LL Cool J Net Worth, Biography, Age, Height, Family, Wife & More
LL Cool J, born James Todd Smith on January 14, 1968, in Queens, New York, is a living legend in the music and entertainment industries. As one of the pioneers of hip-hop, he not only revolutionized the genre but also managed to remain relevant for over three decades. From breaking into the scene with his groundbreaking debut album Radio in 1984 to starring in TV series like NCIS: Los Angeles, LL Cool J’s career continues to evolve. With an estimated net worth of $120 million, his journey is an inspiring example of how talent, hard work, and business savvy can lead to long-term success.
In this article, we’ll delve into LL Cool J’s net worth, early life, career, personal life, and more. Let’s explore the story behind his massive fortune and his incredible journey from rapper to multifaceted entertainer.
Quick Bio
| Category | Details |
| Full Name | James Todd Smith |
| Stage Name | LL Cool J |
| Birthdate | January 14, 1968 |
| Age | 57 years old |
| Birthplace | Queens, New York |
| Height | 6 feet (1.83 meters) |
| Net Worth | $120 million |
| Occupation | Rapper, Actor, Entrepreneur, Radio Host |
| Genres | Hip-hop, Rap |
| Notable Albums | Radio, Bigger and Deffer, Mama Said Knock You Out |
| Notable Movies/Shows | NCIS: Los Angeles, NCIS: Hawaii, Any Given Sunday, S.W.A.T. |
| Spouse | Simone Smith (married since 1995) |
| Children | 4 |
| Family | Raised by mother Ondrea Smith, father James Smith |
| Business Ventures | Rock The Bells Radio on SiriusXM, jewelry line with wife Simone Smith |
| Social Media | 3 million followers on Instagram |
LL Cool J’s Net Worth
LL Cool J has built a staggering net worth of $120 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth. This massive fortune is the result of his success in music, acting, business ventures, and his Sirius XM radio station. LL Cool J rose to fame as a rapper in the 80s and has since expanded his influence into various other industries, including television and radio.
His musical career alone has been incredibly profitable. His debut album, Radio, sold over 1.5 million copies and set the stage for his success. As his albums continued to rack up impressive sales, LL also made strategic decisions to diversify his income streams. His acting career, which includes starring in NCIS: Los Angeles and NCIS: Hawaii, further boosted his earnings. LL also took ownership of his musical legacy by launching the Rock The Bells Radio station, dedicated to classic hip-hop, which adds another layer to his diversified portfolio.
Early Life and Education
James Todd Smith was born and raised in Queens, New York, a borough that played a significant role in the birth of hip-hop culture. Raised by his mother, Ondrea Smith, and his father, James Smith, LL Cool J’s childhood wasn’t easy. His father abandoned the family when he was young, and LL’s mother had to raise him and his siblings on her own. However, his mother’s determination to give her children a better life inspired LL to push forward in his pursuit of success.
LL Cool J’s educational journey took him to the nearby Andrew Jackson High School in Queens, where he began honing his musical talents. It was here that he was introduced to the emerging hip-hop scene. He initially used a boombox to create his own beats, and soon his skills started to get noticed. By the age of 16, he had recorded a demo tape that eventually reached Def Jam Recordings, one of the most influential hip-hop labels at the time. LL’s demo caught the attention of Rick Rubin, and it was his introduction to Def Jam that would change the course of his life.
Career Journey: From Rapper to Superstar
LL Cool J’s rise to fame started with the release of his debut album, Radio, in 1984. The album was an instant success, and its single “I Can’t Live Without My Radio” became a hip-hop anthem. His ability to blend hard-hitting rap with accessible themes and smooth hooks quickly established him as one of the most influential rappers in the genre’s early years.
The success of Radio was just the beginning. His follow-up album, Bigger and Deffer (1987), produced the hit single “I Need Love,” a track that showcased LL Cool J’s versatility and ability to balance tough rap with more sensitive, emotional themes. This ability to move between hard and soft earned him a dedicated fanbase across different demographics.
In total, LL Cool J released 13 studio albums over his career. His music consistently found commercial success, with multiple albums going platinum and charting in the top 10 of the Billboard 200. His longevity in the music business helped cement his status as a pioneer of hip-hop.
However, LL Cool J’s career didn’t stop at music. In the late 90s, he made the transition into acting. He starred in various movies, including Any Given Sunday (1999) and S.W.A.T. (2003), but his most significant role came when he joined the cast of NCIS: Los Angeles. His portrayal of Sam Hanna, a former Navy SEAL turned special agent, earned him widespread recognition and a dedicated fanbase for his acting career. He starred in the show for 14 seasons, reportedly earning $350,000 per episode.
In addition to his acting roles, LL Cool J continued to focus on his business ventures. In 2018, he launched Rock The Bells Radio on SiriusXM, a channel that honors the legacy of hip-hop. The station not only showcases classic hip-hop hits but also allows legends of the genre, such as Too $hort and Roxanne Shante, to host their own shows. This move solidified LL Cool J’s status as an entrepreneur and a cultural ambassador for hip-hop.
Family and Legacy
Family has always been a crucial part of LL Cool J’s life. His relationship with his mother, Ondrea Smith, was particularly influential. He has credited her with inspiring his work ethic and determination. LL Cool J’s personal life has remained relatively private, but it is known that he has been married to Simone Smith since 1995. The couple shares four children, and their enduring marriage has been a source of stability for the hip-hop legend.
Simone Smith is not just LL’s wife but also a successful entrepreneur in her own right. She is the founder of a jewelry line and has been a strong support system throughout LL’s career. The couple has frequently shared glimpses of their family life on social media, showing their deep connection and commitment to one another.
Relationship and Marriage Life
LL Cool J’s marriage to Simone Smith has stood the test of time. After nearly 30 years of marriage, the couple remains one of the most stable relationships in the entertainment industry. Simone, who was diagnosed with cancer in the 2000s, has been a major influence on LL Cool J’s life, and he has often spoken publicly about his admiration for her strength.
LL’s dedication to his family extends beyond his marriage. He is a proud father to four children, and his personal life is centered around family values. His children have grown up in the public eye, but LL has done his best to protect their privacy, maintaining a balance between his high-profile career and his family life.
Age, Height, and Weight
LL Cool J was born on January 14, 1968, which makes him 57 years old. Despite being in his mid-50s, he has maintained an impressive physique over the years. Standing at 6 feet (1.83 meters) tall, LL Cool J is known for his muscular build, which he regularly showcases on social media. His commitment to fitness is part of his broader lifestyle, and it has become a defining characteristic of his public persona.
What is LL Cool J Doing Now?
LL Cool J continues to make waves in both the entertainment and business worlds. In addition to his acting role in NCIS: Hawaii, he continues to be active on social media, where he has more than three million followers on Instagram. LL regularly shares updates about his music, family, and personal life, keeping fans engaged and connected.
He also remains deeply involved in his radio station, Rock The Bells, which continues to be a major platform for classic hip-hop music and culture. LL’s ability to bridge the gap between different generations of hip-hop fans has contributed to his lasting influence on the genre.
Future Plans
Looking ahead, LL Cool J is committed to continuing his work in entertainment. His acting career is still thriving with his role in NCIS: Hawaii, and he has expressed interest in furthering his business ventures. He has also hinted at the possibility of new music projects, although details about future releases are scarce. LL has always been someone who adapts to the times, and it’s clear that his influence on the entertainment world will continue for years to come.
Conclusion
LL Cool J is more than just a legendary rapper—he is a multifaceted entertainer and entrepreneur. With a net worth of $120 million, LL’s journey from a young, aspiring rapper in Queens to an international superstar is nothing short of remarkable. His success in both music and acting, coupled with his entrepreneurial ventures, has made him one of the most influential figures in hip-hop culture. LL Cool J’s legacy as a pioneer of hip-hop is secure, and he will undoubtedly continue to inspire future generations of artists and fans.
FAQs
1. How old is LL Cool J?
LL Cool J was born on January 14, 1968, making him 56 years old.
2. What is LL Cool J’s net worth?
LL Cool J’s net worth is estimated to be $120 million.
3. Who is LL Cool J married to?
LL Cool J has been married to Simone Smith since 1995.
4. How many children does LL Cool J have?
LL Cool J and his wife, Simone, have four children.
5. What is LL Cool J’s most famous role?
LL Cool J is best known for his role as Sam Hanna on NCIS: Los Angeles and NCIS: Hawaii.
6. What other ventures has LL Cool J pursued?
In addition to music and acting, LL Cool J launched Rock The Bells Radio on SiriusXM, showcasing classic hip-hop and hosting legends of the genre.
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