45 Facts About Ll Cool J

Early Life and Career

LL Cool J's journey to becoming a hip-hop icon began in his early years. His passion for music and determination set the stage for his future success.

1. Early Life and Career: LL Cool J started rapping at a young age and quickly developed a passion for music. He was born in Bay Shore, New York, and grew up in the Queens neighborhood of St. Albans.

2. Stage Name: The name LL Cool J, which stands for "Ladies Love Cool James," was given to him by Rick Rubin, the co-founder of Def Jam Recordings.

3. Signing with Def Jam: LL Cool J signed with Def Jam in 1984, becoming one of the first rappers to achieve mainstream success.

4. Debut Album: His debut album, "Radio," was released in 1985 and included hit singles like "I Can’t Live Without My Radio" and "Rock The Bells".

5. American Bandstand: LL Cool J was the first rap artist to be featured on "American Bandstand," which helped solidify his mainstream appeal and broaden his audience.

Musical Innovation and Success

LL Cool J's innovative style and chart-topping hits made him a standout in the hip-hop world. His contributions to the genre are legendary.

6. Innovative Style: LL Cool J introduced styles and phrases to the culture, making him a standout in the early days of hip-hop. His innovative style and charismatic persona helped establish him as one of the top contenders in rap battles of the 1980s.

7. Grammy Awards: LL Cool J has won two Grammy Awards. He received Grammys for Best Rap Solo Performance for "Mama Said Knock You Out" and Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group for "Hey Lover".

8. Chart-Topping Singles: LL Cool J has had numerous chart-topping singles. His hits include "I Need Love," "Hey Lover," "Doin’ It," and "Around the Way Girl".

9. Collaborations: He has collaborated with numerous artists throughout his career, including Jennifer Lopez, Boyz II Men, Mary J. Blige, and Brad Paisley, among others.

10. Discography: LL Cool J has released over a dozen studio albums, including "Radio," "Bigger and Deffer," "Walking with a Panther," "Mama Said Knock You Out," "14 Shots to the Dome," "Mr. Smith," "Phenomenon," "G.O.A.T.," "10," "The DEFinition," "Todd Smith," "Exit 13," and "Authentic".

Acting Career

Beyond music, LL Cool J has made a significant impact in the world of acting, showcasing his versatility and talent on both the big and small screens.

11. Acting Career: While LL Cool J first appeared as a rapper in the movie "Krush Groove," his first acting part was a small role in the high school football movie "Wildcats." He later gained acclaim for his role as Sam Hanna on the television series "NCIS: Los Angeles".

12. Film Roles: LL Cool J has appeared in numerous films, including "Deep Blue Sea," "Any Given Sunday," and "The Last Holiday." He received positive reviews for his role as Dwayne Gittens, an underworld boss nicknamed "God," in "In Too Deep".

13. Television Sitcom: From 1995 to 1999, LL Cool J starred in his own television sitcom "In the House." 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.

14. Halloween H20: In 1998, LL Cool J played security guard Ronny in "Halloween H20," the seventh movie in the "Halloween franchise".

15. Deep Blue Sea: In 1999, he co-starred as Preacher, the chef in the Renny Harlin horror/comedy "Deep Blue Sea".

16. Any Given Sunday: LL Cool J starred as Julian Washington—a talented but selfish running back on fictional professional football team the Miami Sharks—in Oliver Stone's drama "Any Given Sunday." He and co-star Jamie Foxx allegedly got into a real fistfight while filming a fight scene.

17. Rollerball: During the next two years, LL Cool J appeared in "Rollerball," "Deliver Us from Eva," "S.W.A.T.," and "Mindhunters".

18. House: In 2005, he returned to television in a guest-starring role on the Fox medical drama "House." He portrayed a death row inmate felled by an unknown disease in an episode titled "Acceptance".

19. Last Holiday: He also appeared as Queen Latifah's love interest in the 2006 movie "Last Holiday".

20. 30 Rock: LL Cool J guest-starred on "30 Rock" in the 2007 episode "The Source Awards." He portrayed a hip-hop producer called Ridikulous who Tracy Jordan fears may kill him.

21. Sesame Street: LL Cool J appeared in "Sesame Street's" 39th season, introducing the word of the day—"Unanimous"—in episode 4169 (September 22, 2008) and performing "The Addition Expedition" in episode 4172 (September 30, 2008).

22. NCIS: Los Angeles: In 2009, he began starring on the CBS police procedural "NCIS: Los Angeles." His portrayal of the tough and skilled special agent garnered praise from audiences and critics alike.

Awards and Recognition

LL Cool J's contributions to music and acting have earned him numerous accolades and recognition, solidifying his status as an entertainment legend.

23. Grammy Awards Host: LL Cool J has hosted the Grammy Awards multiple times. His charismatic presence and musical background made him a natural choice for hosting duties.

24. Hollywood Walk of Fame: LL Cool J was awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. This prestigious honor recognized his contributions to the entertainment industry.

25. Rock and Roll Hall of Fame: LL Cool J has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. His induction recognized his impact and influence on the music industry.

26. BET Awards: LL Cool J has received multiple BET Awards, celebrating his achievements in music and acting.

27. NAACP Image Awards: He has also been honored with NAACP Image Awards for his contributions to the arts and entertainment.

Philanthropy and Personal Life

Beyond his professional achievements, LL Cool J is dedicated to giving back to the community and supporting various charitable causes.

28. Philanthropy: LL Cool J has his own charitable foundation called Jump & Ball, which is based in his hometown of Queens, New York. The foundation offers an athletic and team-building program for young people. He is also involved in many charitable causes for literacy, music, and arts programs for kids and schools.

29. Jump & Ball Foundation: LL Cool J has been involved in various charitable endeavors, including his support for the Jump & Ball Foundation. He has also worked with New York State Senator Malcolm Smith on the annual Jump and Ball Tournament in his childhood neighborhood of St. Albans, Queens.

30. Fitness Icon: LL Cool J is known for his iconic physique. His dedication to fitness has been well-documented, and he has inspired many with his fitness routines.

31. Books: LL Cool J is the author of three books: "I Make My Own Rules," "And the Winner Is…," and "LL Cool J’s Platinum Workout".

32. Political Involvement: In 2002, LL Cool J supported George Pataki's bid for a third term as Governor of New York. In 2003, he spoke at a U.S. Senate Committee hearing on the RIAA lawsuits against Americans distributing or downloading copyrighted music over peer-to-peer networks.

33. Support for Barack Obama: 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." He was quick to add that no one "should assume that I'm a Democrat either. I'm an independent, you know?".

34. Book on Barack Obama: In his 2010 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".

Legacy and Influence

LL Cool J's impact on hip-hop and pop culture is undeniable. His legacy continues to inspire new generations of artists and fans.

35. Impact on Hip-Hop: LL Cool J was influential in the rap battles of the 1980s. His witty and skillful rhymes helped establish him as one of the top contenders in those battles.

36. Debut Album Anniversary: November 18 marks the 34th anniversary of the release of LL’s Rick Rubin-helmed debut album "Radio," the first full-length album released by Def Jam Recordings.

37. B.A.D. (Bigger And Deffer): Two years after "Radio," LL Cool J switched up his sound, hooking up with the L.A. Posse and crafting "B.A.D. (Bigger And Deffer)," an album that merged the sounds of New York and Los Angeles three years before Ice Cube would work with The Bomb Squad.

38. I Need Love: The album included the landmark single "I Need Love," which was a rap ballad and showed LL’s softer side. It peaked at #14 on the Billboard Hot 100 and was the first rap song to reach the top of the Hot R&B chart.

39. Mama Said Knock You Out: In 1990, LL Cool J released "Mama Said Knock You Out," which included several hits like the title track and "Around the Way Girl." The album was a huge hit on MTV and included a performance on MTV Unplugged, where he stole the show with his emotional and catchy delivery.

40. To Da Break of Dawn: The album also included one of the better and more underrated diss songs in rap history, "To Da Break of Dawn." With verses directed at Kool Moe Dee, Ice-T, and MC Hammer, LL was in full attack mode and left a lasting impact on the rap scene.

41. Iconic Fashion: LL Cool J’s fashion sense was iconic, particularly his Kangol hat, which he popularized and became a symbol of the era in rap history.

42. Resurrecting His Career: Although he already had three albums under his belt, LL Cool J was still only 22-years-old when he had to resurrect his career in 1990. After the mess that was "Walking with a Panther," he moved away from Rick Rubin and Cut Creator and hooked up with Marley Marl to get back to his roots and "knock them all out".

43. The Force: In 2024, LL Cool J released his first album in over ten years, titled "The Force." The album is entirely produced by Q-Tip from A Tribe Called Quest and features collaborations with Snoop Dogg, Busta Rhymes, and others. This comeback marks a striking return to music after years of focusing on acting and other ventures.

44. Influence on Pop Culture: LL Cool J has had a significant influence on pop culture, not just through his music but also through his acting career and philanthropic work. He has inspired generations of artists and fans alike with his unique style and undeniable talent.

45. Enduring Impact: Despite the ever-changing landscape of hip-hop and entertainment, LL Cool J remains an iconic figure. His enduring impact on both music and film is a testament to his versatility and adaptability. As he continues to engage with fans through new music and projects, his legacy is sure to endure for generations to come.

LL Cool J's Enduring Legacy

LL Cool J isn't just a rapper or actor; he's a cultural icon. From his early days in Queens to becoming a household name, his journey is nothing short of legendary. With hits like "Mama Said Knock You Out" and roles in films like "Deep Blue Sea," he's shown versatility and staying power. His contributions to hip-hop, acting, and philanthropy have left an indelible mark on pop culture. Whether it's his groundbreaking music, memorable TV roles, or charitable efforts, LL Cool J continues to inspire. His legacy is a testament to creativity, hard work, and resilience. As he ventures into new projects, his impact remains strong, influencing future generations. LL Cool J's story is far from over, and his contributions will be remembered for years to come.