Plus, LL shares what his father's mistakes taught him about mercy. [90] That's when the father of two made a big reveal about his own childhood: He was sexually violated at a young age by a male family member. LL Cool J and American artist Tito Jackson are not related as father and child. 1 on Billboard's R&B albums chart. [68], In 1998, LL Cool J played security guard Ronny in Halloween H20, the seventh movie in the Halloween franchise. He has been in films such as "Any Given Sunday", "In Too Deep", and "Deep Blue Sea" just to . LL Cool J is one of the most respected rappers in the game but even he has endured his fair share of obstacles. "It was a relative, but it wasn't any of my father's brothers.". [11][12][13] According to the Chicago Tribune, "[As] a kid growing up middle class and Catholic in Queens, life for Smith was heart-breaking. James Todd Smith, popularly known as LL Cool J, is a well-known artist in the movie and music industry. However, the victims survived, and thankfully, things were repaired in the household, with the Smith patriarch admitting and turning away from his errors. After his mother moved on, she married an abusive man and drug addict named Roscoe Granger. [24], Radio was released to critical acclaim, both for production innovation and LL's powerful rap. LL Cool J would later consider toning his lifestyle down out of respect for his lady, and that was the beginning of a lifetime of commitment. LL Cool J was also the host of Lip Sync Battle on Paramount Network. container: 'taboola-right-rail-thumbnails', August 22, 2019. He would beat me for watching television, for lookin at him funny, for looking out the window watching other kids play. Photos. [18] During this time, Smith reconciled with his father who "made amends for a lot of things" by offering him guidance at the start of his music career. It was like the scene in `Glory when Denzel Washington was getting beat down like a slave, except I was like 8 years old. Eventually, LLs father James came back into his life and helped him out in the early stages of his budding rap career. He was born on January 14, 1968, as James Todd Smith, in New York. LL Cool J thanked Canibus in the liner notes of the album, "for the inspiration". By the 90s, he already established himself as an actor and juggled both careers seamlessly. September 22, 2022. In September 2009, LL Cool J released a song about the NCIS TV series. "This song is the musical interpretation of what I felt after meeting with NCIS agents, experienced Marines and Navy SEALs," LL Cool J said. Early life and family. [94], The emerging new-school scene was initially characterized by drum machine-led minimalism, often tinged with elements of rock, as well as boasts about rapping delivered in an aggressive, self-assertive style. Cool J was born James Todd Smith on January 14, 1968, in Bay Shore, Long Island, New York, the son of Ondrea Griffith and James Louis Smith, Jr. Todd, as he was called, did not have a very happy childhood. 6 on the Billboard 200 and was LL Cool J's second #1 R&B Album where it spent five weeks. Decades later LL sat down with Oprah Winfrey during a segment on Oprahs Next Chapter to discuss how he coped with Roscoes constant abuse and its sad to hear that he had to become so strong at such a young age. In the beginning, his mother, Ondrea, also lived in the home after the initial split from LL Cool J's father but left at some point. Mama Said Knock You Out marked a turning point in LL Cool J's career, as he proved to critics his ability to stay relevant and hard-edged despite the misgivings of his previous album. [11] The couple met in 1987 and have four children. Rock the Bells Records was also responsible for the Deep Blue Sea soundtrack for the 1999 movie of the same name. As a result LL fired James and hired a new manager. It was tough. The official second single from Phenomenon was "4, 3, 2, 1", which featured Method Man, Redman & Master P and introduced DMX and Canibus. "[14] In 1972, Smith and his mother moved into his grandparents' home in St. Albans, Queens, where he was raised. placement: 'Right Rail Thumbnails', It debuted at number one on the Billboard album charts,[42] and went platinum. At this point, the entertainer decided to stick by her unconditionally, putting up a positive front, and even offered to give her a bone marrow. The song contains LL Cool J rapping over the instrumental to Maino's "Hi Hater". He is also involved in many charitable causes for literacy, music, and arts programs for kids and schools.[109]. [36] This stands as one of his biggest-selling career albums, having sold in excess of two million copies in the United States alone. Chuck D provided an opposing viewpoint, saying free file-sharing could be leveraged as a promotional tool and the industry was being overprotective of its copyright. We Publish News 24/7. [66] He landed the role of Captain Patrick Zevo in Barry Levinson's 1992 film Toys. His upbringing, though, was quite traumatic. After acting in The Hard Way and Toys, LL Cool J released 14 Shots to the Dome. And LL was the one who discovered them! With the breakthrough success of his hit single "I Need a Beat" and the Radio LP, LL Cool J became one of the early hip-hop acts to achieve mainstream success along with Kurtis Blow and Run-D.M.C. Exception: This awkward piece of wonky cheese. We also encourage everyone to report any crime incident they witness as soon as possible. "[107] In his 2020 book LL Cool J's Platinum 360 Diet and Lifestyle, he included Obama in a list of people he admired, stating that the then-president had "accomplished what people thought was impossible. It was like the scene in `Glory when Denzel Washington was getting beat down like a slave, except I was like 8 years old. The rapper-actor recently took to Twitter to tell fans of . Once there, his friend offered to introduce his cousin, Simone. My mother forgave my father He came back into my life and made amends for a lot of things by helping to guide me with my music career early on, and kinda helping me in that area (sic). LL Cool J founded and launched Boomdizzle.com, a record label / social networking site launched in September 2008. It's too long for a . The abuse he suffered from Roscoe was damaging, but living with the pain of his father shooting his mother and grandfather must have been worse. Although his dad made a mistake, the rapper revealed that he also tried his best to make things right. The NCIS star confessed that James came back into his life and made amends for plenty of the things that he did wrong by helping him with his music career early on. He didnt need a good reason. The rapper/actor took to Twitter to inform fans that his dad, James Nunya, passed away at the age of 65. The incident happened at the couple's home at New Meadows Road . Kwame Ture on Reactionaries & Revolutionaries (And Why Bill Clinton Hated Empowerment Coach Tera Carissa Hodges Graces Speakers Magazine Cover for Womens Tonight Chris Rock is Set to Make Netflix History | WATCH. Signed to Def Jam Recordings in 1984, LL Cool J's breakthrough came with his single "I . [87] The brand produces popular urban apparel. While speaking to Oprah, the jewelry maker explained that they have an awesome marriage because of the sacrifices and love they share. The rapper-actor recently took to Twitter to tell fans of his dad's passing at the age of 65. He currently plays NCIS Special Agent Sam Hanna in the CBS crime drama television series NCIS: Los Angeles. His parents were Ondrea Griffith and James Louis Smith Jr, aka James Nunya. His father, , it would be years before LL was able to forgive his father. 74. James Todd Smith, realized expertly by his stage name, LL Cool J, was brought into this world on January 14, 1968. [40] According to Billboard, the album peaked at No. When LL was four years old, his father shot his mother and grandfather. Relationships. It was just a power trip he wrote. As if that wasnt bad enough, his mother, Ondrea, eventually settled into another relationship with a man named, Roscoe Granger, and in the book, LL details (via The Daily Press) how Roscoe, allegedly a drug addict, took every opportunity to beat LL whenever he had the chance. They also share a close-knit relationship. In 1990, LL released Mama Said Knock You Out, his fourth studio album. My family is a very interesting family. They worked through thick and thin to become one of the industry's power couples. The lyrics are about a recently-born baby girl and deceased beat poet Neal Cassady that's right, they couldn't even spell his name correctly SD 26 BRAD PAISLEY FEAT. 00:00. 7 on the Hip-Hop and R&B singles chart, and No. LL Cool J ( Full name: James Todd Smith) is a 54-year-old American record producer, songwriter, rapper, and actor. He would beat me for watching television, for lookin at him funny, for looking out the window watching other kids play. Here is the truth behind the rapper's life. Eventually Ondrea left Roscoe but after all of the trauma LL suffered it was too little too late. His early life was horrific - his father shot both LL's mother and grandfather, and the young LL was the victim . Apr 3, 2018 - Explore Kellz M's board "LL Cool J" on Pinterest. LL was a young boy growing up in New York when his parents separated in 1972. LL Cool J lives a lavish life with his family nowadays, but it didn't come overnight. When 4-year-old LL found them, blood was everywhere." [20] Smith has stated that by the time he received musical equipment from his relatives, he "was already a rapper. container: 'taboola-right-rail-thumbnails', When LL Cool J was just 4 years old, his father shot his mother and grandfather. "[22] That same year, Smith made his professional debut concert performance at Manhattan Center High School. The pair are highly supportive of their kids and have taught them the value of being confident and determined about their goals. LL was a young boy growing up in New York when his parents separated in 1972. LL Cool J has written four books, including I Make My Own Rules, (1997), an autobiography cowritten with Karen Hunter. Click HERE to SUBSCRIBE to Our Newsletter Now! [60] His upcoming album will be produced by Q-Tip. My mother forgave my father He came back into my life and made amends for a lot of things by helping to guide me with my music career early on, and kinda helping me in that area (sic). The album reached platinum status. His father shot his mother and grandfather, almost killing them both. speaks out against the above mentioned and. He did not get the best attention as a young child, and his surroundings subjected him to a life of bullying and arms. Roscoe would flog him at any given opportunity, and the actor described that time in his life as "hell." LL Cool J witnessed his father trying to murder his mother and grandfather. There is no more complete source for urban news than the Electronic Urban Report. It's like speaking Spanish if you grow up in an all-Spanish house. LL Cool J was born and raised in Queens, New York, the son of Ondrea (ne Griffith) and James Smith. Both relatives survived their injuries, and the NCIS: Los Angeles star insists he has since made peace with his dad even though he was initially reluctant to allow him back into his life. [10], In 2002, LL Cool J supported George Pataki's bid for a third term as Governor of New York. The 'NCIS: Los Angeles' star and his mother Ondrea sat down with ET to share their fondest (and most embarrassing) memories of LL's upbringing. [54] LL stated that "the concept behind the album was to give upcoming artists an opportunity to shine, and put myself in the position where I have to spit bars with some of the hardest rhymers in the game"; however, the album was put on hold. At the beginning of their marriage, Simone ignored her husband for two weeks because he did not honor their honeymoon. At the age of four, he saw his mother and grandfather shot by his own father. In fact, when he was starting out as a musician, his dad actually re-entered his life and tried to guide him through it. After labeling his family as very interesting, he revealed one of the most shocking aspects of the entire situation: LL Cool Js mother forgave his father for shooting her in the back. As soon as it was over there were girls screaming and asking for autographs. [17] Smith later discussed his search for a label, stating "I sent my demo to many different companies, but it was Def Jam where I found my home. LL Cool J's interpretation of "Ain't Nobody" was particularly successful in the United Kingdom, where it topped the UK Singles Chart in early-1997. Even more, he was featured in a television documentary series called Finding Your Roots; LL Cool J learned of the family secret so well-hidden that even his own mother was unaware . He would beat me for watching television, for lookin at him funny, for looking out the window watching other kids play. LL Cool J partnered with DJ Kay Slay to release a mixtape called "The Return of the G.O.A.T.". 14 on the Billboard Hip-Hop and R&B chart and No. LL Cool J came out and said that Jay and LL Cool J stand for Jackson. The first single was the Jermaine Dupri-produced "Control Myself" featuring Jennifer Lopez. When he was very young his parents got a divorce and it angered his biological father, James, so much that he shot both LLs mother and grandfather with a shotgun. February 20, 2023. window._taboola = window._taboola || []; My family is a very interesting family. If that wasn't hard enough, he experienced a tragic and dramatic event when he was only four years old. James Todd Smith (born January 14, 1968 in Bay Shore, New York), better known as LL Cool J (Ladies Love Cool James), is a Grammy Award winning American rapper and actor signed to Def Jam. LL Cool J was born in 1968 in Queens, New York, according to Amomama, in a tough neighborhood where drug abuse and crime were rampant. [9], James Todd Smith was born on January 14, 1968, in Bay Shore, New York to Ondrea Griffith (born on January 19, 1946) and James Louis Smith Jr,[10] also known as James Nunya. Who are LL Cool J parents? LL Cool J on February 9, 2019 in Beverly Hills, California | Source: Getty Images. Truck driver James Nunya shot his father-in-law . We humbly honor the old school soul music era and will keep pushing forward to keep it alive. [84] He played Beth's father in Neighbors 2: Sorority Rising and was shown in a trailer for the film but his scenes were cut from the final product.[85]. He eliminated the threatening forces and continued advancing in his career while making money selling books, platinum records, and helping children. His father shot his mother and grandfather, nearly killing them both. And LL was the one who discovered them! It was just a power trip.". 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On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. According to Hollywood.com; Truck driver James Nunya shot his father-in-law Eugene in the stomach and estranged wife Ondrea in the back out of frustration over the couples divorce in 1972, when the Grammy winner and awards host was just a young boy. He has also appeared in several films. The agreement angered the rapper's father, truck driver James Nunya, who ended up pointing a gun at his father-in-law Eugene. LL Cool J has lost his father, James Nunya. Eventually, LL's father James came back into his life and helped him out in the early stages of his budding rap career. During an appearance on Finding Your Roots With Henry Louis . LL Cool J combined acting with his rap career; his acting debut was in 1985's "Krush Groove." We also encourage everyone to report any crime incident they witness as soon as possible. During his time at Def Jam, LL released an album every two or three years from 1987 to . [29] It entered the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart on December 28, 1985, and remained there for 47 weeks, while also entering the Pop Albums chart on January 11, 1986,[29] remaining on that chart for thirty-eight weeks. Rapper, actor, author and entrepreneur LL Cool J was rap music's first big solo star. Season 2 Episode 220. Both relatives survived their injuries, and the NCIS: Los Angeles star insists he has since made peace with his dad even though he was initially reluctant to allow him back into his life. [88] LL Cool J's 11th album, Todd Smith, was released on April 11, 2006. "Father" is the third single from LL Cool J's seventh album, Phenomenon. READ MORE: LL Cool J Revealed in 1997 Memoir That His Dad Shot His Mom, Grandfather. _taboola.push({ 2 and would be released in 2015. According to Hollywood.com, it would be years before LL was able to forgive his father. He didnt care how he beat me or with what . Advertisement. My family is a very interesting family. His mother did survived, but once she divorced LL's dad, she hooked up with a . The two have been touring together since 2011, with future dates planned through 2012 and beyond. mode: 'thumbnails-rr1', This page was last edited on 2 March 2023, at 21:38. It was tough. [91], In March 2015, LL Cool J also appeared in an introduction to WrestleMania 31. He would beat me for watching television, for looking at him funny, for looking out the window watching other kids play. However, his childhood was quite challenging, starting with the fact that he grew up in a tough section of Queens, New York, where drugs were present almost everywhere. 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When he was very young his parents got a divorce and it angered his biological father, James, so much that he shot both LL's mother and grandfather with a shotgun. [59] In September 2019, it was announced that LL had re-signed to Def Jam for future album releases. _taboola.push({ LL Cool J attends Spike TV's Guys Choice 2015 at Sony Pictures Studios on June 6, 2015 in Culver City, California | Photo: Getty Images. Its singles included "Doin' It" and "Loungin". The unraveling of LL Cool J's hidden family history also uncovered a rough parallel to the violence he witnessed as a child, when his grandfather and mother were wounded in a shooting involving . window._taboola = window._taboola || []; This style would serve as one of Rubin's production trademarks and would have a great impact on future hip-hop productions. . Page 1 of LL Cool J biography and life story including childhood story, love relationship, career, walk of fame and more. Track 9 on Phenomenon. According to a Chicago Tribune report, his father shot his mother and grandfather, nearly killing them. . With the Rock The Bells label, he had artists such as AMyth,[89] Smokeman, Natice, Chantel Jones and Simone Starks. mode: 'thumbnails-rr1', 2016 LL Cool J was awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk Of Fame. [98] The decline of the old-school form of hip hop also led to the closing of Sugar Hill Records, one of the labels that helped contribute to early hip hop and that, coincidentally, rejected LL's demo tape. "I want to be clear," said Taryll, who is Tito's son. When 4-year-old Smith found them, blood was everywhere. I guess it would leave you scarred, at four years old, based on how the people around you dealt with it and encouraged you to deal with it. [93] This period of hip hop was marked by the end of the disco rap stylings of old school, which had flourished prior to the mid-1980s, and the rise of a new style featuring "ghetto blasters". He shot him in the stomach before shooting his estranged wife, Ondrea, LL Cool J's mother. I think thats important.. His second book was the children-oriented book called And The Winner Is. Though he was beginning to act out in the aftermath of the abuse by the age of 16 LL found his calling during the Golden Age of Hip Hop as one of the top emcees of the time. LL Cool J has been in a relationship with Kidada Jones (1992 - 1994).. LL Cool J is rumoured to have hooked up with Karrine Steffans (2007), Pilar Sanders (1996) and Gabrielle Union.. About. and the Fat Boys. But even with all of that negativity LL still found a way to forgive his father for everything hes ever done to him. [31] Another milestone of LL's popularity was his appearance on American Bandstand as the first hip hop act on the show,[32] as well as an appearance on Diana Ross' 1987 television special, Red Hot Rhythm & Blues. According to her, they put God first in their marriage, made many compromises, have respect, and show unwavering support to each other. His fourth book, LL Cool J (Hip-Hop Stars) was cowritten in 2007 with hip-hop historian Dustin Shekell and Public Enemy's Chuck D. LL Cool J started his own businesses in the music industry such as the music label in 1993 called P.O.G. He'd long been open about his adoption, but all he knew, based on some . 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"Father", which was an auto-biographical song that detailed LL's abuse from his mother's boyfriend, would prove to be the most successful single from the album, it made it to #18 on the Billboard Hot 100 and became his eighth . Pl. Posted by. 2. Although LL Cool J may have a perfect life with his wife of 25 years, he has experienced a few bumps on the ride to a successful life.