Please fill in your e-mail so we can share with you our top stories. The 50 Worst Songs By Otherwise Great Artists - Pingovox Here is the truth behind the rapper's life. that benefits the victims. Who are LL Cool J parents? In 2000, LL Cool J released the album G.O.A.T., which stood for the "Greatest of All Time." We raise awareness about these issues to help potential victims seek professional counseling and prevent anyone from getting hurt. [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. LL Cool J Left His Wife Twice & His Dad Shot His Mom and Grandpa [14], Smith began rapping at the age of 10, influenced by the hip-hop group The Treacherous Three. It debuted at number one on the Billboard album charts,[42] and went platinum. He didnt care how he beat me or with what . He would beat me for watching television, for lookin at him funny, for looking out the window watching other kids play. The Journal of Steffanie Jay-Zs Shock in Running Into Kelly Rowland Is Your WATCH LIVE! At the age of four, he saw his mother and grandfather shot by his own father. [41] Thank you. LL Cool J's Traumatic Childhood Includes Stepfather's Physical Abuse LL Cool J witnessed his father trying to murder his mother and grandfather. 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. LL Cool J's second album was 1987's Bigger and Deffer, which was produced by DJ Pooh and the L.A. Pl. 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. James Todd Smith, popularly known as LL Cool J, is a well-known artist in the movie and music industry. Mr. James was upset that LL Cool J's mother had left him. [104] He also voiced his support for New York State Senator Malcolm Smith, a Democrat, during an appearance on the senator's local television show;[105] he worked with Smith in putting on the annual Jump and Ball Tournament in the rapper's childhood neighborhood of St. Albans, Queens. He toured with Janet Jackson on her Rock Witchu tour, only playing in Los Angeles, Chicago, Toronto, and Kansas City. Roscoe beat me for just about anything. LL and his mother moved into his grandparents' home in St. Albans, Queens in 1972 where he was raised. LL Cool J (Getty) *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 . 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. 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. The show is a spin-off of NCIS, which itself is a spin-off of the naval legal drama JAG. Tracks that the two worked on were leaked to the internet and some of the tracks produced with 50 made it to Exit 13. When LL Cool J was just 4 years old, his father shot his mother and grandfather. iloveoldschoolmusic.com. Eventually, LLs father James came back into his life and helped him out in the early stages of his budding rap career. LL Cool J Bio (Wiki) - Married Biography How 'NCIS: Los Angeles' Star LL Cool J Learned His Mother Was Adopted "I want to be clear," said Taryll, who is Tito's son. He is one of the earliest rappers to achieve commercial success, alongside fellow new school hip hop acts Beastie Boys and Run-DMC.. Through the love and attitude of others around, the rapper easily forgave his dad, and they enjoyed a perfect relationship from that moment. 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. [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. [35] Rubin's early hip hop production work, before his exit from Def Jam to Los Angeles, helped solidify his legacy as a hip hop pioneer and establish his reputation in the music industry.[35]. LL Cool J (Music) - TV Tropes (Power Of God) and formed the company Rock The Bells to produce music. Rapper, actor, author and entrepreneur LL Cool J was rap music's first big solo star. LL Cool J worked behind the scenes with the mid-1980s hip-hop sportswear line TROOP. published in 2002. NEW BEDFORD After Tito Jackson lost the Boston mayor's race in 2017, he began to take stock of his life and heritage. [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. How LL Cool J Learned to Forgive His Father - Video - Oprah.com [90] 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 (birth name James Todd Smith) recounted his painful childhood memories in his biography I Make My Own Rules and the details are shocking. LL Cool J - Listal I was so inspired I wrote the song on set."[44]. LL Cool J At 54: "Dreams Don't Have Deadlines" - BlackDoctor.org published in 2002. Hed even pull me out of the shower to get a beating. Instead, he rose above all that, making a success of his life with the help of his father, James Smith. 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. LL Cool J is in mourning today following the death of his father. AmoMama creates engaging, meaningful content for women. LL Cool J Net Worth 2022: Age, Height, Weight, Wife, Kids - Ear Shot LL Cool J during a press conference at Hotel St. Regis on June 5, 2019 in Mexico City, Mexico | Source: Getty Images. He did not get the best attention as a young child, and his surroundings subjected him to a life of bullying and arms. Advertisement LL Cool J is a legendary rapper who has recorded over nine albums in the last 15 years and won many awards, including three Grammys. 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. Here is the truth behind the rapper's life. When he was very young his parents got a divorce and it angered his biological father, James, so much that he shot both LL's mother and grandfather with a shotgun. He had a tough childhood because his parents had a violent relationship. [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. In fact, when he was starting out as a musician, his dad actually re-entered his life and tried to guide him through it. He'd long been open about his adoption, but all he knew, based on some . target_type: 'mix' Cool J is a real force to be reckoned with, and this is why he is beloved, honored, and celebrated. [7] In 2017, LL Cool J became the first rapper to receive the Kennedy Center Honors. After his mother moved on, she married an abusive man and drug addict named Roscoe Granger. 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. LL Cool J has lost his father, James Nunya. We also encourage everyone to report any crime incident they witness as soon as possible. I was doing all kinds of wild things by then and getting in all kinds of trouble.. Cool J and his mother moved to his grandparent's house in 1972. LL (birth name James Todd Smith) recounted his painful childhood memories in his biography I Make My Own Rules and the details are shocking. [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. At the age of four, he saw his mother and grandfather shot by his own father. _taboola.push({ "[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. On October 6, 2012, LL Cool J released a new single from Authentic Hip-Hop called "Ratchet". mode: 'thumbnails-rr1', When 4-year-old LL found them, blood was everywhere." 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. After this experience, the couple's relationship became stronger. His mother, Ondrea, was a nurses assistant while his father, James, was a truck driver. James reportedly did it because he was distraught that Ondrea had left him and also taken their son with her. It eventually reached 1,500,000 copies sold in the US.[30]. 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. Best Episode | Law & Order: SVU - Best Episode - Facebook 2016 LL Cool J was awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk Of Fame. LL Cool J Mourns Death of Father James Nunya - The Boombox He has been nominated in 2010, 2011, 2014, 2018, 2019, and 2021 as a performer. And LL was the one who discovered them! container: 'taboola-right-rail-thumbnails', "[55], On January 21, 2016, LL received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. 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. Before the separation was finalized, however, things ended up getting violent. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. At the age of four, he saw his mother and grandfather shot by his own father. During an interview that the actor had with Oprah Winfrey, the host asked if such a terrible incident had left a scar in him. He didnt need a good reason. [37] It spent 11 weeks at No. Later pressings of the album added the 2003 Jennifer Lopez duet, "All I Have". [79], Since 2009, LL Cool J has starred on the CBS police procedural NCIS: Los Angeles. LL Cool J, Simone Smith and family at The Fashion Institute of Technology on May 25, 2017 | Source: Getty Images. According to Hollywood.com, it would be years before LL was able to forgive his father. A new cover was unveiled at the same time. He and co-star Jamie Foxx allegedly got into a real fistfight while filming a fight scene. 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". Hed even pull me out of the shower to get a beating. In 1972, when he was just 4 years old his father shot his wife (James Mother) as well as James grandfather. }); Copyright 2015 . 26 on the Hot 100. 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. 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. This was the same person who shot his mother in the back and granddad in the stomach. L.L. The iconic rapper and actor tops the list as one of the few black entertainers with a happy home and no controversies. During an appearance on Finding Your Roots With Henry Louis . My family is a very interesting family. His mother, Ondrea, was a nurse's assistant while his father, James, was a truck driver. 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. 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. [58], In October 2018, LL Cool J was nominated for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. 253 comments. 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 Cool J started a record label called 'Boomdizzle' that doubled up as a social networking site as well. He didnt care how he beat me or with what , By the time Ondrea left Roscoe, LL said that for him personally, the damager was done., You know how glad I was to have Roscoe out of my life, but the damage was done. LL Cool J is a 55 year old American Rapper. 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. Mark Summers for Rolling . 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. Both relatives survived their injuries, and the NCIS: Los Angeles star insists he has since made peace with his dad even though he was initially reluctant to allow him back into his life. It includes collaborations with 112, Ginuwine, Juelz Santana, Teairra Mari and Freeway. 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. 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. _taboola.push({ 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. Dont Miss A Story. He would beat me for watching television, for looking at him funny, for looking out the window watching other kids play. LL Cool J. He has been in films such as "Any Given Sunday", "In Too Deep", and "Deep Blue Sea" just to . [80][81] In 2013, LL received a Teen Choice Award for Choice TV Actor: Action for his work on the show. The album reached platinum status. [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. 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. In a shocking incident, a two-year-old shot his parents and wounded himself with a gun that he picked up from his parents' nightstand on Wednesday morning, the police said. 2 years ago. Exception: This awkward piece of wonky cheese. Actor and rapper LL Cool J, best known as Special Agent Sam Hanna in NCIS: Los Angeles, has had a very successful life. placement: 'Right Rail Thumbnails', 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. According to her, they put God first in their marriage, made many compromises, have respect, and show unwavering support to each other. [8] In 2021, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with an award for Musical Excellence. Classic albums including Bigger and Deffer and Mama Said Knock You Out are well represented here. . LL Cool J - Age, Bio, Birthday, Family, Net Worth | National Today WHO WE AREThe news you want unfiltered.The Electronic Urban Report/EUR puts the most buzz worthy African American news at your fingertips. 14 on the Billboard Hip-Hop and R&B chart and No. As a child, James Todd Smith experienced great tragedy. To make matters worse, it was the Grammy Award winner who found his mom and grandfather on the floor after his dad shot them. [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. LL Cool J ( Full name: James Todd Smith) is a 54-year-old American record producer, songwriter, rapper, and actor. 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. LL Cool J - Father Samples | Genius LL also recorded a rap solo for Michael Jackson's demo of "Serious Effect" that remains unreleased but leaked online[40]. 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. LL Cool J Net Worth (Rapper) [54] LL stated that "the concept behind the album was to give upcoming artists an opportunity to shine, and put myself in the position where I have to spit bars with some of the hardest rhymers in the game"; however, the album was put on hold. His father, , it would be years before LL was able to forgive his father. In 2006, LL Cool J and his personal trainer, Dave "Scooter" Honig, wrote a fitness book titled The Platinum Workout.