James Todd Smith (born January 14, 1968),
better known as
LL Cool J, is an
African-American rapper and actor. LL Cool J stands for "Ladies Love Cool James." He is known for romantic ballads such as "
I Need Love" and "
Hey Lover" as well as pioneering hip-hop such as "
Headsprung", "
I Can't Live Without My Radio", "
I'm Bad", "
The Boomin' System", "
Mama Said Knock You Out", and "
4, 3, 2, 1". He has also appeared in several films. LL Cool J is one of a few hip-hop stars of his era to sustain a successful recording career for more than two decades. He has released twelve studio albums and a greatest hits compilation so far, with his latest album being 2008's
Exit 13, the last for LL's record deal with
Def Jam Recordings. He now resides in
Manhasset, New York with his wife and four children.
[www.defjam.com/site/artist_home.php?artist_id=202 Official Site @ Def Jam]
Early life
LL spent most of his youth singing in the
church choir, participating in the
Boy Scouts, and
delivering newspapers. At age 16, by using a
mixing table purchased by his grandfather at Sears
[According to speech made by LL Cool J at Sears Headquarters in October 23, 2008 to promote his new clothing line, ], Smith produced and created
demos and sent them to various
record companies, including
Def Jam Recordings.
