LL Cool J
Rapper
Current Networth - $120 Million
Personal Stats
| Name | LL Cool J |
|---|---|
| Role | American Rapper, Actor |
| Industry | Entertainment |
| Net Worth | $120 Million |
| Place Of Birth | Bay Shore, New York, United States |
| Married | Yes |
| No. of Children | 4 |
| Height | 6′ 1½″ |
Related People
Table of Contents
- About LL Cool J
- Businesses Owned
- Early Life
- Family
- What is LL Cool J's Net Worth?
- What Businesses Does LL Cool J Own?
About LL Cool J
James Todd Smith, known professionally as LL Cool J (short for Ladies Love Cool James), is an American rapper and actor. He was among the first rappers to achieve mainstream commercial success, joining the ranks of fellow new school hip-hop pioneers like Run-DMC and the Beastie Boys.
Signed to Def Jam in 1984, LL Cool J broke through with the single “I Need a Beat” and his debut album Radio (1985). He followed up with several successful albums, including Bigger and Deffer, Mama Said Knock You Out, Mr. Smith, and Phenomenon. His twelfth album, Exit 13 (2008), marked the end of his longtime partnership with Def Jam. He eventually rejoined the label and released his fourteenth album, The FORCE, in 2024.
LL Cool J has also starred in films such as Halloween H20, Any Given Sunday, Deep Blue Sea, and S.W.A.T. On television, he’s best known for his role as NCIS Special Agent Sam Hanna in NCIS: Los Angeles and NCIS: HawaiÊ» i, and as the host of Lip Sync Battle on Paramount Network.
In addition to his music and acting career, LL Cool J has received numerous accolades. In 2010, VH1 named him one of the "100 Greatest Artists of All Time." In 2017, he became the first rapper to receive the Kennedy Center Honors, and in 2021, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in the Musical Excellence category.
Businesses Owned
P.O.G. (Power Of God) Recordings
Boomdizzle
Rock The Bells Records
Todd Smith Brand
Cookie Plug Franchise
Early Life
LL Cool J's early life was marked by hardship and trauma, which shaped his resilience and drive throughout his career.
- LL Cool J was born on January 14, 1968, in Bay Shore, Long Island, New York.
- His journey into music began at the age of 10, influenced by the hip-hop group The Treacherous Three.
- By 1984, at just 16 years old, he was recording demo tapes in his grandparents' home.
- His grandfather, a jazz saxophonist, supported his passion by buying him $2,000 worth of equipment, including two turntables, an audio mixer, and an amplifier.
- During this time, Smith reconciled with his father, who offered guidance and made amends for past wrongs, helping him as he embarked on his music career.
- His mother was equally supportive, using her tax refund to purchase a Korg drum machine for him.
- Smith has often mentioned that by the time he received this equipment, he was already deeply involved in rap culture.
- At the same time, Rick Rubin, an NYU student, and promoter-manager Russell Simmons were in the process of founding the then-independent Def Jam label.
- Using the mixer from his grandfather, Smith produced and mixed his own demos, which he sent to several record companies in New York City, including Def Jam.
- This would eventually lead to his breakthrough in the music industry.
Family
LL Cool J grew up in a challenging and turbulent home environment.
- LL Cool J was born to Ondrea Griffith and James Louis Smith Jr., also known as James Nunya.
- His grandfather, who adopted his mother, was of Barbadian descent.
- In his 1997 memoir, LL Cool J revealed that his father had abused his mother.
- His father shot his mother and grandfather, nearly killing them both.
- In 1972, he and his mother moved into his grandparents’ home in St. Albans, Queens, where he was raised.
- During this time, he suffered physical and emotional abuse from his mother’s ex-boyfriend, Roscoe.
- Smith was in a relationship with Kidada Jones, the daughter of producer Quincy Jones, from 1992 to 1994.
- LL Cool J met Simone Johnson in 1987, and they married in 1995.
- The couple has four children together.
LL Cool J is a legendary American rapper and actor with a multi-million-dollar net worth. His wealth primarily comes from his successful career as a music artist. As one of the best-selling recording artists of all time, he continues to earn significant income from album sales, royalties, and performances. In addition to his music career, LL Cool J earns through various business ventures and brand endorsements.
Over the years, he has built an impressive portfolio of assets, including real estate properties, an exotic car collection, and a strong philanthropic presence.
He owns a stunning real estate portfolio, including a modern estate in Encino, California. His car collection features iconic models such as a Ferrari F40, Rolls-Royce Wraith, and Lamborghini Gallardo.
Additionally, LL Cool J founded the Jump & Ball foundation in his hometown of Queens, New York, providing an athletic and team-building program for young people. He is also actively involved in various charitable initiatives focused on literacy, music, and arts programs for children and schools.
Here’s a closer look at how the iconic artist has amassed his impressive fortune and the valuable assets that contribute to his wealth.
| Net Worth | $120 Million |
|---|---|
| Salary | N/A |
| Profession | American rapper and actor |
| No. Of Business | 5 |
| No. of Sponsors (If Applicable) | 6 |
| No. of Awards | 10+ |
| No. of Houses | 2 |
| No. of Cars | 4 |
What is LL Cool J's Net Worth?
As of April 2025, LL Cool J's net worth is estimated to be around $120 million.
This wealth has been accumulated through his multifaceted career as a rapper, actor, entrepreneur, and philanthropist.
LL Cool J has enjoyed a successful acting career, notably starring as Special Agent Sam Hanna in NCIS: Los Angeles from 2009 to 2023. He earned approximately $350,000 per episode, making it the highest amount he received for an episode. His film roles in Any Given Sunday, Deep Blue Sea, and S.W.A.T. have also contributed to his wealth.
Beyond entertainment, the Rock and Roll Hall of Famer has ventured into business with his clothing line, Todd Smith, and has endorsed brands such as FUBU, Coors Light, and IceLink. These ventures have diversified his income streams and added to his financial portfolio.
What Businesses Does LL Cool J Own?
The "I Need Love" hitmaker earns income from a variety of business ventures. Here’s a detailed look at his entrepreneurial endeavors:
- P.O.G. (Power Of God) Recordings: In 1993, LL Cool J launched P.O.G. (Power Of God) Recordings, an independent label focused on music with a positive or spiritual message. Though short-lived, it served as an early indicator of his ambition to support artists and projects beyond his solo career.
- Boomdizzle: LL Cool J founded and launched Boomdizzle.com in September 2008 as a hybrid record label and social networking platform. The site was created to allow aspiring hip-hop artists to upload their music, engage in contests, and receive feedback through community voting and interactive events.
- Rock The Bells Records: In 1993, LL Cool J founded Rock The Bells Records to produce music and support emerging talent. The label signed artists such as AMyth, Smokeman, Natice, Chantel Jones, Simone Starks, and Rufus "Scola" Waller. Notably, Rock The Bells Records was behind the Deep Blue Sea soundtrack, which helped promote the 1999 film of the same name. In 2022, LL Cool J expanded his brand into the Rock the Bells Festival, held in Queens, New York. Similar to Travis Scott’s Astroworld Festival, Rock the Bells celebrates hip-hop culture.
In April 2023, the company raised $15 million in funding from Paramount and signed a first-look TV and film deal with the media company.
- Todd Smith Brand: In April 2006, the actor and rapper launched a clothing line called Todd Smith. The brand produced popular urban apparel, with designs inspired by his lyrics, tattoos, and influential figures from the hip-hop community.
- Cookie Plug Franchise: In July 2023, LL Cool J, along with business partner Kevin Davis, signed a 60-unit area development agreement to open Cookie Plug stores in multiple markets, including the Los Angeles metro area, Orlando, New Jersey, Houston, and other cities across Texas.
Additionally, in February 2021, LL Cool J joined a prominent group of limited partners backing North Island Ventures' $72 million crypto-focused venture capital fund. Other notable investors included hedge fund billionaire Paul Tudor Jones, Apollo Global Management co-founder Josh Harris, and former PepsiCo CEO Indra Nooyi.
What Brands Does LL Cool J Endorse?
The “Mama Said Knock You Out” hitmaker has endorsed and collaborated with several prominent brands across various industries. Here's an overview of some of his notable brand partnerships:
- Coors Light: In February 2024, LL Cool J appeared in Coors Light's Super Bowl commercial as the conductor of the "Chill Train." The ad featured him helping a young couple during a family football game, arriving with Coors Light and playing The O'Jays' "Love Train," a song that holds personal significance for the rapper.
- FUBU: In the 1990s, LL Cool J played a key role in promoting the urban fashion brand FUBU. His collaboration with The Gap in a commercial that featured him wearing FUBU apparel.
- Focus For Men: LL Cool J collaborated with his wife, Simone I. Smith, to launch a men's jewelry line called "Focus For Men" available at Walmart. The collection features stainless steel pieces such as crosses, chains, and bracelets
- Gendarme: LL Cool J is associated with the fragrance Gendarme, created by his friend Topper Schroeder. Having worn the fragrance for many years, LL Cool J has publicly endorsed it, frequently mentioning it on his social media. He particularly favors the original Gendarme scent, highlighting its fresh and clean aroma.
- Coca-Cola: In 1998, LL Cool J starred in a heartwarming Coca-Cola commercial titled "Daddy's Little Girl." Directed by Paul Greengrass, the ad showcases LL Cool J attempting to braid his young daughter's hair while they sit together on a porch.
- Dr Pepper: In 2003, LL Cool J and Run-DMC collaborated on a Dr Pepper commercial as part of the brand's "Be You" campaign, which celebrated individuality and originality by featuring contemporary artists paying tribute to musical pioneers. The ad features LL Cool J paying homage to Run-D.M.C.'s influence on hip-hop, with lyrics like, "Take it from me, LL Cool J. Run-D.M.C. paved the way.”
Additionally, LL Cool J has claimed that he was the first rapper to wear Michael Jordan's iconic basketball sneakers in the mid-1980s, before they became a staple in hip-hop culture.
Assets and Lifestyle of LL Cool J
LL Cool J’s House
The two-time Grammy Award winner owns a stunning estate in Encino, California. Here are the key details of his property:
- Mansion in Encino, California: LL Cool J owned a stunning estate located in the gated community of Royal Oaks. The modern home, built in 2017, spans 6,048 square feet. He originally listed the property for approximately $6 million, later reduced the price to $5.225 million in July 2024, and ultimately sold it for $4.9 million.
Several other high-profile celebrities who own luxurious homes in California include singer-songwriter Taylor Swift and the Founder of Amazon, Jeff Bezos.
Mansion in Saddle River, New Jersey: LL Cool J owns a stunning mansion located at 64 Stony Ridge Road in Saddle River, NJ. The mansion features six bedrooms, eight full baths, two half baths, an indoor pool, smart home technology, and high-quality construction. It was listed on the New Jersey Multiple Listing Service for $4.29 million and sold for $2 million.
LL Cool J’s Cars
The "Going Back to Cali" hitmaker owns multiple luxury supercars in his collection. Here’s a look at some of his exotic cars:
- Ferrari F40: The rapper owns a rare Ferrari F40, one of only 400 units originally produced by Enzo Ferrari in 1991 for the U.S. market. Billionaire Ralph Lauren has a Ferrari F40 in his collection.
- Rolls-Royce Wraith: LL Cool J owns a Rolls-Royce Wraith. Interestingly, “King of R&B” Chris Brown has a dual-tone satin grey and red Rolls-Royce Wraith.
- Lamborghini Gallardo: The "Doin' It" hitmaker owns a Lamborghini Gallardo. Notably, the "Queen of Rap" Missy Elliott has two Lamborghini Gallardos, each in a different shade.
Explore more about LL Cool J's collection of automotive fleet.
What's Next For LL Cool J?
LL Cool J is set to reprise his role as Sam Hanna in the upcoming April 21 episode of NCIS Season 22. The actor and rapper confirmed the news with a special social media announcement on March 20. His return marks a much-anticipated appearance in a single-episode guest role, continuing his long-running association with the NCIS franchise.
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