We collect and tell stories of people from all around the world. LL Cool J added: My father he made a massive blunder, but he also did a lot of things right, you know. 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. LL Cool J's next album 10 from 2002, was his ninth studio (10th overall including his greatest hits compilation All World), and included the singles "Paradise" (featuring Amerie), and the number 1 R&B hit "Luv U Better", produced by the Neptunes. Unfortunately, that relationship turned sour when James mismanaged LLs funds and he ended up owing $2 million dollars to the IRS. LL Cool J has written four books, including 1998's I Make My Own Rules, an autobiography cowritten with Karen Hunt. Radio served as one of the earliest records, along with Run-D.M.C. 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. 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. AmoMama creates engaging, meaningful content for women. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. James Todd Smith was born on 14 January 1968 to Ondrea Griffith in Bay Shore, New York, and James Louis Smith, Jr, also known as James Nunya. [106] In a February 10, 2012 televised interview with CNN host Piers Morgan, LL Cool J expressed sympathy for President Barack Obama and ascribed negative impressions of his leadership to Republican obstruction designed to "make it look like you have a coordination problem." His father, , it would be years before LL was able to forgive his father. "[23] LL's debut single sold over 100,000 copies and helped establish both Def Jam as a label and Smith as a rapper. In January 2012, the pair released the track "Super Baller" as a free download to celebrate the New York Giants Super Bowl victory. You passed away. Cool J and his mother moved to his grandparent's house in 1972. [39] As a result, his audience base began to decline due to the album's bold commercial and pop aspirations. We collect and tell stories of people from all around the world. I was doing all kinds of wild things by then and getting in all kinds of trouble.. During his time at Def Jam, LL released an album every two or three years from 1987 to . 253 comments. My father made a massive blunder, but he also did a lot of things right.. *In his 1997 biography I Make My Own Rules, LL Cool J recounts the time his father shot his mother and grandfather because he was bitter about getting a divorce. published in 2002. When he was four years old, he witnessed his father shooting his mother and grandfather. In the same year 2009, he was cast as a regular in the still-running CBS TV series 'NCIS: Los Angeles', in which he plays special agent 'Sam Hanna', a Navy investigator. He was quick to add that no one "should assume that I'm a Democrat either. While Bigger and Deffer, which was a big success, was produced by the L.A. Posse (at the time consisting of Dwayne Simon, Darryl Pierce and, according to himself the most important for crafting the sound of the LP, Bobby "Bobcat" Ervin), Dwayne Simon was the only one left willing to work on producing LL Cool J's third album Walking with a Panther. LL COOL J / ACCIDENTAL RACIST Preface: Intercultural dialogue is a wholly positive and necessary thing. Over the weekend, a video began to circulate of a young artist by the name of LoveBenJi saying that he is the "hidden" son of Hip Hop pioneer LL Cool J, but he . . Eventually Ondrea left Roscoe but after all of the trauma LL suffered it was too little too late. LL Cool J, whose real name is James Todd Smith, was born in January 1968 in Queens, New York, in a middle-class and catholic family. 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. 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. In this week's heart wrenching episode, Dr. Henry Louis Gates uncovers the emotional history of both Sean "Puffy" Combs and LL Cool J 's families. 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 didnt care how he beat me or with what . The "NCIS" actor recounted grueling details about his childhood in his book "I Make My Own Rules," beginning with his parents' divorce when he was younger. L.L. Source: MediaNews Group/Boston Herald via Getty Images / Getty. [91], In March 2015, LL Cool J also appeared in an introduction to WrestleMania 31. The hip-hop Icon LL Cool J opened up about his rough childhood and the abusive nature of his stepdad and his biological father who he claimed shot his mother. We also encourage everyone to report any crime incident they witness as soon as possible. It was just a power trip.". Please fill in your e-mail so we can share with you our top stories! LL Cool J has appeared in numerous films, including Halloween H20, In Too Deep, Any Given Sunday, Deep Blue Sea, S.W.A.T., Mindhunters, Last Holiday, and Edison. According to a Chicago Tribune report, his father shot his mother and grandfather, nearly killing them. His mother, Ondrea, was a nurse's assistant while his father, James, was a truck driver. LL Cool J has written four books, including I Make My Own Rules, (1997), an autobiography cowritten with Karen Hunter. LL Cool J's friend and mentor, Run-DMC's Jam Master Jay, was shot and killed at his studio in Queens in 2002. It was like the scene in `Glory when Denzel Washington was getting beat down like a slave, except I was like 8 years old. 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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. [97], The energy and hardcore delivery and musical style of rapping featured on Radio, as well as other new-school recordings by artists such as Run-D.M.C., Schooly D, T La Rock and Steady B, proved to be influential to hip-hop acts of the "golden age" such as Boogie Down Productions and Public Enemy. [66] He landed the role of Captain Patrick Zevo in Barry Levinson's 1992 film Toys. James Todd Smith (born January 14, 1968), known professionally as LL Cool J (short for Ladies Love Cool James), is an American rapper, songwriter, record producer, and actor. That's just the tip of the iceberg look. The hip-hop Icon LL Cool J opened up about his rough childhood and the abusive nature of his stepdad and his biological father who he claimed shot his mother when he was just a child. Signed to Def Jam Recordings in 1984, LL Cool J's breakthrough came with his single "I Need a Beat" and his landmark debut album, Radio (1985). And LL was the one who discovered them! And LL was the one who discovered . . LL Cool J started a record label called 'Boomdizzle' that doubled up as a social networking site as well. 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. We humbly honor the old school soul music era and will keep pushing forward to keep it alive. Rock the Bells Records was also responsible for the Deep Blue Sea soundtrack for the 1999 movie of the same name. While speaking to Oprah, the jewelry maker explained that they have an awesome marriage because of the sacrifices and love they share. AmoMama creates engaging, meaningful content for women. Sadly, a few years later, the young man stated that his dad mismanaged his funds which led to him getting fired. LL Cool J founded and launched Boomdizzle.com, a record label / social networking site launched in September 2008. My family is a very interesting family. The series debuted in autumn of 2009, but the characters were introduced in an April 2009 crossover episode on the parent show. At the age of four, he saw his mother and grandfather shot by his own father. Through the love and attitude of others around, the rapper easily forgave his dad, and they enjoyed a perfect relationship from that moment. LL Cool J. Posted by. Together, they share four children named Najee, Samaria, Italia, and Nina. Simone Smith Cool runs a jewelry line; she is the wife to the popular rapper turned actor and a mother to his four kids Najee, Italia, Samaria, and Nina. According to the Chicago Tribune, "as a child growing up middle-class and Catholic in Queens, life for LL was heartbreaking. 00:00. target_type: 'mix' LL Cool J has been nominated six times for induction into The Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame. [25] . The rapper/actor took to Twitter to inform fans that his dad, James Nunya, passed away at the age of 65. There is no more complete source for urban news than the Electronic Urban Report. LL opened up about Roscoes constant abuse during an interview with Oprah back in the day. Instead, he rose above all that, making a success of his life with the help of his father, James Smith. LL Cool J was born James Todd Smith in Bay Shore, New York on January 14, 1968 to James Louis Smith (AKA James Nunya) and Ondrea Griffith. In this neighborhood, the kids grow up in rap. Roscoe beat me for just about anything. He portrayed an ex-Oakland Raiders running back who finds himself in financial difficulties and is forced to rent part of his home out to a single mother and her two children, one of whom moves out with her before the third season. In 2006, LL Cool J and his personal trainer, Dave "Scooter" Honig, wrote a fitness book titled The Platinum Workout. But even with all of that negativity LL still found a way to forgive his father for everything hes ever done to him. LL Cool J is one of the most respected rappers in the game but even he has endured his fair share of obstacles. Hed even pull me out of the shower to get a beating. LL Cool J came out and said that Jay and LL Cool J stand for Jackson. 4 on the Billboard charts. 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. My father made a massive blunder, but he also did a lot of things right, he said. And LL was the one who discovered them! Smith's biological great-uncle was Hall of Fame boxer John Henry Lewis. Eventually Ondrea left Roscoe but after all of the trauma LL suffered it was too little too late. 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 Marley Marl produced album received critical acclaim and eventually went double Platinum, selling over two million copies according to the RIAA. Recently, he allegedly came out and said that Tito Jackson is his father and he also reveals some shocking details about Barry Gordy using him for his talent early on but he had to sign some letters because Tito ain't want him to be his real child. They worked through thick and thin to become one of the industry's power couples. Roscoe beat me for just about anything. It was the first mixtape of his 24-year career and includes freestyling by LL Cool J in addition to other rappers giving their renditions of his songs. LL (birth name James Todd Smith) recounted his painful childhood memories in his biography I Make My Own Rules and the details are shocking. He had a tough childhood because his parents had a violent relationship. Under his new stage name LL Cool J (an abbreviation for Ladies Love Cool James), coined by his friend and fellow rapper Mikey D,[21][15] Smith was signed by Def Jam, which led to the release of his first official record, the 12-inch single "I Need a Beat" (1984). 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. [62], LL hosted the 2022 iHeartRadio Music Awards on March 22, 2022. The album is titled Exit 13. [60] His upcoming album will be produced by Q-Tip. He and co-star Jamie Foxx allegedly got into a real fistfight while filming a fight scene. [103] In 2003, LL Cool J spoke at a U.S. Senate Committee hearing on the RIAA lawsuits against Americans distributing or downloading copyrighted music over peer-to-peer networks. [87] The brand produces popular urban apparel. The album's immense success propelled Mama Said Knock You Out to be LL's top selling album of his career (as of 2002) and solidified his status as a hip-hop icon. LL Cool J thanked Canibus in the liner notes of the album, "for the inspiration". This page was last edited on 2 March 2023, at 21:38. and the Beastie Boys. And LL was the one who discovered . Kodak Black Caught Having Sex in White Teacher Hits The Jerk as Students Go Wild Are AKAs Too Insecure? In a later interview, LL Cool J recalled the experience, stating "They pushed the lunch room tables together and me and my DJ, Cut Creator, started playing. When he was a young boy, LL Cool J's father, James Nyunya, shot his father-in-law and his ex-wife, LL's mother, in the back while they were going through a divorce. When his father then moved to California, his mother's boyfriend was physically . Should we be angry? LL Cool J also dealt with a friend's betrayal and ruthless accountants that siphoned his money. LL Cool J launched a clothing line (called "Todd Smith"). Screengrab. [45] Both artists have promised future collaborations down the road, with LL Cool J calling the duo "organic"[46] One early track to feature LL's talents was Z-Trip's remix of British rock act Kasabian's single "Days Are Forgotten", which was named by influential DJ Zane Lowe as his "Hottest Record In The World"[47] and received a favorable reception in both Belgium and the United Kingdom. 16 on the Billboard Hot 100. His second book was the children-oriented book called And The Winner Is. By using the mixer he had received from his grandfather, Smith produced and mixed his own demos and sent them to various record companies throughout New York City, including Def Jam. [92], With the breakthrough success of his hit single "I Need a Beat" and the Radio LP, LL Cool J became an early hip-hop act to achieve mainstream success along with Kurtis Blow and Run-DMC. See more ideas about ll cool j, sexy men, fine black men. Thankfully, she later became the rapper's number one woman, who is appreciated and deeply loved by a man she described as "her rock.". The album had four singles ("How I'm Comin'", "Back Seat (of My Jeep)", "Pink Cookies in a Plastic Bag Getting Crushed by Buildings", "Stand By Your Man") and guest-featured labelmates Lords of the Underground on "NFA-No Frontin' Allowed". Awards. container: 'taboola-right-rail-thumbnails', [50][51][52], On October 16, 2013, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame announced LL Cool J as a nominee for inclusion in 2014. [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. We believe that every person's story is important as it provides our community with an opportunity to feel a sense of belonging, share their hopes and dreams. It is a single and is available on iTunes. These elements contrasted sharply with the 1970s P-Funk and disco-influenced outfits, live bands, synthesizers and party rhymes of acts prevalent in 1984, rendering them old school. After acting in The Hard Way and Toys, LL Cool J released 14 Shots to the Dome. [63][64], While LL Cool J first appeared as a rapper in the movie Krush Groove (performing "I Can't Live Without My Radio"),[65] his first acting part was a small role in a high school football movie called Wildcats. 1: The Genesis", "About.com Rick Rubin's Style and Approach", "Beavis and Butt-Head Do America - Original Soundtrack", "50 Cent, LL Cool J Teaming Up For LP News Story Music, Celebrity, Artist News | MTV News", "VIDEO: Check out LL Cool J's New NCIS:LA-Inspired Song", "SXSW Interview: LL Cool J and Z-Trip Talk About Their Collaboration, Their High Esteem For The Hip-Hop "Blueprint" and Their Thoughts On Rap's Up-And-Coming Talent", "Hottest Record - Kasabian - Days Are Forgotten (LL Cool J Remix)", "LL Cool J Announces "Authentic" Release Date & Tracklist", "LL Cool J On Eddie Van Halen Collabo: "Now He's Officially Done Hip-Hop", "Eddie Van Halen Teams Up With LL Cool J", "Hear Eddie Van Halen Perform on Two New LL Cool J Songs", "Nirvana, Kiss, Hall and Oates Nominated for Rock and Roll Hall of Fame", "LL Cool J On Def Jam's 30th Anniversary And His New Street Album", "Unretired Rap Legend LL Cool J Shares New Album Details & Offers 'G.O.A.T. LL also recorded a rap solo for Michael Jackson's demo of "Serious Effect" that remains unreleased but leaked online[40]. He started rapping aged nine, and music provided a way to escape the suffering he endured. Please fill in your e-mail so we can share with you our top stories! Five years later, he became a star, went on to win numerous awards, and earned the title of one of the founding fathers of hip hop. Eventually, LLs father James came back into his life and helped him out in the early stages of his budding rap career. James Todd Smith (born January 14, 1968), known professionally as LL Cool J (short for Ladies Love Cool James),[3] is an American rapper, songwriter, record producer, and actor.
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