James Todd Smith (born January 14, 1968), professionally known as LL Cool J (short for Ladies Love Cool James), is an American rapper and actor. He gained fame after signing with Def Jam Recordings in 1984, with hits like “I Need a Beat” and the album Radio (1985).
LL Cool J’s notable albums include Bigger and Deffer (1987) and Mama Said Knock You Out (1990). He has acted in films like Halloween H20 and starred in NCIS: Los Angeles. He is a two-time Grammy Award winner and a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee.
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Table of Contents
LL Cool J’s Net Worth
LL Cool J has a net worth of $120 million. He earned approximately $350,000 per episode for his role in “NCIS: Los Angeles,” totaling around $8.4 million per season.
Known for his versatility, he has appeared in various films and television shows, with notable roles in “In Too Deep,” “Any Given Sunday,” and as Special Agent Sam Hanna in “NCIS: Los Angeles,” where he starred for over a decade.
Early life
James Todd Smith, born in Bay Shore, Long Island, to Ondrea Griffith and James Louis Smith Jr., faced a tumultuous childhood marked by abuse. After his father shot his mother and grandfather, Smith moved to St. Albans, Queens, with his mother.
Influenced by The Treacherous Three, he began rapping at age 10. By 1984, at 16, he was recording demos, supported by his grandfather’s music equipment and his mother’s encouragement. Smith later sent his demos to Def Jam, co-founded by Rick Rubin and Russell Simmons.
Career
LL Cool J began recording his own songs, which caught the attention of Def Jam Recordings, leading to his debut single, “I Need a Beat,” selling over 100,000 copies. Dropping out of high school, his debut album, “Radio,” achieved platinum status, followed by “Bigger and Deffer,” which featured the hit “I Need Love.”
He shifted to acting during a hiatus, starring in films and the sitcom “In The House.” He returned with “Mr. Smith,” earning a Grammy. Honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2016, he became the first rapper to receive recognition at the Kennedy Center Honors in 2017.
Personal Life
James Todd Smith dated Kidada Jones, daughter of producer Quincy Jones, from 1992 to 1994. He married Simone Johnson in 1995 after meeting her in 1987; they have four children together. Simone was diagnosed with chondrosarcoma, a third-stage bone cancer, but became cancer-free by 2004.
She launched a jewelry line in 2011 and became a born-again Christian. Smith introduced her to singer Mary J. Blige in 2005, leading to their friendship and the launch of their jewelry line, Sister Love, in 2020. In 2023, they co-founded a men’s jewelry line, Majesty.
How much does LL Cool J get paid per episode?
LL Cool J reportedly earns $350,000 per episode for his role in the CBS police drama NCIS: Los Angeles. As of May 2022, the show has aired 302 episodes, with LL appearing in every single one.
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Conclusion
LL Cool J’s journey from a rapper to a multifaceted businessman and actor is a story of resilience, talent, and savvy business acumen. His legacy in hip-hop and beyond is a powerful narrative of overcoming adversity to build a fortune and a lasting impact.
FAQs about LL Cool J’s Net Worth:
- What is LL Cool J’s primary source of wealth? His wealth primarily stems from his music career, acting roles, particularly in NCIS: Los Angeles, and various business ventures.
- Has LL Cool J invested in other industries outside of entertainment? Yes, he has ventured into the fashion industry and technology with his clothing lines and digital platform, Boomdizzle.com.
- What philanthropic efforts is LL Cool J known for? He founded the Jump & Ball Foundation and supports various causes related to literacy, music, and arts programs for children and schools.
- How has LL Cool J influenced the hip-hop industry? LL Cool J is credited with bringing a conventional song structure to rap, making it more accessible to a broader audience and pioneering pop-rap.
- Is LL Cool J still producing music? As of 2023, he has signed back with Def Jam Records and is reportedly working on new music, demonstrating his enduring presence in the industry.
