LL Cool J was born James Todd Smith on January 14, 1968, in Bay Shore, New York, the son of Ondrea Griffeth (born January 19, 1946) and James Louis Smith, Jr. In an episode of Finding Your Roots, LL learned his mother … See more

1985–1987: Radio
Radio was released to critical acclaim, both for production innovation and LL's powerful rap. Released November 18, 1985, on Def Jam Recordings in the United States, Radio earned a si… See more

While LL Cool J first appeared as a rapper in the movie Krush Groove (performing "I Can't Live Without My Radio"), his first acting part was a small role in a high school football movie called Wildcats. He continued t… See more

LL Cool J worked behind the scenes with the mid-1980s hip-hop sportswear line TROOP. The brand produces popular urban apparel. Designs include influences from LL's lyrics and tattoos, as well as from other icons … See more