L L Cool J – Biography, Songs, Albums, Discography & Facts

LL Cool J Biography

“Dreams don’t have deadlines. I’m thinking of doing bigger and better things and having more fun with it.” — LL Cool J

LL Cool J is an American Rapper and Actor. Known for popular hits such as “Mama Said Knock You Out” and “Headsprung”, he has won two Grammy Awards and his albums have sold more than 20 million records worldwide. His first hit dropped in 1985 with “I Can’t Live Without My Radio.” He was the first rap artist to get more than ten consecutive platinum-plus selling albums.

His name stands for Ladies Love Cool James, and his given name is James Todd Smith. He was born on January 14th, 1968 and grew up in Queens. His early years were rough: his father attempted to murder his mother and Grandfather. His mother, who survived the shooting, would go onto date someone who was abusive verbally and physically to LL Cool J. Fortunately, once his mother discovered the abuse, she left the abusive boyfriend. Around this time he started wearing a hat at all times, which would become his signature look. Both his mother and Grandfather were supportive of LL Cool J’s musical ambitions, with his grandfather buying $2,000 worth of musical equipment and his mother buying him a Korg Drum Machine. By ten, he was writing his own lyrics and rapping. When he was 16 he signed with Def Jam. His first single “I Need A Beat” sold over 100,000 copies. In 1987 he released Bigger and Deffer, which topped both the rap and pop charts. The popularity of his music helped Def Jam, his record label, become a success who was able to secure a distribution deal with Columbia Records in 1985.

His success would continue throughout the 80’s and 90’s, and by 1995 the musician jumped into the world of acting with a role in the comedy In The House. He wasn’t worried about damaging his reputation as a rap artist by taking a role in a situational comedy. “… a person who is part of the hip-hop culture would say, ‘Oh LL’s hustling; he’s expanding; he’s moving on even more, and that’s good.’ It’s the difference between a critic listening to a rap record and [a person who is] understanding and living hip-hop culture.’ He would go on to have, by any measure, a very successful acting career with over 40 film and television credits to his name, in addition to hosting the Grammy awards, which he did from 2012 through 2016.

He would become famous outside of the music scene through his role of Sam Hanna in NCIS: Los Angeles. His business empire includes an online social networking community for artists, books, films and even his own clothing line. He successfully juggled his music career with his acting career, releasing numerous albums while having an active acting career. He published an autobiography titled ‘I Make My Own Rules’ and even wrote a children’s book, ‘And The Winner Is.’

L L Cool J Discography

AuthenticSpotifyAppleYouTubeAmazon
Exit 13SpotifyAppleYouTubeAmazon
Todd SmithSpotifyAppleYouTubeAmazon
The DEFinitionSpotifyAppleYouTubeAmazon
10SpotifyAppleYouTubeAmazon
G.O.A.T. (Greatest Of All Time)SpotifyAppleYouTubeAmazon
PhenomenonSpotifyAppleYouTubeAmazon
Mr. SmithSpotifyAppleYouTubeAmazon
14 Shots to the DomeSpotifyAppleYouTubeAmazon
Mama Said Knock You OutSpotifyAppleYouTubeAmazon
Walking with a PantherSpotifyAppleYouTubeAmazon
Bigger and DefferSpotifyAppleYouTubeAmazon
RadioSpotifyAppleYouTubeAmazon

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Frequently Asked Questions

How Many Times Did LL Cool J Go Platinum?

LL Cool J has gone platinum four times. His albums “Mama Said Knock You Out” (1990), “14 Shots to the Dome” (1993), “Mr. Smith” (1995), and “G.O.A.T.” (2000) all reached platinum status. He has also released several gold and silver-certified albums throughout his career.

What Was LL Cool J’S Biggest Hit?

LL Cool J is best known for his hits “I Can’t Live Without My Radio” and “Mama Said Knock You Out.” He has also had success with songs like “The Booming System,” “I’m Bad,” and “Rock the Bells.” His most recent album, Authentic, was released in 2013.

Which Album Did LL Cool J Release In Response To The Criticism That He Was A Commercial Sellout?

In response to the criticism that he was a commercial sellout, LL Cool J released his album “Mama Said Knock You Out” in 1990. The album was a huge success, debuting at #1 on the Billboard 200 and selling over two million copies in the United States. It remains one of LL Cool J’s most iconic and successful albums.

What Is LL Cool J Real Name?

James Todd Smith, better known by his stage name LL Cool J, is an American rapper, actor, author and entrepreneur from Queens, New York. LL Cool J stands for Ladies Love Cool James. He is known for such hits as “I Can’t Live without My Radio”, “I’m Bad”, “The Boomin’ System”, and “Mama Said Knock You Out”, and has released 13 studio albums since 1984. He is also a two-time Grammy Award winner.

What Does LL Cool J Say Knock It Outta The Park?

L.L. Cool J says that if you want to be successful, you have to “knock it out of the park.” In other words, you have to go above and beyond what is expected in order to achieve your goals. This is good advice for anyone who wants to be successful in any endeavor.

LL Cool J Third Album?

LL Cool J’s third album was released in 1985, titled Radio. It was the first release on Def Jam Recordings and was co-produced by LL Cool J and Rick Rubin. The album was a commercial success, reaching number one on the Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart and number six on the Billboard 200. It produced three singles: “I Can’t Live without My Radio”, “Rock the Bells” and “I’m Bad”. The latter two singles peaked at number four and number nine on the Hot 100 respectively, with the former also topping the Billboard Hot Dance Club Songs chart. In support of the album, LL Cool J undertook his first concert tour, a nationwide co-headlining trek with the Beastie Boys. He would later reveal that the tour was not enjoyable due to the large age difference between LL Cool J and the Beastie Boys, who were still teenagers at the time.

LL Cool J Albums?

LL Cool J is one of the most successful rappers of all time, with a career that spans more than three decades. He has released thirteen studio albums, including two double albums and two compilations. LL Cool J’s debut album, Radio, was released in 1985 and featured the singles “I Can’t Live without My Radio” and “Rock the Bells”. His second album, Bigger and Deffer, was released in 1987 and featured the hit singles “I Need Love” and “Goin’ Back to Cali”. 1989’s Walking with a Panther included the singles “Mama Said Knock You Out” and “Jingling Baby”, while his 1992 album, 14 Shots to the Dome, featured the single “In the House”. 1995’s Mr. Smith was LL Cool J’s most successful album, debuting at number one on the Billboard 200 and selling over two million copies in the United States.

Was LL Cool J A Navy Seal?

L.L. Cool J is not a Navy SEAL. He has never served in the military.

LL Cool J I Need Love?

L.L. Cool J’s “I Need Love” is a song about the power of love and how it can overcome any obstacle. No matter what life throws your way, love will always be there to help you through it.

LL Cool J Bad Boy Entertainment Def?

LL Cool J is a bad boy entertainer who defies genre expectations. His rap skills and captivating stage presence have earned him legions of fans, while his work with Def Jam Records has helped to shape the sound of hip hop for generations.

How Old Is LL Cool J Net Worth?

LL Cool J’s net worth is $120 million. He is an American rapper, actor, and producer. He has released 13 studio albums and two greatest hits compilations. His films include In the House and Any Given Sunday. He currently hosts the Lip Sync Battle on Spike TV.

Most Searched For L L Cool J Songs

Mama Said Knock You OutSpotifyAppleYouTubeAmazon
I’m BadSpotifyAppleYouTubeAmazon
Doin’ ItSpotifyAppleYouTubeAmazon
I Need LoveSpotifyAppleYouTubeAmazon
Hey LoverSpotifyAppleYouTubeAmazon
Rock The BellsSpotifyAppleYouTubeAmazon
PhenomenonSpotifyAppleYouTubeAmazon
I Can’t Live Without My RadioSpotifyAppleYouTubeAmazon
I’m BadSpotifyAppleYouTubeAmazon
Around The Way GirlSpotifyAppleYouTubeAmazon