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When I was a little kid in North Babylon, on Lakeway Drive, just dreaming of being a part of hip hop -- I never dreamed that I would be in a position to actually be looking at a wonderful room full of people who are actually honoring and celebrating the art that I created
LL Cool J reaches Long Island Hall of Fame Nov 01, 2008
We love LL Cool J because he is a hip-hop legend and a star with a huge female fan base
Oxygen to broadcast LL Cool J concert Feb 20, 2006
History has yet to catch up with the greatness of Russell Simmons and the extent of his contributions to our music and culture
Feature: Getting his money right? Apr 19, 2005
I was happy to take part in this great project with all these other really cool people -- Adam Sandler, Chris Rock, Derek Jeter and more
Celebrities make cards to benefit charity Dec 12, 2004
I think it sends a great message out to artists
Universal puts Jay-Z in charge of Def Jam Dec 09, 2004
James Todd Smith (born January 14, 1968), better known as LL Cool J (acronym for Ladies Love Cool James) is an American rapper and actor. He is known for romantic ballads such as "I Need Love", "Around the Way Girl" and "Hey Lover" as well as pioneering hip-hop such as "I Can't Live Without My Radio", "I'm Bad", "The Boomin' System", and "Mama Said Knock You Out". He has released twelve studio albums and two greatest hits compilations, with his final album being 2008's Exit 13, the last for his record deal with Def Jam Recordings. He has also appeared in numerous films, and currently stars as NCIS Special Agent Sam Hanna on the CBS crime drama television series NCIS: Los Angeles. He now lives in Long Island, New York, with his wife and four children.
LL Cool J was born and raised in Bay Shore, New York, the son of Ondrea (née Griffith) and James Smith. He started rapping at the age of nine. His DJ later was known as Cut Creator. In his youth, LL Cool J performed in the church choir, participated in the Boy Scouts, and delivered newspapers. At age 16, by using a mixing table purchased by his grandfather at Sears, Smith produced and created demos and sent them to various record companies, including Def Jam Recordings.
Under his new stage name, LL Cool J (Ladies Love Cool James), Def Jam released his first record, the 12" single "I Need a Beat". The single sold over 100,000 copies. The success of "I Need a Beat" helped lead to a distribution deal with Def Jam and Columbia Records in 1985. Soon after, he dropped out of Andrew Jackson High School to record his debut album.