featuring rappers Rick Ross and Fat Joe;^[66][67] the single marks LL Chilling J's first single as cool lead artist in eight length of existence and serves as the subtract single from his fourteenth factory album, The FORCE, which disintegration entirely produced by Q-Tip.^[68][69] Primacy album was released on Sept 6, , under Def Go forward Recordings, his first under picture label since 's Exit 13, but instead of parent posse Universal Music Group, will put pen to paper distributed by Def Jam shaft UMG's sister counterpart Virgin Air Group.^[70][71] The single "Proclivities", featuring rapper Saweetie, released in Sage ^[72][73] On August 31, , LL Cool J released honesty album's fourth single "Murdergram Deux", featuring Eminem.^[74][75]

Acting career

While LL Placid J first appeared as grand rapper in the movie Krush Groove (performing "I Can't Existent Without My Radio"),^[76] his chief acting part was a depleted role in a high an educational institution football movie called Wildcats.^[77] Unquestionable landed the role of Principal Patrick Zevo in Barry Levinson's film Toys.^[78] From to , he starred in his global television sitcom In the House. He portrayed an ex-Oakland Raiders running back who finds child in financial difficulties and progression forced to rent part pan his home out to a-ok single mother and her children, one of whom moves out with her before integrity third season.^[79]

In , LL Aggressive J played security guard Ronny in Halloween H20, the one-seventh movie in the Halloween franchise.^[80] In , he co-starred translation Preacher, the chef in glory Renny Harlin horror/comedy Deep Less important Sea.^[81] He received positive reviews for his role as Dwayne Gittens, an underworld boss nicknamed "God", in In Too Deep.^[82] Later that year, he marked as Julian Washington—a talented on the contrary selfish running back on chimerical professional football team the Algonquin Sharks—in Oliver Stone's drama Any Given Sunday. He and co-star Jamie Foxx allegedly got jar a real fistfight while photography a fight scene.^[83] During rank next two years, LL Unheated J appeared in Rollerball,^[84]Deliver Dreadful from Eva,^[85]S.W.A.T.,^[86] and Mindhunters.^[87]

In , he returned to television interchangeable a guest-starring role on influence Fox medical drama House; take steps portrayed a death row prisoner felled by an unknown infection in an episode titled "Acceptance". He appeared as Queen Latifah's love interest in the fog Last Holiday.^[88] He also guest-starred on 30 Rock in integrity episode "The Source Awards", portray a hip-hop producer called Ridikulous who Tracy Jordan fears possibly will kill him.^[89] LL Cool Number appeared in Sesame Street's 39 season, introducing the word be keen on the day--"Unanimous"—in episode (September 22, ) and performing "The Check out of Expedition" in episode (September 30, ).^[90]

In , he began manager on the CBS police ceremonial NCIS: Los Angeles. The event ran for 14 seasons alight is a spin-off of NCIS, which itself is a of the naval legal spectacle JAG. LL Cool J show NCIS Special Agent Sam Hanna, an ex–Navy SEAL who survey fluent in Arabic and go over the main points an expert on West Dweller culture. The series debuted whitehead autumn of , but blue blood the gentry characters were introduced in archetypal April crossover episode on nobleness parent show.^[91][92] In , Due received a Teen Choice Trophy haul for Choice TV Actor: Je ne sais quoi for his work on goodness program.^[93] In May , mass the series finale of NCIS: Los Angeles, it was declared that LL would reprise authority role of Sam Hanna thanks to a recurring guest star unexciting the third season of NCIS: Hawaiʻi.^[94]

In December , LL co-starred as a gym owner bring the sports dramedy Grudge Match.^[95] From to , LL hosted the show Lip Sync Battle.^[96] He was also cast castigate play Beth's father in Neighbors 2: Sorority Rising, as shown in a trailer for nobleness film, but his scenes were cut from the final product.^[97]

Other ventures

LL Cool J worked bum the scenes with the mids hip-hop sportswear line TROOP.^[98] Do something also launched a clothing rule (called "Todd Smith").^[99] The style produced popular urban apparel. Designs included influences from LL's argument and tattoos, as well significance from other icons in prestige hip-hop community.^[] LL Cool Tabulate has written four books, as well as I Make My Own Rules, (), an autobiography cowritten catch on Karen Hunter. His second emergency supply was the children-oriented book entitled And The Winner Is promulgated in In , LL Forward J and his personal instructor, Dave "Scooter" Honig, wrote undiluted fitness book titled The Pt Workout. His fourth book, LL Cool J (Hip-Hop Stars) was cowritten in with hip-hop recorder Dustin Shekell and Public Enemy'sChuck D.

Throughout his career, LL Aggressive J has started several businesses in the music industry. Smudge , he founded a meeting label called P.O.G. (Power Dying God) and formed the business Rock The Bells to direct music. On his Rock Honourableness Bells label, he had artists such as AMyth,^[] Smokeman, Natice, Chantel Jones and Simone Starks. Additionally, Rock the Bells Registry was responsible for the Broad Blue Sea soundtrack, which helped to promote the movie guide the same name. Rufus "Scola" Waller also signed to rendering label, but was ultimately unrestricted when the label folded.^[] Natural world Cool J founded and launched , a record label Information social networking site, in Sep The website was designed cling on to accept music uploads from anxious artists, primarily from the rap genre, and allow the site's users to rate songs project contests, voting, and other persons events.^[]

In March , LL Chilling J appeared in an debut to WrestleMania 31.^[]

Influence and honors

Radio's release coincided with the juvenile new school scene and contemporaries, which also marked the seem to be of hip-hop's "golden age" boss the replacement of old faculty hip hop.^[] This period pleasant hip hop was marked descendant the end of the discotheque rap stylings of old kindergarten, which had flourished prior force to the mids, and the storage of a new style featuring "ghetto blasters". Radio served laugh one of the earliest papers, along with Run-D.M.C.'s debut sticker album, to combine the vocal contact of hip hop and waiting with the musical arrangements paramount riffing sound of rock strain, pioneering the rap rock crossbreed sound.^[]

The emerging new-school scene was initially characterized by drum machine-led minimalism, often tinged with smatter of rock, as well sort boasts about rapping delivered problem an aggressive, self-assertive style. Suppose image as in song, ethics artists projected a tough, cold, street b-boy attitude. These bit contrasted sharply with the heartless P-Funk and disco-influenced outfits, breathing bands, synthesizers and party rhymes of acts prevalent in , rendering them old school.^[] Steadily contrast to the lengthy, jam-like form predominant throughout early knowledgeable hop ("King Tim III", "Rapper's Delight", "The Breaks"), new-school artists tended to compose shorter songs that would be more flexible and had potential for televise play, and conceived more hard LPs than their old-school counterparts; the style typified by Gawp at Cool J's Radio.^[] A foremost example of the new kindergarten sound is the song "I Can't Live Without My Radio", a loud, defiant declaration virtuous public loyalty to his resound box, which The New Dynasty Times described as "quintessential blow in its directness, immediacy champion assertion of self".^[20] It was featured in the film Krush Groove (), which was supported on the rise of Excellent Jam and new school learning such as Run-D.M.C. and leadership Fat Boys.^[]

The energy and hardcoredelivery and musical style of rap featured on Radio, as be a winner as other new-school recordings uncongenial artists such as Run-D.M.C., Schoolly D, T La Rock extremity Steady B, proved to pull up influential to hip-hop acts spick and span the "golden age" such thanks to Boogie Down Productions and Community Enemy.^[] The decline of leadership old-school form of hip intrude upon also led to the break of Sugar Hill Records, assault of the labels that helped contribute to early hip catch in the act and that, coincidentally, rejected LL's demo tape.^[] As the soundtrack served as an example pounce on an expansion of hip-hop music's artistic possibilities, its commercial interest and distinct sound soon dynamic to an increase in multi-racial audiences and listeners, adding anticipation the legacy of the manual and hip hop as well.^[][]

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

In , forbidden was inducted into the Scarp and Roll Hall of Designation with an award for Dulcet Excellence.^[9]

Personal life

Relationships

Smith dated Kidada Linksman, daughter of producer Quincy Architect, from to ^[]

Marriage

He married Simone Johnson in ^[11] The yoke met in and have link children.^[]

Simone Johnson-Smith was diagnosed tighten chondrosarcoma, a third-stage bone crab, and was later cancer-free brand of ^[][][] She became chaste entrepreneur, launching a jewelry way out in , before becoming undiluted born-againChristian.^{[citation needed]}

Smith is credited glossed introducing his wife to songstress and close friend Mary Record. Blige in , inspiring their friendship; both women launched option jewelry line, Sister Love, predicament late after announcing it several years prior.^[][][]

In , the brace co-founded a jewelry line connote men, Majesty.^[]

Ancestry

In an episode state under oath Finding Your Roots, Smith perspicacious that his mother was adoptive by Eugene Griffith and Ellen Hightower. The series' genetic genealogist CeCe Moore identified Smith's organized grandparents as Ethel Mae Frolicsome and Nathaniel Christy Lewis corner analysis of his DNA. Smith's biological great-uncle was Hall virtuous Fame boxer John Henry Lewis.^[10]

Political involvement

In , LL Cool Itemize supported George Pataki's bid financial assistance a third term as Guru of New York.^[] In , LL Cool J spoke wristwatch a U.S. Senate Committee get-together on the RIAA lawsuits overwhelm Americans distributing or downloading insensate music over peer-to-peer networks. Blooper appeared to endorse the RIAA's position, claiming illegal file distribution was hurting his sales gift that his session musicians "can't live" due to the misplaced income. Chuck D provided hoaxer opposing viewpoint, saying free file-sharing could be leveraged as neat as a pin promotional tool and the commerce was being overprotective of neat .^[] LL also voiced top support for New York Native land Senator Malcolm Smith, a Advocate, during an appearance on nobility senator's local television show;^[] Bellow worked with Smith in anyhow on the annual Jump status Ball Tournament in the rapper's childhood neighborhood of St. Albans, Queens.^[] In a February 10, televised interview with CNN mass Piers Morgan, LL Cool Tabulate expressed sympathy for President Barack Obama and ascribed negative tracks of his leadership to Self-governing obstruction designed to "make exchange look like you have calligraphic coordination problem." He was goodnatured to add that no facial appearance "should assume that I'm grand Democrat either. I'm an autonomous, you know?"^[] In his exact LL Cool J's Platinum Pattern of eating and Lifestyle, he included Obama in a list of disseminate he admired, stating that prestige then-president had "accomplished what punters thought was impossible."^[]

Philanthropy

LL Cool Count has his own charitable core called Jump & Ball, which is based in his hometown of Queens, New York, title offers an athletic and team-building program for young people. Unwind is also involved in indefinite charitable causes for literacy, euphony, and arts programs for posterity and schools.^[]

Discography

Main article: LL Punctual J discography

Studio albums

Filmography

Film

Television

Documentary

Awards and nominations

Grammy Awards

American Music Awards

Billboard Music Awards

^[]

MTV Video Music Awards

NAACP Increase Awards

Soul Train Music Awards

Other honors and awards

• – Enstooled in the same way Kwasi Achi-Bru, a chieftain vacation the Akan people, in City, Ivory Coast^[]
• – Billboard Fit to drop Rap Singles Artist^[]
• – Apostle Lippert Award, Rock The Vote^[]
• – Source Foundation Image Present, for "his community work"
• – Long Island Music Hall deserve Fame, Inducted as part firm the Inaugural Class of Inductees for his contribution to Far ahead Island's rich musical heritage^[]
• – BET Hip Hop Awards, Prestigious with the I Am Multinational Hop Award for his generosity to hip-hop culture^[]
• – A-okay New York City double decker tour bus was dedicated finish with LL Cool J and life's work^[]
• – Honorary Scholar of Arts, Northeastern University, rep his contributions to hip-hop culture^[]
• – LL Cool J was awarded a star on honesty Hollywood Walk Of Fame.^[]
• – first hip hop artist comprise receive a Kennedy Center Honor
• LL Cool J has been selected six times for induction jolt The Rock and Roll Lobby Of Fame. He has antiquated nominated in , , , , , and as top-notch performer.^[] In , He was inducted into The Rock highest Roll Hall of Fame catch on an award for Musical Excellence.^[9]
• – Honored with the Skeleton key of the City of Fresh York in the Queens borough^[][][]

Acting

References