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Why did LL Cool J change his name?
Why did LL Cool J change his name? Smith started using the moniker LL Cool J in 1984 when he was 16. He'd tried out a number of stage names but he wanted something memorable. "I had a friend, his name is Playboy Mikey D, he's a rap artist," he told Katie Couric in 2013.
What is LL Cool J salary?
$350,000It's been reported that the star's salary per episode today is a whopping $350,000. As of May 2022, the CBS police drama has aired 302 episodes - and LL has appeared in every single one of them.
Who is the richest rapper in the world?
Kanye WestTop 10 Richest Rappers in the World (2022)PositionRapperNet Worth1Kanye West$2.0 Billion2Jay-Z$1.3 Billion3Diddy$900 Million4Dr. Dre$500 Million6 more rows•4 days ago
What is P Diddy's net worth?
In 2019, Forbes estimated his net worth at $740 million....Sean CombsBornSean John Combs November 4, 1969 New York City, U.S.Other namesPuff Daddy P. Diddy Diddy Puffy16 more rows
What is LL Cool J Worth 2022?
This begs the question of the rapper and actor's net worth. According to Celebrity Net Worth, LL Cool J has an estimated current worth of $120 million. LL has made the majority of his income as a rapper and an actor.
What is Ice-T worth 2022?
Ice-T net worth is $60 million (approx.) in 2022.
How rich is Martin Lawrence?
As of October 2022, Martin Lawrence's net worth is estimated to be $110 Million. What is this? Martin Lawrence is an American actor, stand-up comedian, and producer born in Frankfurt, Germany.
How much does Ice-T make per episode?
$250,000 per episodeHow much does Ice-T make each episode? It has been reported that Ice-T makes $250,000 per episode as part of his contract with Law & Order: SVU. This does not appear to take into account royalties for syndication, which would only add to his income from the show.
What is LL Cool J known for?from en.wikipedia.org
A two-time Grammy Award winner, LL Cool J is known for hip hop songs such as " Going Back to Cali ", " I'm Bad ", " The Boomin' System " , " Rock the Bells " , and " Mama Said Knock You Out " , as well as R&B hits such as " Doin' It ", " I Need Love ", " All I Have ", " Around the Way Girl " and " Hey Lover ". In 2010, VH1 placed him on their "100 Greatest Artists Of All Time" list. 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.
What is LL Cool J's music label?from en.wikipedia.org
LL Cool J started his own businesses in the music industry such as the music label in 1993 called P.O.G. (Power Of God) and formed the company Rock The Bells to produce music. With the Rock The Bells label, he had artists such as Amyth, Smokeman, Natice, Chantel Jones and Simone Starks.
What is the song "NCIS" about?from en.wikipedia.org
In September 2009, LL Cool J released a song about the NCIS TV series. It is a single and is available on iTunes. The new track is based on his experiences playing special agent Sam Hanna. "This song is the musical interpretation of what I felt after meeting with NCIS agents, experienced Marines and Navy SEALs ," LL Cool J said. "It represents the collective energy in the room. I was so inspired I wrote the song on set."
How many albums does LL Cool J have?from en.wikipedia.org
LL Cool J has released 13 studio albums and two greatest hits compilations. His twelfth album Exit 13 (2008), was his last for his long-tenured deal with Def Jam Recordings. LL Cool J has appeared in numerous films, including In Too Deep, Any Given Sunday, Deep Blue Sea, S.W.A.T., Mindhunters, and Edison. He currently plays NCIS Special Agent Sam Hanna in the CBS crime drama television series NCIS: Los Angeles. LL Cool J also is the host of Lip Sync Battle on Paramount Network.
What was LL Cool J's first acting role?from en.wikipedia.org
While LL Cool J first appeared as a rapper in the movie Krush Groove (performing "I Can't Live Without My Radio"), his first acting part was a small role in a high school football movie called Wildcats. He landed the role of Captain Patrick Zevo in Barry Levinson 's 1992 film Toys. From 1995–99, he starred in his own television sitcom In the House. 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.
What album did LL Cool J release in 1997?from en.wikipedia.org
In that same year, he released the album Phenomenon. The singles included " Phenomenon " and "Father".
What year did LL Cool J release Mama Said Knock You Out?from en.wikipedia.org
According to Billboard, the album peaked at No. 6 on the Billboard 200 and was LL Cool J's second #1 R&B Album where it spent four weeks. In 1990, LL released Mama Said Knock You Out, his fourth studio album.
When did LL Cool J start rapping?
LL Cool J had began rapping at age nine and being fortunate to be gifted with music equipment when he was sixteen enabling the young teen to create his own demo tape giving him a head start on the competition.
What does L.L. stand for?
The L.L. stands for “Ladies Love”.
How old was James Todd Smith when he started rapping?
This incredibly talented man was born James Todd Smith, his early childhood is not for the faint of heart. He started rapping when he was just 9 years old, his influence came from a Hip Hop group known as The Treacherous Three. When he was 16 he was mixing and producing his own demos and sendin
Who was the dj in Run DMC?
One of their strongest influences was a dj "Jazzy Jase"/Jason Mizell who in time would become known as “Jam Master Jay” with Mizell becoming the group’s resident Dj.
Do NCIS LA friends have BFFs?
yes to the 10 plus years of NCIS LA they have become friends they're not quite BFFs but they're tight…
Who produced the rhythms for LL?
The genius Rick Rubin did (produced) LL's first 2 albums BUT… the inspiration of that type of rhythm came from a song The Crash Crew did called “Breaking Bells" basically made for us to Break Dance to.
Is Everything from there upward trajectory?
Everything from there was an upward trajectory stardom wise.
What is LL Cool J known for?
A two-time Grammy Award winner, LL Cool J is known for hip hop songs such as " Going Back to Cali ", " I'm Bad ", " The Boomin' System " , " Rock the Bells " , and " Mama Said Knock You Out " , as well as R&B hits such as " Doin' It ", " I Need Love ", " All I Have ", " Around the Way Girl " and " Hey Lover ". In 2010, VH1 placed him on their "100 Greatest Artists Of All Time" list. 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.
How many albums does LL Cool J have?
LL Cool J has released 13 studio albums and two greatest hits compilations. His twelfth album Exit 13 (2008), was his last for his long-tenured deal with Def Jam Recordings. LL Cool J has appeared in numerous films, including In Too Deep, Any Given Sunday, Deep Blue Sea, S.W.A.T., Mindhunters, and Edison. He currently plays NCIS Special Agent Sam Hanna in the CBS crime drama television series NCIS: Los Angeles. LL Cool J also is the host of Lip Sync Battle on Paramount Network.
What year did LL Cool J release Mama Said Knock You Out?
According to Billboard, the album peaked at No. 6 on the Billboard 200 and was LL Cool J's second #1 R&B Album where it spent four weeks. In 1990, LL released Mama Said Knock You Out, his fourth studio album.
What was LL Cool J's 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. It spent 11 weeks at No. 1 on Billboard ' s R&B albums chart. It also reached No. 3 on the Billboard ' s Pop albums chart. The album featured the singles " I'm Bad ", the revolutionary " I Need Love " - LL's first #1 R&B and Top 40 hit, " Bristol Hotel ", and " Go Cut Creator Go ". 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. Released in 1989, the album was a commercial success, with several charting singles (" Going Back to Cali ," "I'm That Type of Guy," "Jingling Baby," "Big Ole Butt," and "One Shot at Love"). Despite commercial appeal, the album was often criticized by the hip-hop community as being too commercial and materialistic, and for focusing too much on love ballads. As a result, his audience base began to decline due to the album's bold commercial and pop aspirations. According to Billboard, the album peaked at No. 6 on the Billboard 200 and was LL Cool J's second #1 R&B Album where it spent four weeks.
How many copies of LL's debut single sold?
LL's debut single sold over 100,000 copies and helped establish both Def Jam as a label and Smith as a rapper. The commercial success of "I Need a Beat", along with the Beastie Boys ' single " Rock Hard " (1984), helped lead Def Jam to a distribution deal with Columbia Records the following year.
What was LL's first appearance on American Bandstand?
Another milestone of LL's popularity was his appearance on American Bandstand as the first hip hop act on the show, as well as an appearance on Diana Ross ' 1987 television special, Red Hot Rhythm & Blues . The album's success also helped in contributing to Rick Rubin's credibility and repertoire as a record producer.
When did LL Cool J release his 11th album?
LL Cool J's 11th album, Todd Smith, was released on April 11, 2006. It includes collaborations with 112, Ginuwine, Juelz Santana, Teairra Mari and Freeway. The first single was the Jermaine Dupri -produced "Control Myself" featuring Jennifer Lopez. They shot the video for " Control Myself " on January 2, 2006 at Sony Studios, New York. The second video, directed by Hype Williams, was "Freeze" featuring Lyfe Jennings .
What does LL Cool J stand for?
He then settled on "timeless" LL Cool J, which stands for — wait for it — Ladies Love Cool James. "It seems like 'cool' has been around since the beginning of time," he said of the name. The star then signed his first record deal with Def Jam under the new name, and the rest is history. Oh, and one lady in particular has been loving James since 1995 — his wife, Simone Smith. Whether you've known this fact for years or are just now finding out, it's pretty amazing.
Is LL Cool J real?
In addition to a successful rap career, the star is also an actor, author, TV host, and entrepreneur. While we all know and love him as LL Cool J, it turns out that that isn't his real name, nor is it short for his real name. LL was born James Todd Smith, but after he began his career in music, he decided he needed a more appropriate stage name. LL initially wanted to call himself J-Ski but ultimately decided against it because rappers who used "Ski" or "Blow" in their stage names were associated with the rise of cocaine culture in the '80s.
Who Is LL Cool J?from biography.com
LL Cool J is a nickname that stands for "Ladies Love Cool James." LL Cool J signed to fledgling hip-hop label Def Jam Records in 1984. After a string of hits—included on albums like Bigger and Deffer, Walking with a Panther, Mama Said Knock You Out, 14 Shots to the Dome and Mr. Smith —LL turned to acting, appearing in movies like B.A.P.S., Halloween H2O and Any Given Sunday. In 2009, he began his run on the popular investigative series NCIS: Los Angeles.
What is the song "NCIS" about?from en.wikipedia.org
In September 2009, LL Cool J released a song about the NCIS TV series. It is a single and is available on iTunes. The new track is based on his experiences playing special agent Sam Hanna. "This song is the musical interpretation of what I felt after meeting with NCIS agents, experienced Marines and Navy SEALs ," LL Cool J said. "It represents the collective energy in the room. I was so inspired I wrote the song on set."
What was LL Cool J's first song?from biography.com
His first speaking role was a small part in the 1986 high school football comedy, Wildcats. In his follow-up album, 1987's Bigger and Deffer, LL Cool J showed his softer side with the popular ballad, "I Need Love.". The song became a hit on both the rap and pop charts.
What album did LL Cool J release in 1990?from biography.com
Two years later, he was back on the charts with his album Walking with a Panther. It was his fourth album, Mama Said Knock You Out (1990), however, that became his biggest seller to date. Projecting a tougher, more "street" persona, LL Cool J won over new fans with the title track.
What did LL Cool J say about the RIAA?from en.wikipedia.org
In 2003, LL Cool J spoke at a U.S. Senate Committee hearing on the RIAA lawsuits against Americans distributing or downloading copyrighted music over peer-to -peer networks. He appeared to endorse the RIAA’s position, claiming illegal file sharing was hurting his sales and that his session musicians “can’t live” due to the lost income. Chuck D provided an opposing viewpoint, saying free file-sharing could be leveraged as a promotional tool and the industry was being overprotective of its copyright. He also voiced his support for New York State Senator Malcolm Smith, a Democrat, during an appearance on the senator's local television show; he worked with Smith in putting on the annual Jump and Ball Tournament in the rapper's childhood neighborhood of St. Albans, Queens. In a February 10, 2012 televised interview with CNN host Piers Morgan, LL Cool J expressed sympathy for President Obama and ascribed negative impressions of his leadership to Republican obstruction designed to "make it look like you have a coordination problem." He was quick to add that no one "should assume that I'm a Democrat either. I'm an Independent, you know?" In LL Cool J's Platinum 360 Diet and Lifestyle, he included Barack Obama in a list of people he admired, stating that Obama had "accomplished what people thought was impossible."
What year did LL Cool J release Mama Said Knock You Out?from en.wikipedia.org
According to Billboard, the album peaked at No. 6 on the Billboard 200 and was LL Cool J's second #1 R&B Album where it spent four weeks. In 1990, LL released Mama Said Knock You Out, his fourth studio album.
How many kids does LL Cool J have?from biography.com
They have four children together. The entertainer made headlines in August 2012, when he broke the nose and jaw of a suspected burglar at his home in Studio City, Los Angeles. According to media reports, LL Cool J was at home, upstairs, when he heard sounds coming from the first level and went down to investigate.
What genre is LL Cool J?
He got started in the then-emerging genre of hip-hop in the 1980s, becoming one of the first artists in the field to find mainstream commercial success. His hits, including "Mama Said Knock You Out," "I Need Love," and "Going Back to Cali" remain high-water marks of the genre, long after they were released.
Who is LL Cool J's friend?
In particular, according to Music-News, he became fast friends with Jam Master Jay (Jason William Mizell) of Run-DMC, who graciously mentored the aspiring rapper. "He was a lot of fun, and he just brought an air of security to everyone around him. Like, he was very confident. He was so cool," LL said fondly of his mentor.
What was the album that LL Cool J sold out?
To some hip-hop fans, his 1989 album, "Walking With a Panther," was evidence that he'd sold out. At a performance at the Apollo, according to Pop Matters, the formerly enthusiastic crowd even booed the Queens rapper. It proved a pivotal turning point in his career.
Where was LL Cool J born?
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. His mother, Ondrea, was a nurse's assistant, while his father, James, drove a truck. When Smith was 4, his mother and father had a falling out, and the family went to move in with Ondrea's parents. The elder James, however, distraught at the breakup of his family, responded to the situation with violence. One night, the younger James woke up to the sound of what he described as a "horrible moan," and would find out that his father had shot his mother in the back, and his grandfather in the stomach. Mercifully, both survived the brutal attack.
Is LL Cool J's life easy?
Though he's at the top of his game professionally, Smith's life hasn't always been easy. Born into a troubled and dysfunctional family, LL Cool J witnessed his share of tragedy, even including a murder. Further, as an adult the rapper has dealt with having to learn that his family wasn't quite what he thought it was, as well as having to lose friends and colleagues in the music and entertainment business even as his star rose.
What is LL Cool J's music label?from en.wikipedia.org
LL Cool J started his own businesses in the music industry such as the music label in 1993 called P.O.G. (Power Of God) and formed the company Rock The Bells to produce music. With the Rock The Bells label, he had artists such as Amyth, Smokeman, Natice, Chantel Jones and Simone Starks.
What was LL Cool J's second album?from en.wikipedia.org
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. It spent 11 weeks at No. 1 on Billboard ' s R&B albums chart. It also reached No. 3 on the Billboard ' s Pop albums chart. The album featured the singles " I'm Bad ", the revolutionary " I Need Love " - LL's first #1 R&B and Top 40 hit, " Bristol Hotel ", and " Go Cut Creator Go ". 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. Released in 1989, the album was a commercial success, with several charting singles (" Going Back to Cali ," "I'm That Type of Guy," "Jingling Baby," "Big Ole Butt," and "One Shot at Love"). Despite commercial appeal, the album was often criticized by the hip-hop community as being too commercial and materialistic, and for focusing too much on love ballads. As a result, his audience base began to decline due to the album's bold commercial and pop aspirations. According to Billboard, the album peaked at No. 6 on the Billboard 200 and was LL Cool J's second #1 R&B Album where it spent four weeks.
How did LL Cool J and Simone meet?from parade.com
LL Cool J was already well established in his career as a rapper when he met Smith during a chance encounter in 1987 when he was a teenager. “I was just 19, something like that,” LL said in an interview on Jimmy Kimmel Live. “It was Easter and I was driving down the block in my mother’s car.” The rapper said it all started when he stopped the car to say hello to a friend, who asked LL, “Hey, you wanna meet my cousin?” At first, LL told his friend that he had somewhere else to go, but seeing Smith for the first time changed his mind: “I looked over and said, ‘Oh yeah, I’ll meet your cousin.'”
When is LL Cool J’s wife’s birthday?from parade.com
Simone’s birthday is March 30. The 51-year-old celebrated it in 2021 by collaborating with her husband’s brand to create Rock the Bells jewelry.
How many kids does LL Cool J have?from parade.com
LL and Smith have four children together; a son Najee, 32, and daughters Italia, 30, Samaria, 25, and Nina, 21. They welcomed their older two children before they were married. While those two have pursued careers away from the spotlight, youngest daughter Nina is following in her dad’s footsteps in the music industry as an R&B singer. LL and Simone also have two grandchildren.
What is the song "NCIS" about?from en.wikipedia.org
In September 2009, LL Cool J released a song about the NCIS TV series. It is a single and is available on iTunes. The new track is based on his experiences playing special agent Sam Hanna. "This song is the musical interpretation of what I felt after meeting with NCIS agents, experienced Marines and Navy SEALs ," LL Cool J said. "It represents the collective energy in the room. I was so inspired I wrote the song on set."
What was LL Cool J's first acting role?from en.wikipedia.org
While LL Cool J first appeared as a rapper in the movie Krush Groove (performing "I Can't Live Without My Radio"), his first acting part was a small role in a high school football movie called Wildcats. He landed the role of Captain Patrick Zevo in Barry Levinson 's 1992 film Toys. From 1995–99, he starred in his own television sitcom In the House. 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.
Who is LL Cool J married to?
What isn't often talked about is his family life. LL Cool J has been married to jewelry designer, Simon Smith for 25 years, and the two have four kids together.
How many kids does LL Cool J have?
LL Cool J has been married for 25 years and has four kids. Legendary rapper turned actor, LL Cool J has been married for 25 years and has four kids. While it's not uncommon for celebs kids to follow in their famous parents' footsteps, some celeb kids choose different paths, opting to live life out of the public eye.
When did the Fit brand launch?
The brand was launched in 2019 and has already caught the attention of some famous names in the industry. According to Coveteur, "Last January, after graduating from FIT with a degree in design and merchandising, Samaria Leah Smith dove headfirst into creating her own brand.".
Does LL have spoiled kids?
Although they are a close-knit family, LL refuses to raise spoiled kids. The star revealed that while there was nothing wrong with helping out your kids with opportunities, he felt that they should earn it. LL is not handing his kids anything on a silver platter, he believes in hard work.
What is LL Cool J doing now?
After being nominated six times, LL Cool J finally made it into the Rock n' Roll Hall of Fame, and rightfully so. Joining him in the 2021 class is Tina Turner, Carole King, The Go-Gos, Jay-Z, Todd Rundgren, and Foo Fighters. His performance, much his like career, was unmissable and electric.
Who inspires LL Cool J?
According to Variety, LL Cool J listed a small but mighty group of artists as people who influenced him musically. After waxing poetic about Jimi Hendrix, Aerosmith, Bob Dylan, AC/DC, Led Zeppelin, and Billy Squier, he said, "Bob Dylan, ‘Subterranean Homesick Blues,’ come on, man! The words and the lyrics and the stuff he does in that."
What has LL Cool J done outside of music?
LL Cool J is an insanely busy man. For the past 12 years, he's been starring on NCIS: Los Angeles as Special Agent Sam Hanna, a role that garnered him two NAACP Image Awards, as well as a Teen Choice Award.
Overview
James Todd Smith (born January 14, 1968), known professionally as LL Cool J (short for Ladies Love Cool James), is an American rapper, songwriter, record producer, and actor.
His breakthrough success came with his single "I Need a Beat" and his debut studio album, Radio, in 1985. His sophomore album, Bigger and Deffer, support…
Early life and family
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. According to the Chicago Tribune, "[As] a kid growing up middle class and Catholic in Queens, life for LL was heart-breaking. His father shot his mother and grandfather, nearly killing them both. When 4-year-old LL found them, blood was everywhere." In 1972, Smith and his mother moved into his grandparents…
Musical career
In the VH1 documentary Planet Rock: The Story of Hip Hop and the Crack Generation, Smith revealed that he initially called himself J-Ski, but did not want to associate his stage name with the cocaine culture (The rappers who use "Ski" or "Blow" as part of their stage name, e.g., Kurtis Blow and Joeski Love, were associated with the rise of the cocaine culture, as depicted in the 1983 remake of Scarface.) Under his new stage name LL Cool J (an abbreviation for Ladies Love Cool …
Acting career
While LL Cool J first appeared as a rapper in the movie Krush Groove (performing "I Can't Live Without My Radio"), his first acting part was a small role in a high school football movie called Wildcats. He landed the role of Captain Patrick Zevo in Barry Levinson's 1992 film Toys. From 1995 to 1999, he starred in his own television sitcom In the House. He portrayed an ex-Oakland Raiders running back who finds himself in financial difficulties and is forced to rent part of his home out …
Other ventures
LL Cool J worked behind the scenes with the mid-1980s hip-hop sportswear line TROOP. LL Cool J launched a clothing line (called "Todd Smith"). The brand produces popular urban apparel. Designs include influences from LL's lyrics and tattoos, as well as from other icons in the hip-hop community. LL Cool J has written four books, including I Make My Own Rules, (1997), an autobiography cowritten with Karen Hunter. His second book was the children-oriented book call…
Legacy
With the breakthrough success of his hit single "I Need a Beat" and the Radio LP, LL Cool J became an early hip-hop act to achieve mainstream success along with Kurtis Blow and Run-DMC. Gigs at larger venues were offered to LL as he would join the 1986-'87 Raising Hell tour, opening for Run-D.M.C. and the Beastie Boys. Another milestone of LL's popularity was his appearance on American Bandstand as the first hip-hop act on the show.
Personal life
Smith dated Kidada Jones, daughter of producer Quincy Jones, from 1992 to 1994. He married Simone Johnson in 1995. The couple met in 1987 and have four children.
Smith reconciled with his father.
In an episode of Finding Your Roots, Smith learned that his mother was adopted by Eugene Griffith and Ellen Hightower. The series' genetic genealogist CeCe Moore identified Smith's biological gra…
Discography
Studio albums
• Radio (1985)
• Bigger and Deffer (1987)
• Walking with a Panther (1989)
• Mama Said Knock You Out (1990)