LL Cool J at a Glance
- Categories: Celebrities, Celebrities > Rappers
- Net Worth: $120 Million
- Birthdate: Jan 14, 1968 (56 years old)
- Birthplace: Bay Shore
- Gender: Male
- Profession: Actor, Record producer, Writer, Author, Rapper, Singer-songwriter, Entrepreneur
- Nationality: United States of America
- Height: 6 ft 1 in (1.87 m)
LL Cool J’s Net Worth: A Deep Dive into His Career and Fortune
LL Cool J, born James Todd Smith, is a multifaceted American artist who has left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry. Revered as a pioneering figure in hip-hop, he has seamlessly transitioned into a successful acting career, accumulating a net worth of $120 million. This article delves into the various facets of LL Cool J’s life, from his humble beginnings to his current status as a cultural icon.
Early Life and Influences
James Todd Smith was born on January 14, 1968, in Bay Shore, New York. His early life was marked by significant challenges. At the age of four, he witnessed a traumatic event involving his mother and grandmother. Subsequently, he endured further hardship growing up with a stepfather who was a drug addict.
Despite these difficulties, Smith found solace and inspiration in music. He began singing in his church choir and started rapping at the age of nine. His grandfather, a jazz saxophonist, fostered his musical inclinations, even gifting him his first mixing table at the age of sixteen, purchased from Sears. His mother provided additional support, purchasing him a Korg drum machine using her tax refund.
The Rise of a Hip-Hop Icon: LL Cool J’s Music Career
At a young age, Smith started recording his own songs. His demo caught the attention of Def Jam Recordings. They were so impressed that they signed him. He adopted the stage name LL Cool J, an acronym for “Ladies Love Cool James.”
His breakout single, “I Need a Beat,” released in 1984, sold over 100,000 copies, which led him to drop out of high school to record his debut album. This was a pivotal moment in his career. His debut album, “Radio,” released in 1985, was a massive success. It achieved platinum status, selling 1.5 million copies and was a hit with critics due to its accessible song structures. LL Cool J released a string of successful albums in the late 1980s, including “Bigger and Deffer” (1987) and “Walking with a Panther” (1989), further solidifying his position in the hip-hop world. The song “I Need Love” became one of the first pop-rap songs.
In 1990, he released “Mama Said Knock You Out,” an album that embraced the evolving aggressive style of hip-hop and was a commercial and critical success. Despite a setback with his 1993 album, LL Cool J successfully pivoted to acting, appearing in films like “The Hard Way” and “Toys,” and the sitcom “In the House.” He returned to music in 1995 with “Mr. Smith,” which featured collaborations with Boyz II Men and a cover of Michael Jackson’s “The Lady in My Life,” earning him a Grammy Award and selling over two million copies. His continued success with albums like “Phenomenon” and “G.O.A.T.” (Greatest Of All Time) demonstrated his sustained relevance in the music industry. He also hosted the Grammy Awards for five consecutive years, from 2012 to 2016. In September 2019, he signed back to Def Jam Records, signaling a potential return to music.
From Music to the Screen: LL Cool J’s Acting Journey
LL Cool J’s acting career has been as impressive as his music career. His debut acting role was in the film “Wildcats.” His role in the 1992 movie “Toys” further showcased his acting versatility, and his own TV sitcom, “In the House,” which aired from 1995 to 1998, demonstrated his ability to captivate audiences on the small screen. In 1998, he appeared in “Halloween H20.” His acting career continued with roles in films such as “Deliver Us from Eva,” “S.W.A.T.,” and “Mindhunters.”
‘NCIS: Los Angeles’ and Other Ventures
Since 2009, LL Cool J has starred in the leading role in “NCIS: Los Angeles,” playing Special Agent Sam Hanna. This role has solidified his status as a television star. In addition to his acting roles, LL Cool J has expanded his career to other ventures. Since April 2015, he has hosted the popular celebrity competition game show “Lip Sync Battle.” This further broadened his audience and showcased his entertainment prowess.
Beyond Music and Acting: LL Cool J’s Entrepreneurial Ventures
LL Cool J has ventured into various entrepreneurial pursuits, including:
- Fashion: He has worked with the hip-hop sportswear line TROOP and was involved in launching a clothing line through FUBU in 1996. He also created his own clothing line, Todd Smith, which produces urban wear. In 2008, he signed a deal with Sears to design and sell an affordable clothing line for families.
- Business: He founded Boomdizzle.com, a record label and social networking site that launched in 2009.
- Education: In November 2017, LL Cool J completed the Business of Entertainment Media & Sports program at Harvard University.
He is also an accomplished author, having written four books:
- “I Make My Own Rules” (1998)
- “And The Winner Is” (2002)
- “The Platinum Workout” (2006)
- “LL Cool J (Hip Hop Stars)” (2007)
LL Cool J established a charitable foundation called Jump & Ball, based in Queens, New York, that provides athletic and team-building programs for children. He is involved in various causes that support literacy, music, and arts programs for kids and schools. He continues to be a strong voice in supporting community endeavors.
Personal Life and Legacy
LL Cool J has been married to Simone Johnson since 1995, and they have four children together. Prior to his marriage, he dated Kidada Jones, the daughter of Quincy Jones, from 1992 to 1994. His family life has been a cornerstone of his personal life.
In an episode of “Finding Your Roots,” LL Cool J discovered that his mother was adopted and his biological grandparents were Ethel Mae Jolly and Nathaniel Christy Lewis. DNA analysis revealed that his great-uncle was Hall of Fame boxer John Henry Lewis. In August 2012, he made headlines when he defended his home against a burglar.

Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images
LL Cool J was awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in January 2016. In December 2017, he became the first rapper to be recognized at the Kennedy Center Honors, a testament to his influence. He continues to inspire many people.
Conclusion: LL Cool J’s Enduring Impact
LL Cool J’s career spans music, acting, and entrepreneurship. He has received many awards, including two Grammy Awards and an MTV Icon Award. He was also honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. He is an undeniable icon in the entertainment industry.
Career Earnings
Source / Title | Amount |
---|---|
NCIS: Los Angeles | $150 Thousand/episode |
Rollerball | $1 Million |
Total Earnings | $1.2 Million |