LL Cool J is one of the most respected rappers in the game but even he has endured his fair share of obstacles. Gigs at larger venues were offered to LL as he would join the 1986-'87 Raising Hell tour, opening for Run-D.M.C. Although he initially refused, he changed his mind after looking at how beautiful Simone was. James Todd Smith, realized expertly by his stage name, LL Cool J, was brought into this world on January 14, 1968. Sadly, a few years later, the young man stated that his dad mismanaged his funds which led to him getting fired. A married man himself, LL Cool J has been with his wife Simone since 1995. 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. LL was a young boy growing up in New York when his parents separated in 1972. The two took part in an interview with Carson Daly where they discussed their partnership. LL Cool J and American artist Tito Jackson are not related as father and child. [25] 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. Thankfully for the family, both of them survived the incident. 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. [87] The brand produces popular urban apparel. }); Copyright 2015 . Taryll revealing this sexual abuse, Iyanla said, was a huge step in his . In the same year 2009, he was cast as a regular in the still-running CBS TV series 'NCIS: Los Angeles', in which he plays special agent 'Sam Hanna', a Navy investigator. 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. Eventually Ondrea left Roscoe but after all of the trauma LL suffered it was too little too late. window._taboola = window._taboola || []; LL Cool J looks back on "Accidental Racist" and explains why he declared himself the G.O.A.T. It was like the scene in `Glory when Denzel Washington was getting beat down like a slave, except I was like 8 years old. LL Cool J has written four books, including 1998's I Make My Own Rules, an autobiography cowritten with Karen Hunt. 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. This page was last edited on 2 March 2023, at 21:38. He actually had to overcome many challenges to get to where he is today. 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". Smith's biological great-uncle was Hall of Fame boxer John Henry Lewis. It was tough. He currently plays NCIS Special Agent Sam Hanna in the CBS crime drama television series NCIS: Los Angeles. 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). It was released on January 13, 1998 for Def Jam Recordings and was produced by the Trackmasters. container: 'taboola-right-rail-thumbnails', Although LL Cool J, born James Todd Smith, is an accomplished entertainer, appearing on music charts, starring on TV and movies, and even hosting shows, he had a rough start in life. [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. 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. news.AmoMama.com does not support or promote any kind of violence, self-harm, or abusive behavior. 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. Randy Chrisley Is Todd Chrisley's Brother Who Was Diagnosed with Cancer in 2014, Johnny Depp's Weight Gain & Changes in Appearance over the Years, 'Whos the Boss? Season 2 Episode 220. In September 2009, LL Cool J released a song about the NCIS TV series. It's too long for a . container: 'taboola-right-rail-thumbnails', [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. When four-year-old Smith found them, LL Cool J covered the scene in . It was tough. Though he was beginning to act out in the aftermath of the abuse by the age of 16 LL found his calling during the Golden Age of Hip Hop as one of the top emcees of the time. and the Beastie Boys. Unfortunately, that relationship turned sour when James mismanaged LLs funds and he ended up owing $2 million dollars to the IRS. His father shot his mother and grandfather, nearly killing them both. 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. LL (birth name James Todd Smith) recounted his painful childhood memories in his biography I Make My Own Rules and the details are shocking. [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. 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. Though he was beginning to act out in the aftermath of the abuse by the age of 16 LL found his calling during the Golden Age of Hip Hop as one of the top emcees of the time. Kodak Black Caught Having Sex in White Teacher Hits The Jerk as Students Go Wild Are AKAs Too Insecure? 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. Eventually, LLs father James came back into his life and helped him out in the early stages of his budding rap career. But even with all of that negativity LL still found a way to forgive his father for everything hes ever done to him. LL Cool J lives a lavish life with his family nowadays, but it didn't come overnight. He would beat me for watching television, for lookin at him funny, for looking out the window watching other kids play. He did not get the best attention as a young child, and his surroundings subjected him to a life of bullying and arms. He was born on January 14, 1968, as James Todd Smith, in New York. He didnt need a good reason. Roscoe beat me for just about anything. 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. They worked through thick and thin to become one of the industry's power couples. 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[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. The rapper-actor recently took to Twitter to tell fans of his dad's passing at the age of 65. And, so I have learned to hand out the mercy that I like to receive. 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. In 2006, LL Cool J and his personal trainer, Dave "Scooter" Honig, wrote a fitness book titled The Platinum Workout. Posted by. Unfortunately, that relationship turned sour when James mismanaged LL's funds . Eventually Ondrea left Roscoe but after all of the trauma LL suffered it was too little too late. American rapper, songwriter, record producer, actor (born 1968), LL Cool J during a 2001 performance in Germany, 19932005: Continued success and career prominence. 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Truck driver James Nunya shot his father-in-law . But there is an intriguing story behind the heart-melting and powerful duo. [37] It spent 11 weeks at No. When LL Cool J was just 4 years old, his father shot his mother and grandfather. 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). Kicked me down steps outside in the snow. 6 on the Billboard 200 and was LL Cool J's second #1 R&B Album where it spent five weeks. L.A. City Council Shutdown Because Council Members Caught on Opinion: Sacramento Mass Shooting Confirms What Experts Already Knew, What the Puck? [66] He landed the role of Captain Patrick Zevo in Barry Levinson's 1992 film Toys. He has been in films such as "Any Given Sunday", "In Too Deep", and "Deep Blue Sea" just to . We believe that every person's story is important as it provides our community with an opportunity to feel a sense of belonging, share their hopes and dreams. [31] Another milestone of LL's popularity was his appearance on American Bandstand as the first hip-hop act on the show. 26 on the Hot 100. LL Cool J, Simone Smith and family at The Fashion Institute of Technology on May 25, 2017 | Source: Getty Images. Unfortunately, the bad things didnt stop after the previously mentioned incident took place. _taboola.push({ ': 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. I'm an Independent, you know? His mother, Ondrea, was a nurse's assistant, while his father, James, drove a truck. He has released twelve studio albums over his 27 year career, has starred in numerous feature films and currently He toured with Janet Jackson on her Rock Witchu tour, only playing in Los Angeles, Chicago, Toronto, and Kansas City. Apr 3, 2018 - Explore Kellz M's board "LL Cool J" on Pinterest. 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. AmoMama creates engaging, meaningful content for women. To this day, there are limited details on the incident, but witnesses say it was a . NEW BEDFORD After Tito Jackson lost the Boston mayor's race in 2017, he began to take stock of his life and heritage. Advertisement LL Cool J is a legendary rapper who has recorded over nine albums in the last 15 years and won many awards, including three Grammys. In image as in song, the artists projected a tough, cool, street b-boy attitude. Dante Boyles MUS 211 LL Cool J Cultural Analysis Paper LL Cool J has done a lot in the hip-hop industry and has also branched out to the entertainment business as well. [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. Hed even pull me out of the shower to get a beating. I was doing all kinds of wild things by then and getting in all kinds of trouble.. It was just a power trip.". His second book was the children-oriented book called And The Winner Is. His second book was the children-oriented book called And The Winner Is. Following that, on November 3, 2012, LL collaborated with Joe and producers Trackmasters with his second single, "Take It". [4] He is one of the earliest rappers to achieve commercial success, alongside fellow new school hip hop acts Beastie Boys and Run-DMC. He didnt need a good reason. I was doing all kinds of wild things by then and getting in all kinds of trouble.. Although both survived James saw them covered in blood. Cool J is a real force to be reckoned with, and this is why he is beloved, honored, and celebrated. He didnt need a good reason. His father shot his mother and grandfather, nearly killing them both. Exception: This awkward piece of wonky cheese. . I think thats important.. The third season of PBS' hit show Finding Your Roots continues to chronicle the fascinating family stories of celebrities, politicians, activists and more. Later pressings of the album added the 2003 Jennifer Lopez duet, "All I Have". What is LL Cool J's real name? The rest is history. (Power Of God) and formed the company Rock The Bells to produce music. In 1990, LL released Mama Said Knock You Out, his fourth studio album. In January 2012, the pair released the track "Super Baller" as a free download to celebrate the New York Giants Super Bowl victory. [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. 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. Dont Miss A Story. LL Cool J partnered with DJ Kay Slay to release a mixtape called "The Return of the G.O.A.T.". Should we be angry? They made amends and until later when he felt his father was mismanaging his money and he cut ties with him again. It includes collaborations with 112, Ginuwine, Juelz Santana, Teairra Mari and Freeway. My family is a very interesting family. 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"). "[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. Roscoe beat me for just about anything. His mother did survived, but once she divorced LL's dad, she hooked up with a . 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. He shot him in the stomach before shooting his estranged wife, Ondrea, LL Cool J's mother. }); Copyright 2015 . 4 on the Billboard charts. He would beat me for watching television, for looking at him funny, for looking out the window watching other kids play. 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". LL Cool J during a press conference at Hotel St. Regis on June 5, 2019 in Mexico City, Mexico | Source: Getty Images. A track entitled "Hi Haterz" was leaked onto the internet on June 1, 2008. During an appearance on Finding Your Roots With Henry Louis . AmoMama creates engaging, meaningful content for women. As a young boy growing up in New York City LL witnessed a few traumatic events that he carried with him into his adulthood. [17] The single was a hard-hitting, streetwise b-boy song with spare beats and ballistic rhymes. LL Cool J, whose real name is James Todd Smith, was born in January 1968 in Queens, New York, in a middle-class and catholic family. Designs include influences from LL's lyrics and tattoos, as well as from other icons in the hip-hop community. As if that wasnt bad enough, his mother, Ondrea, eventually settled into another relationship with a man named, Roscoe Granger, and in the book, LL details (via The Daily Press) how Roscoe, allegedly a drug addict, took every opportunity to beat LL whenever he had the chance. LL Cool J started a record label called 'Boomdizzle' that doubled up as a social networking site as well. 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. His father shot his mother and grandfather, nearly killing them both. Right then and there I said 'This is what I want to do'. Yet, the scars never fully healed. We humbly honor the old school soul music era and will keep pushing forward to keep it alive.