253 comments. *In his 1997 biography I Make My Own Rules,. In image as in song, the artists projected a tough, cool, street b-boy attitude. By the 90s, he already established himself as an actor and juggled both careers seamlessly. [58], In October 2018, LL Cool J was nominated for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. [104] He also voiced his support for New York State Senator Malcolm Smith, a Democrat, during an appearance on the senator's local television show;[105] he worked with Smith in putting on the annual Jump and Ball Tournament in the rapper's childhood neighborhood of St. Albans, Queens. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. Eventually, LLs father James came back into his life and helped him out in the early stages of his budding rap career. His father shot his mother and grandfather, nearly killing them both. [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. Actor and rapper LL Cool J, best known as Special Agent Sam Hanna in NCIS: Los Angeles, has had a very successful life. Kodak Black Caught Having Sex in White Teacher Hits The Jerk as Students Go Wild Are AKAs Too Insecure? published in 2002. Kwame Ture on Reactionaries & Revolutionaries (And Why Bill Clinton Hated Empowerment Coach Tera Carissa Hodges Graces Speakers Magazine Cover for Womens Tonight Chris Rock is Set to Make Netflix History | WATCH. LL Cool J achieved an 'MTV Video Music Award' for his hit track 'Mama Said Knock You Out in . The album was originally scheduled to be executively produced by fellow Queens rapper 50 Cent. placement: 'Right Rail Thumbnails', 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. His early life was horrific - his father shot both LL's mother and grandfather, and the young LL was the victim . He started rapping when he was 9 years of age, his biggest influencers were the sugarhill gang and the treacherous tree. In 2010, VH1 placed him on their "100 Greatest Artists Of All Time" list. 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. 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 . 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. 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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. James Todd Smith, realized expertly by his stage name, LL Cool J, was brought into this world on January 14, 1968. 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. LL Cool J was born and raised in Queens, New York, the son of Ondrea (ne Griffith) and James Smith. Screengrab. iloveoldschoolmusic.com. LL Cool J is in mourning today following the death of his father. Early life and family. LL Cool J also dealt with a friend's betrayal and ruthless accountants that siphoned his money. I think thats important.. The lead single was the Timbaland-produced "Headsprung", which peaked at No. James Todd Smith (born January 14, 1968 in Bay Shore, New York), better known as LL Cool J (Ladies Love Cool James), is a Grammy Award winning American rapper and actor signed to Def Jam. In 1990, LL released Mama Said Knock You Out, his fourth studio album. [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. At the moment, he is married to Simone Smith, and they have four children together. 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. He appeared as Queen Latifah's love interest in the 2006 movie Last Holiday. Should we be angry? James Todd Smith, popularly known as LL Cool J, is a well-known artist in the movie and music industry. [39] As a result, his audience base began to decline due to the album's bold commercial and pop aspirations. (4 years old) when his father shot his mother during a dispute between the two. He didnt care how he beat me or with what . As a result LL fired James and hired a new manager. The rapper was surrounded by drugs, gangsterism, crime, all the vices that could have limited his progress. LL Cool J was born in 1968 in Queens, New York, according to Amomama, in a tough neighborhood where drug abuse and crime were rampant. My mother forgave my father He came back into my life and made amends for a lot of things by helping to guide me with my music career early on, and kinda helping me in that area (sic). My father made a massive blunder, but he also did a lot of things right.. Cool J is a real force to be reckoned with, and this is why he is beloved, honored, and celebrated. [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. [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]. *In his 1997 biography I Make My Own Rules, LL Cool J recounts the time his father shot his mother and grandfather because he was bitter about getting a divorce. Awards. We raise awareness about these issues to help potential victims seek professional counseling and prevent anyone from getting hurt. 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. 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. iloveoldschoolmusic.com. 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. If that wasn't hard enough, he experienced a tragic and dramatic event when he was only four years old. By Kory Grow. 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. 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. He shot him in the stomach before shooting his estranged wife, Ondrea, LL Cool J's mother. In 2006, LL Cool J and his personal trainer, Dave "Scooter" Honig, wrote a fitness book titled The Platinum Workout. and the Beastie Boys. We raise awareness about these issues to help potential victims seek professional counseling and prevent anyone from getting hurt. When 4-year-old Smith found them, blood was everywhere. The series' genetic genealogist CeCe Moore identified Smith's biological grandparents as Ethel Mae Jolly and Nathaniel Christy Lewis through analysis of his DNA. [91], In March 2015, LL Cool J also appeared in an introduction to WrestleMania 31. According to her, they put God first in their marriage, made many compromises, have respect, and show unwavering support to each other. He didnt need a good reason. He has released twelve studio albums over his 27 year career, has starred in numerous feature films and currently They also share a close-knit relationship. Decades later LL sat down with Oprah Winfrey during a segment on Oprahs Next Chapter to discuss how he coped with Roscoes constant abuse and its sad to hear that he had to become so strong at such a young age. In his book, LL details (via The Daily Press) how Roscoe constantly beat his mother. Eventually, LL's father James came back into his life and helped him out in the early stages of his budding rap career. 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. 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. The agreement angered the rapper's father, truck driver James Nunya, who ended up pointing a gun at his father-in-law Eugene. [9], 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. "Father", which was an auto-biographical song that detailed LL's abuse from his mother's boyfriend, would prove to be the most successful single from the album, it made it to #18 on the Billboard Hot 100 and became his eighth . }); Copyright 2015 . 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. LL was a young boy growing up in New York when his parents separated in 1972. 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. The new track is based on his experiences playing special agent Sam Hanna. 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. In this week's heart wrenching episode, Dr. Henry Louis Gates uncovers the emotional history of both Sean "Puffy" Combs and LL Cool J 's families. In his memoir I Make My Own Rules, the rapper recalled the day his father James almost killed his mother and grandfather. speaks out against the above mentioned and. [82], In 2013, LL co-starred as a gym owner in the sports dramedy Grudge Match. [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. Eventually, LLs father James came back into his life and helped him out in the early stages of his budding rap career. LL Cool J lives a lavish life with his family nowadays, but it didn't come overnight. . It was just a power trip he wrote. [7] In 2017, LL Cool J became the first rapper to receive the Kennedy Center Honors. news.AmoMama.com does not support or promote any kind of violence, self-harm, or abusive behavior. And LL was the one who discovered them! Unfortunately, that relationship turned sour when James mismanaged LLs funds and he ended up owing $2 million dollars to the IRS. Following the separation, when the rapper was eight, his mother found a boyfriend by the name of Roscoe Granger. While speaking to Oprah, the jewelry maker explained that they have an awesome marriage because of the sacrifices and love they share. After acting in The Hard Way and Toys, LL Cool J released 14 Shots to the Dome. WHO WE AREThe news you want unfiltered.The Electronic Urban Report/EUR puts the most buzz worthy African American news at your fingertips. [9], Smith dated Kidada Jones, daughter of producer Quincy Jones, from 1992 to 1994. The rapper-actor recently took to Twitter to tell fans of his dad's passing at the age of 65. A new cover was unveiled at the same time. 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". [86] LL Cool J was also the host of Lip Sync Battle on Paramount Network. After his mother moved on, she married an abusive man and drug addict named, LL Cool J Announces Rock the Bells Festival with Ice Cube, Lil Kim, Digable Planets, Will Smiths Post Slap Film Comeback is Sci-fi Thriller Brilliance Hes Producing/Starring, In GMA Interview Ye Apologizes to Kim K for Stressing Her | WATCH. LL Cool J added: My father he made a massive blunder, but he also did a lot of things right, you know. He was driving and stopped by a friends house to say hi. And LL was the one who discovered . LL Cool J is one of the most respected rappers in the game but even he has endured his fair share of obstacles. 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. He started rapping aged nine, and music provided a way to escape the suffering he endured. Page 1 of LL Cool J biography and life story including childhood story, love relationship, career, walk of fame and more. Please fill in your e-mail so we can share with you our top stories. Sha Be Allah. The album is titled Exit 13. "[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. [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. The rapper was age 4 at the time, and both relatives survived their injuries. [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. LL Cool J attends Spike TV's Guys Choice 2015 at Sony Pictures Studios on June 6, 2015 in Culver City, California | Photo: Getty Images. LL Cool J would later consider toning his lifestyle down out of respect for his lady, and that was the beginning of a lifetime of commitment. The official second single from Phenomenon was "4, 3, 2, 1", which featured Method Man, Redman & Master P and introduced DMX and Canibus. In a shocking incident, a two-year-old shot his parents and wounded himself with a gun that he picked up from his parents' nightstand on Wednesday morning, the police said. Following that, on November 3, 2012, LL collaborated with Joe and producers Trackmasters with his second single, "Take It". Hed even pull me out of the shower to get a beating. He toured with Janet Jackson on her Rock Witchu tour, only playing in Los Angeles, Chicago, Toronto, and Kansas City. target_type: 'mix' During his time at Def Jam, LL released an album every two or three years from 1987 to . 1: The Genesis", "About.com Rick Rubin's Style and Approach", "Beavis and Butt-Head Do America - Original Soundtrack", "50 Cent, LL Cool J Teaming Up For LP News Story Music, Celebrity, Artist News | MTV News", "VIDEO: Check out LL Cool J's New NCIS:LA-Inspired Song", "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", "Hottest Record - Kasabian - Days Are Forgotten (LL Cool J Remix)", "LL Cool J Announces "Authentic" Release Date & Tracklist", "LL Cool J On Eddie Van Halen Collabo: "Now He's Officially Done Hip-Hop", "Eddie Van Halen Teams Up With LL Cool J", "Hear Eddie Van Halen Perform on Two New LL Cool J Songs", "Nirvana, Kiss, Hall and Oates Nominated for Rock and Roll Hall of Fame", "LL Cool J On Def Jam's 30th Anniversary And His New Street Album", "Unretired Rap Legend LL Cool J Shares New Album Details & Offers 'G.O.A.T. In 2006, LL Cool J and his personal trainer, Dave "Scooter" Honig, wrote a fitness book titled The Platinum Workout. Actor: Deep Blue Sea. iloveoldschoolmusic.com. 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 of frustration over the couples divorce in 1972, when the Grammy winner and awards host was just a young boy. 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? LL Cool J - short for "Ladies Love Cool James" - was born in 1968 in Long Island, New York, and grew up in Queens. 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. [32], 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. [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. [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. "I Can't Live Without My Radio" and "Rock the Bells" were singles that helped the album go platinum. In 1972, when he was just 4 years old his father shot his wife (James Mother) as well as James grandfather. 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. [94][100], In 2017, LL Cool J became the first rapper to receive Kennedy Center Honors. LL Cool J was born James Todd Smith into a middle-class family. 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. A few years later, Simone was diagnosed with bone cancer. LL opened up about Roscoes constant abuse during an interview with Oprah back in the day. He would beat me for watching television, for lookin at him funny, for looking out the window watching other kids play. 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 . He had a tough childhood because his parents had a violent relationship. As a result LL fired James and hired a new manager. 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. The pair are fairing well in their careers, marriage, and parenthood. My father made a massive blunder, but he also did a lot of things right.. [10], In 2002, LL Cool J supported George Pataki's bid for a third term as Governor of New York. LL Cool J's mother forgave his father for shooting her in the back. [17] His grandfather, a jazz saxophonist, bought him $2,000 worth of equipment, including two turntables, an audio mixer and an amplifier. AmoMama creates engaging, meaningful content for women. [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." Signed to Def Jam Recordings in 1984, LL Cool J's breakthrough came with his single "I . [37] It spent 11 weeks at No. 'NCIS's' Chris O'Donnell's 4 Co-star Kids & Namesake Eldest Son Who Is a Spitting Image of Him, Pierce Brosnan Suffered Cruelness as a Child after Mom and Dad Left Him: It Was Ugly', Demi Moore Felt 'Betrayed' by Mom's Lie about Biological Dad Yet Later Forgave Her & Became Her Caregiver, Will Smith Could Not Forgive His Dad until His Last Days as He Wished He Could Avenge His Mom for Many Years, Firefighter Saves then Adopts Orphan Boy who Finds Moms Photo in Fathers Room 40 Years Later Story of the Day, James Garner Became 'Greatest Father' after Adopting Wife's Child despite Being Unloved by His Stepmom, Mark Wahlberg Wants to Devote More Time to Parenting in Private & Asks Record $87.5M for His LA Mansion, Judge Hears His Son Mock a Boy Whose Dad Laid the Bricks to Build Their Mansion Story of the Day, Inside Tom Hanks & Wife of 33 Years Rita Wilson's Relationship with Their Biracial Granddaughter, Man Kicks His 60-Year-Old Wife Out of the House after Learning Shes Pregnant with Triplets Story of the Day, Marlo Thomas Spouse Was a Virgin before Marriage to Mom of His 5 Kids & a Lousy Lover Afterward, Man Who Hasnt Seen His Old Dad for 17 Years Visits and Sees His House Ruined Story of the Day, Kurt Russell Became 'Pa' to Goldie Hawn's Kids Whose Father Considers Them 'Dead', Young Man Who Never Knew His Parents Pushes Father Away, Learns about His Will Months Later Story of the Day. 2016 LL Cool J was awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk Of Fame. container: 'taboola-right-rail-thumbnails', 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. At the age of four, he saw his mother and grandfather shot by his own father. 26 on the Hot 100. He would beat me for watching television, for lookin at him funny, for looking out the window watching other kids play. To make matters worse, it was the Grammy Award winner who found his mom and grandfather on the floor after his dad shot them. LL and his mother moved into his grandparents' home in St. Albans, Queens in 1972 where he was raised. Welcome to /r/DragonQuest! Dont Miss A Story. "Father" is the third single from LL Cool J's seventh album, Phenomenon. [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"). Here is the truth behind the rapper's life. LL Cool J was born James Todd Smith on January 14, 1968 in Bay Shore, New York. [4] He is one of the earliest rappers to achieve commercial success, alongside fellow new school hip hop acts Beastie Boys and Run-DMC. Now he is the first hip-hop artist to ever receive a Kennedy Centre Honour this month for his lifetime . [17] The single was a hard-hitting, streetwise b-boy song with spare beats and ballistic rhymes. [41] 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. This was the same person who shot his mother in the back and granddad in the stomach. He'd long been open about his adoption, but all he knew, based on some . LL was a young boy growing up in New York when his parents separated in 1972. Roscoe beat me for just about anything. ': 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. 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. Roscoe beat me for just about anything. Rock the Bells Records was also responsible for the Deep Blue Sea soundtrack for the 1999 movie of the same name. The two have been touring together since 2011, with future dates planned through 2012 and beyond. It was like the scene in `Glory when Denzel Washington was getting beat down like a slave, except I was like 8 years old. [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. LL Cool J explained the reason for it, saying, "It was good but I didn't feel like it was ready yet. [31] Another milestone of LL's popularity was his appearance on American Bandstand as the first hip-hop act on the show. LL Cool J is one of the most respected rappers in the game but even he has endured his fair share of obstacles. At the age of four, he saw his mother and grandfather shot by his own father. [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. "[18] This was at the same time that NYU student Rick Rubin and promoter-manager Russell Simmons founded the then-independent Def Jam label. Mark Summers for Rolling . _taboola.push({ September 22, 2022. What is LL Cool J's real name? We collect and tell stories of people from all around the world. His second book was the children-oriented book called And The Winner Is. Roscoe would flog him at any given opportunity, and the actor described that time in his life as "hell."