AmoMama creates engaging, meaningful content for women. [62], LL hosted the 2022 iHeartRadio Music Awards on March 22, 2022. He didnt need a good reason. 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). As a child, James Todd Smith experienced great tragedy. When 4-year-old Smith found them, blood was everywhere. [79], Since 2009, LL Cool J has starred on the CBS police procedural NCIS: Los Angeles. [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. We Publish News 24/7. Should we be angry? LL Cool J is one of the most respected rappers in the game but even he has endured his fair share of obstacles. 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). As a result LL fired James and hired a new manager. Elsewhere in the book, LL said a low point in his sex life came when he had an intimate encounter with a . container: 'taboola-right-rail-thumbnails', [31] Another milestone of LL's popularity was his appearance on American Bandstand as the first hip-hop act on the show. Although no one died, it was a terrible experience for LL Cool J, who was only a kid when it occurred. LL Cool J was also the host of Lip Sync Battle on Paramount Network. He started rapping when he was 9 years of age, his biggest influencers were the sugarhill gang and the treacherous tree. The commercial success of "I Need a Beat", along with the Beastie Boys' single "Rock Hard" (1984), helped lead Def Jam to a distribution deal with Columbia Records the following year. 16 on the Billboard Hot 100. LL Cool J is one of the most respected rappers in the game but even he has endured his fair share of obstacles. You know how glad I was to have Roscoe out of my life, but the damage was done. "[108], LL Cool J has his own charitable foundation called Jump & Ball, which is based in his hometown of Queens, New York, and offers an athletic and team-building program for young people. 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.
Tito Jackson found his birth mother. Their family's journey is a tale *In his 1997 biography I Make My Own Rules,. My father made a massive blunder, but he also did a lot of things right.. LL Cool J combined acting with his rap career; his acting debut was in 1985's "Krush Groove." Those who don't know the actors story and only look at how he is doing nowadays might desire to have his life. To make matters worse, it was the Grammy Award winner who found his mom and grandfather on the floor after his dad shot them. [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. 2 and would be released in 2015. . "It represents the collective energy in the room. Advertisement. L.L. Eventually Ondrea left Roscoe but after all of the trauma LL suffered it was too little too late. He actually had to overcome many challenges to get to where he is today. The album's success also helped in contributing to Rick Rubin's credibility and repertoire as a record producer. My father made a massive blunder, but he also did a lot of things right.. [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." In image as in song, the artists projected a tough, cool, street b-boy attitude. His second book was the children-oriented book called And The Winner Is. But even with all of that negativity LL still found a way to forgive his father for everything hes ever done to him. that benefits the victims. "[23] LL's debut single sold over 100,000 copies and helped establish both Def Jam as a label and Smith as a rapper. published in 2002. The album featured the singles "I'm Bad", the revolutionary "I Need Love" - LL's first #1 R&B and Top 40 hit, "Kanday", "Bristol Hotel", and "Go Cut Creator Go". LL Cool J is a 55 year old American Rapper. The singles included "Phenomenon" and "Father". Unfortunately, that relationship turned sour when James mismanaged LLs funds and he ended up owing $2 million dollars to the IRS. In July 2006, LL Cool J announced details about his final album with Def Jam Recordings, the only label he has ever been signed to. And yes, back in 1990, when his critics were encouraging the 22-year-old rap pioneer to consider an early retirement, Grandma Cool J really-truly did urge young LL to knock those fools unconscious. With the Rock The Bells label, he had artists such as AMyth,[89] Smokeman, Natice, Chantel Jones and Simone Starks. Sadly, a few years later, the young man stated that his dad mismanaged his funds which led to him getting fired. The official second single from Phenomenon was "4, 3, 2, 1", which featured Method Man, Redman & Master P and introduced DMX and Canibus. His father shot his mother and grandfather, nearly killing them both. Classic albums including Bigger and Deffer and Mama Said Knock You Out are well represented here. _taboola.push({ February 20, 2023. LL Cool J worked behind the scenes with the mid-1980s hip-hop sportswear line TROOP. The iconic rapper and actor tops the list as one of the few black entertainers with a happy home and no controversies. 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. That's just the tip of the iceberg look. We humbly honor the old school soul music era and will keep pushing forward to keep it alive. Shortly after its release, the album sold over 500,000 copies in its first five months, eventually selling over 1 million copies by 1988, according to the Recording Industry Association of America. My family is a very interesting family. He didnt need a good reason. window._taboola = window._taboola || []; LL was a young boy growing up in New York when his parents separated in 1972. The toddler's 25-year-old father was hit in the head and his 22-year-old mother in the leg. Posse. LL (birth name James Todd Smith) recounted his painful childhood memories in his biography "I Make My Own Rules" and the details are shocking. The iconic rapper and actor tops the list as one of the few black entertainers with a happy home and no controversies. [67] From 1995 to 1999, he starred in his own television sitcom In the House. (Power Of God) and formed the company Rock The Bells to produce music. Now he is the first hip-hop artist to ever receive a Kennedy Centre Honour this month for his lifetime . We also encourage everyone to report any crime incident they witness as soon as possible. Gigs at larger venues were offered to LL as he would join the 1986-'87 Raising Hell tour, opening for Run-D.M.C. The pair are highly supportive of their kids and have taught them the value of being confident and determined about their goals. LL Cool J has been nominated six times for induction into The Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame. 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. Although LL Cool J, born James Todd Smith, is an accomplished entertainer, appearing on music charts, starring on TV and movies, and even hosting shows, he had a rough start in life. 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. LL and his mother moved into his grandparents' home in St. Albans, Queens in 1972 where he was raised. 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. He didnt need a good reason. [96] A leading example of the new school sound is the song "I Can't Live Without My Radio", a loud, defiant declaration of public loyalty to his boom box, which The New York Times described as "quintessential rap in its directness, immediacy and assertion of self". 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. placement: 'Right Rail Thumbnails', 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". [40] LL won a Grammy Award for Best Rap Solo Performance in 1992 for the title track. [5][6], A two-time Grammy Award winner, LL Cool J is known for hip hop songs such as "Going Back to Cali", "I'm Bad", "The Boomin' System", "Rock the Bells", and "Mama Said Knock You Out", as well as R&B hits such as "Doin' It", "I Need Love", "Around the Way Girl" and "Hey Lover". [86] LL Cool J added: My father he made a massive blunder, but he also did a lot of things right, you know. The agreement angered the rapper's father, truck driver James Nunya, who ended up pointing a gun at his father-in-law Eugene. L.A. City Council Shutdown Because Council Members Caught on Opinion: Sacramento Mass Shooting Confirms What Experts Already Knew, What the Puck? [53], In October 2014, LL announced that his 14th studio album would be called G.O.A.T. [70] He received positive reviews for his role as Dwayne Gittens, an underworld boss nicknamed "God", in In Too Deep. His father shot his mother and grandfather, leaving them with serious injuries. At the beginning of their marriage, Simone ignored her husband for two weeks because he did not honor their honeymoon.
Hip Hop History - LL Cool J | 1ncredible "RIP to My Father James Nunya. [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. To this day, there are limited details on the incident, but witnesses say it was a . Here is the truth behind the rapper's life. placement: 'Right Rail Thumbnails', James Todd Smith, realized expertly by his stage name, LL Cool J, was brought into this world on January 14, 1968. "[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. The agreement angered the rapper's father, truck driver James Nunya, who ended up pointing a gun at his father-in-law Eugene. His upbringing, though, was quite traumatic. 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.
LL Cool J - IMDb LL Cool J Explained How He Forgave His Father Who Shot His Mom When He In 1984, sixteen-year-old Smith was creating demo tapes in his grandparents' home. He'd long been open about his adoption, but all he knew, based on some . We collect and tell stories of people from all around the world.
LL Cool J Facts for Kids 2016 LL Cool J was awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk Of Fame. LL Cool J was born James Todd Smith on January 14, 1968 in Bay Shore, New York. Please fill in your e-mail so we can share with you our top stories! Page 1 of LL Cool J biography and life story including childhood story, love relationship, career, walk of fame and more. He is also involved in many charitable causes for literacy, music, and arts programs for kids and schools.[109]. [11] The couple met in 1987 and have four children. 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. Posted by. 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. By the 90s, he already established himself as an actor and juggled both careers seamlessly. The incident happened at the couple's home at New Meadows Road . Through the love and attitude of others around, the rapper easily forgave his dad, and they enjoyed a perfect relationship from that moment. Although his childhood was a difficult time in his life, LL Cool J chose to forgive his father for what had happened before. Although he initially refused, he changed his mind after looking at how beautiful Simone was. Following that, on November 3, 2012, LL collaborated with Joe and producers Trackmasters with his second single, "Take It". It was just a power trip.". 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.
[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. 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. You know how glad I was to have Roscoe out of my life, but the damage was done. LL Cool J - short for "Ladies Love Cool James" - was born in 1968 in Long Island, New York, and grew up in Queens. 26 on the Hot 100.
LL Cool J Net Worth (Rapper) [43] Exit 13 was originally slated for a fall 2006 release, however, after a 2-year delay, it was released September 9, 2008 without 50 Cent as the executive producer. After that, Ondrea started dating a new man named Roscoe Granger, who was abusive to the young LL Cool J. Digging into the way that his mothers boyfriend treated him, the actor explained: Roscoe beat me for just about anything. Later, LL's mom was instramental in getting her son to reconcile with his father. 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. But there is an intriguing story behind the heart-melting and powerful duo. The rapper-actor recently took to Twitter to tell fans of his dad's passing at the age of 65. You have entered an incorrect email address! 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. His father, James Nunya, was so incensed over the divorce in that he shot his father-in-law in the stomach and estranged wife Ondrea in the back, I Love Old School Music reports. Right then and there I said 'This is what I want to do'. In fact, when he was starting out as a musician, his dad actually re-entered his life and tried to guide him through it. [49] At around the same time, it was announced that LL Cool J had collaborated with Van Halen guitarist Eddie Van Halen on two tracks on the album. After the off-and-on relationship and two kids, LL Cool J left Simone twice. Although both survived James saw them covered in blood.
LL COOL J's Alleged 'Hidden' Biological Son Speaks Out Decades later, he's in a really good place with a stable career and a great family life. I was doing all kinds of wild things by then and getting in all kinds of trouble.. Yet another single from the album, "I Shot Ya Remix", included debut vocal work by Foxy Brown. 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.
Father | LL Cool J Lyrics, Song Meanings, Videos, Full Albums & Bios LL Cool J looks back on "Accidental Racist" and explains why he declared himself the G.O.A.T. Eventually, LLs father James came back into his life and helped him out in the early stages of his budding rap career. In his book, LL details (via The Daily Press) how Roscoe constantly beat his mother. Hed even pull me out of the shower to get a beating. We collect and tell stories of people from all around the world. [72] During the next two years, LL Cool J appeared in Rollerball,[73] Deliver Us from Eva,[74] S.W.A.T.,[75] and Mindhunters.