His father shot and nearly killed both his mother and grandfather. Blood was all over the place when 4-year-old LL discovered them. Smith and his mother moved into his grandparents’ home in St. Albans.
Family
Smith was signed by Def Jam and released his first official record, the 12-inch single “I Need a Beat,” under his new stage moniker LL Cool J.
Career
Todd Smith is his clothing line, and it specializes in popular urban attire. In 2008, LL inked a partnership with Sears to design and distribute a family-friendly clothing brand.
Other Interests
From 1992 to 1994, Smith dated Kidada Jones, the daughter of producer Quincy Jones. In 1995, he married Simone Johnson. They married in 1987 and have four children together.
Private Life
LL Cool J received the Grammy Award for Best Rap Solo Performance in 1992 for “Mama Said Knock You Out,” which also won the MTV Award for Best Rap Video.
Achievements
LL Cool J has a net worth of $120 million and is an American rapper and actor. He was one of the first hip-hop performers to achieve widespread success.