How old was LL Cool J when he was born?
L.L. 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. At the age of four, he saw his mother and grandfather shot by his own father.
What does LL Cool J stand for in rap?
LL Cool J stands for “Ladies Love Cool James.” Regarded as one of the most succesful rap artists of all time. Separated from girlfriend Simone Smith sometime after the birth of their second child.
When did LL Cool J start Def Jam?
He has been on Def Jam Records longer than any other artists from its start in 1985 to the present. Wrote and performed the first ever rap love song “I Need Love” in 1985. In his personal life, he goes by the name Todd. Homaged/satirized in Sonic Youth ‘s song “Kool Thing” (from the 1990 album “Goo”).
When did LL Cool J get his star on the Walk of Fame?
He was awarded a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for Recording at 6901 Hollywood Boulevard in Hollywood, California on January 21, 2016. A hip-hop icon. 2017 Kennedy Center Honors honoree.
What was LL Cool J’s first official song?
Under his new stage name, LL Cool J (an abbreviation for Ladies Love Cool James), Smith was signed by Def Jam, which led to the release of his first official record, the 12-inch single “I Need a Beat” (1984). The single was a hard-hitting, streetwise b-boy song with spare beats and ballistic rhymes.
What kind of movies does LL Cool J appear in?
LL Cool J appeared in numerous films, including In Too Deep, Any Given Sunday, S.W.A.T., Deep Blue Sea, Mindhunters, and Edison. He currently plays NCIS Special Agent Sam Hanna in the CBS crime drama television series NCIS: Los Angeles.
When did LL Cool J host the Grammy Awards?
LL Cool J has hosted the Grammy Awards Show for five consecutive years, from the 54th Grammy Awards on February 12, 2012, through the 58th Grammy Awards on February 15, 2016.
What does LL Cool J stand for in MC?
L.L. is not only known as one of the greatest MCs of all time, but he is also known as a great actor. Almost always wears a hat, and wears one of his pant legs rolled up. LL Cool J stands for “Ladies Love Cool James.”
When did LL Cool J come out of retirement?
In March 2016, LL Cool J had announced his retirement on social media, but quickly announced coming out of retirement and that another new album is on the way. In July 2016, LL appeared on ABC’s Greatest Hits. In October 2018, LL Cool J was nominated for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
When did LL Cool J get inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame?
In 2017, LL Cool J became the first rapper to receive the Kennedy Center Honors. In 2021, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with an award for Musical Excellence. James Todd Smith was born on January 14, 1968 in Bay Shore, New York to Ondrea Griffith (born January 19, 1946) and James Louis Smith Jr, also known as James Nunya.
When did LL Cool J get his first record deal?
In 1984, when L.L. was 16, he met Rick Rubin, a student at NYU, who gave him his big break in music. Rick really liked L.L.’s music and decided to try to get him a record deal.
What’s the last album LL Cool J released?
He is a multi-platinum artist who is currently tied for third place for most Billboard chart debuts by a rapper. Last year, he released his critically acclaimed album “Exit 13,” his appropriately titled 13th and last album for the only label he has called home – Def Jam Recordings.
Who was the rapper that sampled LL Cool J’s song Doin It well?
Keri Hilson sampled this song in her song “Do It” featuring Tank for her debut album In a Perfect World. Rapper Fabolous sampled the song for his song ”Doin it Well” featuring Nicki Minaj and Trey Songz for his mixtape Summertime Shootout .
What are the names of LL Cool J songs?
1 Radio (1985). 2 Bigger and Deffer (1987). 3 Walking with a Panther (1989). 4 Mama Said Knock You Out (1990). 5 14 Shots to the Dome (1993). 6 Mr. Smith (1995). 7 Phenomenon (1997). 8 G.O.A.T. (2000). 9 10 (2002). 10 The DEFinition (2004).
When did ” Doin It ” by LL Cool J come out?
(1996) “Doin It” is the second single from LL Cool J’s sixth album, Mr. Smith, and was released on February 20, 1996 for Def Jam Recordings.
When did LL Cool J release his second album?
LL Cool J’s second album was 1987’s Bigger and Deffer, which was produced by DJ Pooh and the L.A. Posse. This stands as one of his biggest-selling career albums, having sold in excess of two million copies in the United States alone.