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Biography
LL Cool J Biography
LL Cool J (born James Todd Smith) is a pioneering American rapper, actor, entrepreneur, and author whose influence on hip-hop spans more than three decades. Known for his charismatic delivery, genre-defining sound, and crossover appeal, LL Cool J has built a lasting legacy through his dynamic music career, chart-topping hits, and work in television and film. Whether you're looking to book LL Cool J for a private event or researching his songs and achievements, this artist biography covers essential highlights tailored for fans, event planners, and talent buyers alike.
LL Cool J (born James Todd Smith) is a pioneering American rapper, actor, entrepreneur, and author whose influence on hip-hop spans more than three decades. Known for his charismatic delivery, genre-defining sound, and crossover appeal, LL Cool J has built a lasting legacy through his dynamic music career, chart-topping hits, and work in television and film. Whether you’re looking to book LL Cool J for a private event or researching his songs and achievements, this artist biography covers essential highlights tailored for fans, event planners, and talent buyers alike.
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LL Cool J Fast Facts
- Full Name: James Todd Smith
- Stage Name: LL Cool J (stands for “Ladies Love Cool James”)
- Birthdate: January 14, 1968
- Age: 56 (as of 2024)
- Hometown: Bay Shore, Long Island, New York, USA
- Genres: Hip-hop, Rap, Hip-Hop Soul
- Years Active: 1984–present
- Labels: Def Jam Recordings, S-BRO Music Group
- Estimated Net Worth: $120 million (as of 2024)
Notable Trivia:
- First hip-hop artist signed to Def Jam Recordings.
- Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2021 (Musical Excellence).
- Two-time Grammy Award winner; hosted the Grammy Awards five times.
- Starred for 12 seasons as Special Agent Sam Hanna on NCIS: Los Angeles.
- Founder of SiriusXM’s “Rock the Bells Radio” for classic hip-hop.
Popular LL Cool J Songs
- “I Can’t Live Without My Radio” (1985)
- “Rock the Bells” (1985)
- “I Need Love” (1987)
- “Going Back to Cali” (1989)
- “Mama Said Knock You Out” (1990)
- “Around the Way Girl” (1990)
- “Hey Lover” (feat. Boyz II Men) (1995)
- “Doin’ It” (1995)
- “Loungin (Who Do Ya Luv)” (1996)
- “Headsprung” (2004)
- “All I Have” (with Jennifer Lopez) (2002)
LL Cool J Career Timeline
1984 – Breakthrough and Early Success
- Releases debut single “I Need a Beat” with Def Jam Recordings.
- Becomes first artist signed to Def Jam, shaping early hip-hop sound.
1985 – Debut Album
- Releases debut album Radio, which goes platinum.
- Singles include “I Can’t Live Without My Radio” and “Rock the Bells.”
1987 – Mainstream Crossover
- Bigger and Deffer includes “I Need Love,” one of rap’s first romantic ballads.
1990 – Critical Acclaim
- Releases Mama Said Knock You Out, earning a Grammy and cementing legacy.
1995–1996 – R&B Collaborations
- Mr. Smith album features hits “Hey Lover” and “Doin’ It.”
- Broadens appeal with smoother, R&B-infused tracks.
2000–2004 – Comeback Era
- Releases “Headsprung,” proving ability to adapt to evolving hip-hop trends.
2008–Present – Acting & Legacy
- Stars in NCIS: Los Angeles (2009–2023).
- Launches “Rock the Bells” brand celebrating hip-hop heritage.
- Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2021.
Book LL Cool J for Events and Appearances
LL Cool J’s career spans multiple entertainment sectors, making him a powerful addition to corporate events, music festivals, brand activations, and speaking engagements. As a Grammy-winning artist and Hollywood actor, he connects with multi-generational audiences.
To hire LL Cool J for an event, appearance, or live performance:
- Work with a verified booking agent or official talent agency.
- Provide details such as event type, audience, and location.
- Ensure availability aligns with project timelines or tour schedules.
Booking LL Cool J guarantees a high-impact performance, industry professionalism, and broad fan appeal.
LL Cool J Fast Facts
- Full Name: James Todd Smith
- Stage Name: LL Cool J (stands for “Ladies Love Cool James”)
- Birthdate: January 14, 1968
- Age: 56 (as of 2024)
- Hometown: Bay Shore, Long Island, New York, USA
- Genres: Hip-hop, Rap, Hip-Hop Soul
- Years Active: 1984–present
- Labels: Def Jam Recordings, S-BRO Music Group
- Estimated Net Worth: $120 million (as of 2024)
Notable Trivia:
- First hip-hop artist signed to Def Jam Recordings.
- Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2021 (Musical Excellence).
- Two-time Grammy Award winner; hosted the Grammy Awards five times.
- Starred for 12 seasons as Special Agent Sam Hanna on NCIS: Los Angeles.
- Founder of SiriusXM’s “Rock the Bells Radio” for classic hip-hop.
Popular LL Cool J Songs
- “I Can’t Live Without My Radio” (1985)
- “Rock the Bells” (1985)
- “I Need Love” (1987)
- “Going Back to Cali” (1989)
- “Mama Said Knock You Out” (1990)
- “Around the Way Girl” (1990)
- “Hey Lover” (feat. Boyz II Men) (1995)
- “Doin’ It” (1995)
- “Loungin (Who Do Ya Luv)” (1996)
- “Headsprung” (2004)
- “All I Have” (with Jennifer Lopez) (2002)
LL Cool J Career Timeline
1984 – Breakthrough and Early Success
- Releases debut single “I Need a Beat” with Def Jam Recordings.
- Becomes first artist signed to Def Jam, shaping early hip-hop sound.
1985 – Debut Album
- Releases debut album Radio, which goes platinum.
- Singles include “I Can’t Live Without My Radio” and “Rock the Bells.”
1987 – Mainstream Crossover
- Bigger and Deffer includes “I Need Love,” one of rap’s first romantic ballads.
1990 – Critical Acclaim
- Releases Mama Said Knock You Out, earning a Grammy and cementing legacy.
1995–1996 – R&B Collaborations
- Mr. Smith album features hits “Hey Lover” and “Doin’ It.”
- Broadens appeal with smoother, R&B-infused tracks.
2000–2004 – Comeback Era
- Releases “Headsprung,” proving ability to adapt to evolving hip-hop trends.
2008–Present – Acting & Legacy
- Stars in NCIS: Los Angeles (2009–2023).
- Launches “Rock the Bells” brand celebrating hip-hop heritage.
- Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2021.
Book LL Cool J for Events and Appearances
LL Cool J’s career spans multiple entertainment sectors, making him a powerful addition to corporate events, music festivals, brand activations, and speaking engagements. As a Grammy-winning artist and Hollywood actor, he connects with multi-generational audiences.
To hire LL Cool J for an event, appearance, or live performance:
- Work with a verified booking agent or official talent agency.
- Provide details such as event type, audience, and location.
- Ensure availability aligns with project timelines or tour schedules.
Booking LL Cool J guarantees a high-impact performance, industry professionalism, and broad fan appeal.
LL Cool J Booking Request Form
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The Headline Booking Promise
At Headline Booking, we deliver unforgettable celebrity entertainment performances for private parties that create lasting impressions and lifelong memories. Our promise is a Gold Standard of service, so you can relax and enjoy the show while trusting that every detail will be executed flawlessly. When you choose Headline Booking, we provide:
Booking of your favorite A-list artist to perform at your private event
Contracting with the artist and coordination of all Artist travel logistics
Our staff to advance all details with you specific to your event
A professional on-site production team overseeing all concert details delivering a seamless experience to be enjoyed by all
