LL Cool J thanked Canibus in the liner notes of the album, "for the inspiration". LL Cool J's tenth album The DEFinition was released on August 31, 2004. He has also appeared in several films. In September 2009, LL Cool J released a song about the NCIS TV series. LL Cool J witnessed his father trying to murder his mother and grandfather. }); Copyright 2015 . 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. news.AmoMama.com does not support or promote any kind of violence, self-harm, or abusive behavior. [37] It spent 11 weeks at No. He was driving and stopped by a friends house to say hi. The website accepts music uploads from aspiring artists, primarily from the hip-hop genre, and the site's users rate songs through contests, voting, and other community events. LL Cool J ( Full name: James Todd Smith) is a 54-year-old American record producer, songwriter, rapper, and actor. LL Cool J. (Power Of God) and formed the company Rock The Bells to produce music. LL Cool J Songs - Hit 'em High 1996 - Hush 2004 - U Will Know 1994 'NCIS's' Chris O'Donnell's 4 Co-star Kids & Namesake Eldest Son Who Is a Spitting Image of Him, Pierce Brosnan Suffered Cruelness as a Child after Mom and Dad Left Him: It Was Ugly', Demi Moore Felt 'Betrayed' by Mom's Lie about Biological Dad Yet Later Forgave Her & Became Her Caregiver, Will Smith Could Not Forgive His Dad until His Last Days as He Wished He Could Avenge His Mom for Many Years, Firefighter Saves then Adopts Orphan Boy who Finds Moms Photo in Fathers Room 40 Years Later Story of the Day, James Garner Became 'Greatest Father' after Adopting Wife's Child despite Being Unloved by His Stepmom, Mark Wahlberg Wants to Devote More Time to Parenting in Private & Asks Record $87.5M for His LA Mansion, Judge Hears His Son Mock a Boy Whose Dad Laid the Bricks to Build Their Mansion Story of the Day, Inside Tom Hanks & Wife of 33 Years Rita Wilson's Relationship with Their Biracial Granddaughter, Man Kicks His 60-Year-Old Wife Out of the House after Learning Shes Pregnant with Triplets Story of the Day, Marlo Thomas Spouse Was a Virgin before Marriage to Mom of His 5 Kids & a Lousy Lover Afterward, Man Who Hasnt Seen His Old Dad for 17 Years Visits and Sees His House Ruined Story of the Day, Kurt Russell Became 'Pa' to Goldie Hawn's Kids Whose Father Considers Them 'Dead', Young Man Who Never Knew His Parents Pushes Father Away, Learns about His Will Months Later Story of the Day. 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. LL Cool J is one of the most respected rappers in the game but even he has endured his fair share of obstacles. }); Copyright 2015 . Though he was beginning to act out in the aftermath of the abuse by the age of 16 LL found his calling during the Golden Age of Hip Hop as one of the top emcees of the time. LL Cool J has written four books, including I Make My Own Rules, (1997), an autobiography cowritten with Karen Hunter. It was tough. "I Can't Live Without My Radio" and "Rock the Bells" were singles that helped the album go platinum. LL Cool J would later consider toning his lifestyle down out of respect for his lady, and that was the beginning of a lifetime of commitment. The pair are fairing well in their careers, marriage, and parenthood. Beat with belts like a slave with a whip. LL Cool J has been nominated six times for induction into The Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame. A new cover was unveiled at the same time. mode: 'thumbnails-rr1', Who are LL Cool J parents? - KnowledgeBurrow.com 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. 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. He didnt need a good reason. Roscoe beat me for just about anything. LL Cool J | House Wiki | Fandom Dragon Quest - Reddit "[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. LL Cool J - Children, Songs & Age - Biography }); Copyright 2015 . LL Cool J won his first Grammy Award for Best Rap Solo Performance for his song "Mama Said Knock You Out" at the 1992 Grammy Awards. container: 'taboola-right-rail-thumbnails', When 4-year-old LL found them, blood was everywhere." 2' Update", "LL COOL J Gets a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame", "LL Cool J retires, unretires, then announces new album", "Grammys: LL Cool J Back for Fifth Year as Host", "EXCLUSIVE: Def Jam Records Re-Signs LL Cool J To Iconic Label", "Q-Tip Reacts to Rock Hall Nomination: 'Music's Evolution Can't Happen Without Hip-Hop Artists', "LL Cool J Cancels 'New Year's Rockin' Eve' Performance After Testing Positive for COVID-19", "LL Cool J Set to Host 2022 iHeartRadio Music Awards", "LL Cool J's Journey From 'Krush Groove' To The Grammys", "MOVIE REVIEW: 'WILDCATS' DOESN'T PUT POINTS ON SCOREBOARD", "The Military Industrial Toy Chest: Barry Levinson's Toys at 25", "LL Cool J's Defense: With the Rapper 'In the House,' His Street Rep Is on the Line", "FILM REVIEW; Monster and Victim: Older, Not Wiser", "FILM REVIEW; Superjaws: Lab Sharks Turn Men Into Sushi", "LL Cool J, Jamie Foxx Exchange Blows On Set Of Oliver Stone Football Flick", "FILM REVIEW; Dreaming Up a Riddle for a Know-It-All", "Mindhunters movie review & film summary", "From Bad News Springs a Newfound Joie de Vivre", "Why you should revisit '30 Rock' this St. Patrick's Day", "See What Happens When Rappers Visit Sesame Street", "There's something familiar about 'NCIS: Los Angeles', "Complete list of Teen Choice 2013 Awards winners", "In Grudge Match, Not Quite Rocky Balboa Against Raging Bull", "LL Cool J to Host Spike's 'Lip Sync Battle' for EP Jimmy Fallon", "Jokes from the 'Neighbors 2' trailer aren't in the movie. 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. [9], James Todd Smith was born on January 14, 1968, in Bay Shore, New York to Ondrea Griffith (born on January 19, 1946) and James Louis Smith Jr,[10] also known as James Nunya. His father shot his mother and grandfather, nearly killing them both. We also encourage everyone to report any crime incident they witness as soon as possible. During an appearance on Finding Your Roots With Henry Louis . The singles included "Phenomenon" and "Father". [94][100], In 2017, LL Cool J became the first rapper to receive Kennedy Center Honors. [4] He is one of the earliest rappers to achieve commercial success, alongside fellow new school hip hop acts Beastie Boys and Run-DMC. 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. 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. LL Cool J's second album was 1987's Bigger and Deffer, which was produced by DJ Pooh and the L.A. After his mother moved on, she married an abusive man and drug addict named, LL Cool J Announces Rock the Bells Festival with Ice Cube, Lil Kim, Digable Planets, Will Smiths Post Slap Film Comeback is Sci-fi Thriller Brilliance Hes Producing/Starring, In GMA Interview Ye Apologizes to Kim K for Stressing Her | WATCH. I've been here for years!" James Todd Smith (born January 14, 1968), better known as LL Cool J (acronym for Ladies Love Cool James) is an American rapper and actor. Roscoe beat me for just about anything. LL Cool J - Father Lyrics | SongMeanings 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. 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. [82], In 2013, LL co-starred as a gym owner in the sports dramedy Grudge Match. He has been nominated in 2010, 2011, 2014, 2018, 2019, and 2021 as a performer. See more ideas about ll cool j, sexy men, fine black men. [18] It was featured in the film Krush Groove (1985), which was based on the rise of Def Jam and new school acts such as Run-D.M.C. placement: 'Right Rail Thumbnails', 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. 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. LL Cool J learns family secret in 'Finding Your Roots' We humbly honor the old school soul music era and will keep pushing forward to keep it alive. My father made a massive blunder, but he also did a lot of things right.. L.L. Plus, LL shares what his father's mistakes taught him about mercy. news.AmoMama.com speaks out against the above mentioned and news.AmoMama.com advocates for a healthy discussion about the instances of violence, abuse, sexual misconduct, animal cruelty, abuse etc. LL Cool J starred in In the House, an NBC sitcom, before releasing Mr. Smith (1995), which went on to sell over two million copies. LL Cool J launched a clothing line (called "Todd Smith"). You passed away. target_type: 'mix' 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. Right then and there I said 'This is what I want to do'. [7] In 2017, LL Cool J became the first rapper to receive the Kennedy Center Honors. The iconic rapper and actor tops the list as one of the few black entertainers with a happy home and no controversies. LL Cool J Once Revealed His Dad Shot His Mother and Grandfather & Why LL was a young boy growing up in New York when his parents separated in 1972. However, rap music gave him solace, and he began writing at age 11. LL and his mother moved into his grandparents' home in St. Albans, Queens in 1972 where he was raised. He didnt need a good reason. [17] The single was a hard-hitting, streetwise b-boy song with spare beats and ballistic rhymes. [15][16] He suffered physical and mental abuse from his mother's ex-boyfriend Roscoe. 3 on the Billboard's Pop albums chart. [9], Smith dated Kidada Jones, daughter of producer Quincy Jones, from 1992 to 1994. window._taboola = window._taboola || []; Ll Cool J Forgives Dad For Shooting Mother - Contactmusic.com 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). 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. READ MORE:LL Cool J Announces Rock the Bells Festival with Ice Cube, Lil Kim, Digable Planets, 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. container: 'taboola-right-rail-thumbnails', Apr 3, 2018 - Explore Kellz M's board "LL Cool J" on Pinterest. [40] According to Billboard, the album peaked at No. The Journal of Steffanie Jay-Zs Shock in Running Into Kelly Rowland Is Your WATCH LIVE! "[23] LL's debut single sold over 100,000 copies and helped establish both Def Jam as a label and Smith as a rapper. His twelfth album, Exit 13 (2008), was his last in his long-tenured deal with Def Jam. They teamed up to financially support and inspire people through the "Beat Cancer Like A Boss" campaign for the American Cancer Society. It also reached No. [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. Unfortunately, that relationship turned sour when James mismanaged LLs funds and he ended up owing $2 million dollars to the IRS. L.L. Unlike what many people might believe, LL Cool Js children are not spoiled as he has made sure to instill values in them, as well as the notion of working hard for what they want to achieve in life. As a result LL fired James and hired a new manager. Photos. [17] His grandfather, a jazz saxophonist, bought him $2,000 worth of equipment, including two turntables, an audio mixer and an amplifier. advocates for a healthy discussion about the instances of violence, abuse, sexual misconduct, animal cruelty, abuse etc. LL Cool J Mourns Death of Father James Nunya - The Boombox Thankfully for the family, both of them survived the incident. 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). He was quick to add that no one "should assume that I'm a Democrat either. He didnt need a good reason. He came to the top with his single "I Want a Beat" and his presentation studio collection, Radio, in 1985. The unraveling of LL Cool J's hidden family history also uncovered a rough parallel to the violence he witnessed as a child, when his grandfather and mother were wounded in a shooting involving . LL Cool J - Father Lyrics | Genius Lyrics Mark Summers for Rolling . Yet, the scars never fully healed. The rapper-actor recently took to Twitter to tell fans of his dad's passing at the age of 65. [70] He received positive reviews for his role as Dwayne Gittens, an underworld boss nicknamed "God", in In Too Deep. When LL Cool J was just 4 years old, his father shot his mother and grandfather. [59] In September 2019, it was announced that LL had re-signed to Def Jam for future album releases. LL Cool J - Father Samples | Genius Rapper/actor LL Cool J has forgiven his dad for shooting his mother and grandfather and leaving them for dead when he was only four years old. James Todd Smith was born on January 14, 1968, in Bay Shore, New York to Ondrea Griffith (born January 19, 1946) and James Louis Smith Jr, also known as James Nunya. [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. 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. [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. In 2000, LL Cool J released the album G.O.A.T., which stood for the "Greatest of All Time." [91], In March 2015, LL Cool J also appeared in an introduction to WrestleMania 31. 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. 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. The agreement angered the rapper's father, truck driver James Nunya, who ended up pointing a gun at his father-in-law Eugene. In 1996, Def Jam released this "greatest hits" package, offering a good summary of Cool J's career, from the relentless minimalism of early hits such as "Rock the Bells" to the smooth-talking braggadocio that followed. Please fill in your e-mail so we can share with you our top stories. 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. 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Through the love and attitude of others around, the rapper easily forgave his dad, and they enjoyed a perfect relationship from that moment. That's just the tip of the iceberg look. It was released on January 13, 1998 for Def Jam Recordings and was produced by the Trackmasters. Speaking about the traumatic experience he had with his mother's boyfriend, he said: "He would beat me for watching television, for lookin at him funny, for looking out the window watching other kids play.
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