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. [56], In March 2016, LL announced his retirement on social media, but quickly walked back his announcement and indicated that a new album was on the way. [9], Smith dated Kidada Jones, daughter of producer Quincy Jones, from 1992 to 1994. During an interview that the actor had with Oprah Winfrey, the host asked if such a terrible incident had left a scar in him. The agreement angered the rapper's father, truck driver James Nunya, who ended up pointing a gun at his father-in-law Eugene. 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. L.L. LL Cool J. At the age of four, he saw his mother and grandfather shot by his own father. Should we be angry? His early life was horrific - his father shot both LL's mother and grandfather, and the young LL was the victim . 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 is one of the most respected rappers in the game but even he has endured his fair share of obstacles. Roscoe beat me for just about anything. 3 on the Billboard's Pop albums chart. It was just a power trip , Hed make me take off all my clothes and put my arms up on my bunk bed with the `Star Wars sheets while he beat me. The iconic rapper and actor tops the list as one of the few black entertainers with a happy home and no controversies. He shot him in the stomach before shooting his estranged wife, Ondrea, LL Cool J's mother. 6 on the Billboard 200 and was LL Cool J's second #1 R&B Album where it spent five weeks. 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. LL Cool J ( Full name: James Todd Smith) is a 54-year-old American record producer, songwriter, rapper, and actor. Taryll revealing this sexual abuse, Iyanla said, was a huge step in his . While speaking to Oprah, the jewelry maker explained that they have an awesome marriage because of the sacrifices and love they share. Then his mom ended up marrying her physical therapist, who ended up being extremely abusive. window._taboola = window._taboola || []; August 22, 2019. The rapper/actor took to Twitter to inform fans that his dad, James Nunya, passed away at the age of 65. Actor: Deep Blue Sea. Roscoe beat me for just about anything. He is best known for romantic ballads like I Need Love as well as hardcore rap like I Can't Live Without My Radio. He would beat me for watching television, for lookin at him funny, for looking out the window watching other kids play. 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. In 2010, VH1 placed him on their "100 Greatest Artists Of All Time" list. [33][34] Rubin's production credit on the back cover reads "REDUCED BY RICK RUBIN", referring to his minimalist production style, which gave the album its stripped-down and gritty sound. [10], In 2002, LL Cool J supported George Pataki's bid for a third term as Governor of New York. LL Cool J with Dave Honig, Chris Palmer & Jim Stoppani; Recording Industry Association of America, Pink Cookies in a Plastic Bag Getting Crushed by Buildings, "Meet NCIS: Los Angeles star LL Cool J's family", "There's No Doubt 'Ladies Love Cool James', "Your nabe: A guide to the hip hop haven of Hollis, Queens", "LL Cool J to Become Kennedy Center's First Hip-Hop Honoree", "Tina Turner, Jay-Z, Foo Fighters Among Those Inducted Into Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame", "RIP to My Father James Nunya. [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. Kicked me down steps outside in the snow. The rest is history. [8] In 2021, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with an award for Musical Excellence. He was quick to add that no one "should assume that I'm a Democrat either. 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. mode: 'thumbnails-rr1', James reportedly did it because he was distraught that Ondrea had left him and also taken their son with her. [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. His father shot his mother and grandfather, nearly killing them both. The rapper was age 4 at the time, and both relatives survived their injuries. His father shot his mother and grandfather, nearly killing them both. He would beat me for watching television, for lookin at him funny, for looking out the window watching other kids play. He didnt need a good reason. Through the love and attitude of others around, the rapper easily forgave his dad, and they enjoyed a perfect relationship from that moment. Although no one died, it was a terrible experience for LL Cool J, who was only a kid when it occurred. The album is titled Exit 13. [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. LL Cool Js wife met him when both of them were teenagers. [67] From 1995 to 1999, he starred in his own television sitcom In the House. The Marley Marl produced album received critical acclaim and eventually went double Platinum, selling over two million copies according to the RIAA. The singles included "Phenomenon" and "Father". 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. [86] Hed even pull me out of the shower to get a beating. advocates for a healthy discussion about the instances of violence, abuse, sexual misconduct, animal cruelty, abuse etc. His mother, Ondrea, was a nurse's assistant, while his father, James, drove a truck. During his time at Def Jam, LL released an album every two or three years from 1987 to . LL Cool J founded and launched Boomdizzle.com, a record label / social networking site launched in September 2008. 's debut album, to combine the vocal approach of hip hop and rapping with the musical arrangements and riffing sound of rock music, pioneering the rap rock hybrid sound. In January 2012, the pair released the track "Super Baller" as a free download to celebrate the New York Giants Super Bowl victory. Hed even pull me out of the shower to get a beating. According to the Chicago Tribune, "[as] a kid growing up middle class and Catholic in Queens, life for LL was heart-breaking. The new boyfriend was not a father figure to him at all and was abusive. placement: 'Right Rail Thumbnails', AmoMama creates engaging, meaningful content for women. Now, LL explains how heand his motherlearned to forgive. As a young boy growing up in New York City LL witnessed a few traumatic events that he carried with him into his adulthood. 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[94][100], In 2017, LL Cool J became the first rapper to receive Kennedy Center Honors. We also encourage everyone to report any crime incident they witness as soon as possible. We also encourage everyone to report any crime incident they witness as soon as possible. Welcome to /r/DragonQuest! He didnt care how he beat me or with what . placement: 'Right Rail Thumbnails', It was tough. Actor and rapper LL Cool J, best known as Special Agent Sam Hanna in NCIS: Los Angeles, has had a very successful life. Here is the truth behind the rapper's life. It was just a power trip.. 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. In 2000, LL Cool J released the album G.O.A.T., which stood for the "Greatest of All Time." This marked the beginning of a creative collaboration between the rap and DJ superstars. As a result LL fired James and hired a new manager. READ MORE: LL Cool J Revealed in 1997 Memoir That His Dad Shot His Mom, Grandfather. In fact, when he was starting out as a musician, his dad actually re-entered his life and tried to guide him through it. Rechristened LL Cool J (Ladies Love Cool James), he released his debut single, . 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. L.L. [38] Released in 1989, the album was a commercial success, with several charting singles ("Going Back to Cali", which had originally been released on the 1987 movie soundtrack Less than Zero, "I'm That Type of Guy", "Big Ole Butt", and "One Shot at Love"). "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 . container: 'taboola-right-rail-thumbnails', The album's success also helped in contributing to Rick Rubin's credibility and repertoire as a record producer. What is LL Cool J's real name? After his mother moved on, she married an abusive man and drug addict named Roscoe Granger. The first single was the Jermaine Dupri-produced "Control Myself" featuring Jennifer Lopez. Awards. According to her, they put God first in their marriage, made many compromises, have respect, and show unwavering support to each other. You know how glad I was to have Roscoe out of my life, but the damage was done. The rapper-actor recently took to Twitter to tell fans of his dad's passing at the age of 65. On October 6, 2012, LL Cool J released a new single from Authentic Hip-Hop called "Ratchet". As soon as it was over there were girls screaming and asking for autographs. Although both survived James saw them covered in blood. He didnt need a good reason. He didnt need a good reason. 26 on the Hot 100. [40] LL won a Grammy Award for Best Rap Solo Performance in 1992 for the title track. . 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. In his memoir I Make My Own Rules, the rapper recalled the day his father James almost killed his mother and grandfather. Gigs at larger venues were offered to LL as he would join the 1986-'87 Raising Hell tour, opening for Run-D.M.C. Released November 18, 1985, on Def Jam Recordings in the United States,[26] Radio earned a significant amount of commercial success and sales for a hip hop record at the time. L.A. City Council Shutdown Because Council Members Caught on Opinion: Sacramento Mass Shooting Confirms What Experts Already Knew, What the Puck? LL Cool J - short for "Ladies Love Cool James" - was born in 1968 in Long Island, New York, and grew up in Queens. Unfortunately, the bad things didnt stop after the previously mentioned incident took place. 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). Eventually, LLs father James came back into his life and helped him out in the early stages of his budding rap career. [20] Smith has stated that by the time he received musical equipment from his relatives, he "was already a rapper. LL Cool J during a press conference at Hotel St. Regis on June 5, 2019 in Mexico City, Mexico | Source: Getty Images. Right then and there I said 'This is what I want to do'. But there is an intriguing story behind the heart-melting and powerful duo. L.L. He would beat me for watching television, for lookin at him funny, for looking out the window watching other kids play. By Kory Grow. LL Cool J's friend and mentor, Run-DMC's Jam Master Jay, was shot and killed at his studio in Queens in 2002. "I Can't Live Without My Radio" and "Rock the Bells" were singles that helped the album go platinum. And LL was the one who discovered them! Eventually, LL's father James came back into his life and helped him out in the early stages of his budding rap career. In 1984, sixteen-year-old Smith was creating demo tapes in his grandparents' home. Series overview and suggestions on where to start! 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. iloveoldschoolmusic.com. "RIP to My Father James Nunya. target_type: 'mix' I love you", "LL Cool J forgives dad for shooting mother", "Rapper Ll Cool J Puts Wild Days, Demons Behind Him", "LL Cool J Revealed in 1997 Memoir That His Dad Shot His Mom, Grandfather", "LL Cool J Says His Mother's Tax Refund Funded His Demo", "Acronyms and abbreviations by the Free Online Dictionary", "Def Jam Recordings - LL Cool J Biography", "LL Cool J bio: Edison Force ActorTribute.ca", "Address Island / Def Jam Records Def Jam history", "LL Cool J career discography at HeadSprung.net", "Billboard Music Charts - Search Results - LL Cool J Radio", "LL Cool J Can't Knock Out Billboard Champs", "Biography and other information at Askmen.com", "Kurtis Blow Presents: The History Of Rap, Vol. iloveoldschoolmusic.com. They made amends and until later when he felt his father was mismanaging his money and he cut ties with him again. LL Cool J explained the reason for it, saying, "It was good but I didn't feel like it was ready yet. 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. Born James Todd Smith on 14th January, 1968 in Bay Shore, Long Island, New York, United States, he is famous for Ladies Love Cool James.. 2. [32], Radio's release coincided with the growing new school scene and subculture, which also marked the beginning of hip-hop's "golden age" and the replacement of old school hip hop. [17] The single was a hard-hitting, streetwise b-boy song with spare beats and ballistic rhymes. His mother, Ondrea, was a nurse's assistant while his father, James, was a truck driver. Thank you. After their lavish wedding, she mentioned that the rapper played one of his video clips, showing how a video vixen was licking his face. 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 witnessed his father trying to murder his mother and grandfather. }); Copyright 2015 . [79], Since 2009, LL Cool J has starred on the CBS police procedural NCIS: Los Angeles. "Father" is the third single from LL Cool J's seventh album, Phenomenon. His mother did survived, but once she divorced LL's dad, she hooked up with a . My family is a very interesting family. . They shot the video for "Control Myself" on January 2, 2006, at Sony Studios, New York.