History of LL Cool J in Timeline
James Todd Smith, better known as LL Cool J, is a pioneering American rapper and actor. He rose to fame during the early days of hip hop alongside contemporaries like the Beastie Boys and Run-DMC, achieving substantial commercial success.
January 19, 1946: Birth of Ondrea Griffith
LL Cool J's mother, Ondrea Griffith, was born on January 19, 1946.
January 14, 1968: Birth of James Todd Smith
James Todd Smith, known professionally as LL Cool J, was born on January 14, 1968.
1972: Move to St. Albans
After a traumatic incident where LL Cool J's father shot his mother and grandfather, LL Cool J and his mother moved into his grandparents' home in St. Albans, Queens in 1972.
1983: Choosing the Name LL Cool J
Originally calling himself J-Ski, LL Cool J decided against the name to avoid association with the cocaine culture prevalent in the early 1980s, as depicted in the 1983 remake of Scarface.
1984: Emergence of New-School Hip-Hop
1984 marked a turning point in hip-hop with the emergence of the new-school scene, characterized by a shift towards minimalism and shorter, radio-friendly tracks.
1984: Early Musical Influences and Demo Tapes
At age 10, LL Cool J began rapping, inspired by The Treacherous Three. By 1984, he was creating demos with equipment from his grandfather. He reconciled with his father, who supported his music career.
1984: Signing with Def Jam Recordings
LL Cool J signed with Def Jam Recordings in 1984.
1984: Signing with Def Jam and "I Need a Beat"
Using the stage name LL Cool J, coined by his friend Mikey D, Smith signed with Def Jam Recordings and released his debut single "I Need a Beat." The song became a hit, selling over 100,000 copies, and helped establish both Def Jam and LL Cool J in the music industry. That same year, he performed his first professional concert at Manhattan Center High School.
November 18, 1985: Release of "Radio"
LL Cool J released his debut album, "Radio," on November 18, 1985. The album received critical acclaim for its production and LL Cool J's rapping.
December 28, 1985: "Radio" Charts
"Radio" entered the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart on December 28, 1985, and remained on the charts for 47 weeks.
1985: Release of "Radio"
LL Cool J's debut album, "Radio," was released in 1985.
1985: Release of "I Can't Live Without My Radio" and "Krush Groove" Film
LL Cool J's iconic anthem "I Can't Live Without My Radio" became synonymous with the new-school sound in 1985 and was prominently featured in the film "Krush Groove," capturing the energy of the evolving hip-hop landscape.
January 11, 1986: "Radio" Charts on Billboard 200
LL Cool J's "Radio" entered the Billboard 200 album chart on January 11, 1986, and stayed on the charts for 38 weeks.
April 14, 1986: "Radio" Certified Gold
On April 14, 1986, "Radio" was certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America.
1986: Rick Rubin's Production Influence
Rick Rubin's production style on "Radio" contributed to his growing reputation in the music industry, with his minimalist approach, described as "REDUCED BY RICK RUBIN," becoming a trademark. His work with LL Cool J, Run-D.M.C., and the Beastie Boys helped diversify hip hop.
1986: Raising Hell Tour
LL Cool J joined Run-D.M.C. and the Beastie Boys on the "Raising Hell" tour in 1986.
1987: Mainstream Success and Television Appearances
As one of the first hip-hop artists to achieve mainstream success, LL Cool J performed on "American Bandstand" and made an appearance on "Diana Ross' 1987 television special, Red Hot Rhythm & Blues."
1987: Bigger and Deffer Release
In 1987, LL Cool J released his second album, "Bigger and Deffer," produced by DJ Pooh and the L.A. Posse. The album, featuring hit singles like "I Need Love" and "I'm Bad," achieved remarkable success, selling over two million copies in the U.S.
1987: Meets Future Wife, Simone Johnson
LL Cool J's path crossed with his future wife, Simone Johnson, in 1987, beginning their journey together.
1987: Release of "Bigger and Deffer"
LL Cool J's second album, "Bigger and Deffer," was released in 1987.
1988: "Radio" Sales Milestone
By 1988, "Radio" had sold over one million copies.
1989: Release of "Walking with a Panther"
In 1989, LL Cool J released his third album, "Walking with a Panther."
1989: "Radio" Certified Platinum
In 1989, LL Cool J's debut album "Radio" earned platinum status from the Recording Industry Association of America.
1989: Walking with a Panther Release and Reception
LL Cool J's third album, "Walking with a Panther," was released in 1989. Despite commercial success, the album faced criticism for its commercial sound and focus on love ballads, leading to a decline in his audience base.
1990: Mama Said Knock You Out Release and Impact
LL Cool J made a significant comeback in 1990 with his fourth album, "Mama Said Knock You Out." The critically acclaimed album, produced by Marley Marl, achieved double-platinum status and solidified his place as a hip-hop icon.
1990: Release of "Mama Said Knock You Out"
LL Cool J released "Mama Said Knock You Out" in 1990.
1992: Grammy Award for "Mama Said Knock You Out"
LL Cool J won a Grammy Award for Best Rap Solo Performance for the title track of his album "Mama Said Knock You Out" in 1992.
1992: Begins Dating Kidada Jones
LL Cool J began dating Kidada Jones, daughter of music legend Quincy Jones, in 1992.
1992: Debut Acting Role in "Toys"
LL Cool J took on the role of Captain Patrick Zevo in the film "Toys," directed by Barry Levinson, in 1992.
March 1993: 14 Shots to the Dome Release
Following his acting roles in "The Hard Way" and "Toys," LL Cool J released "14 Shots to the Dome" in March 1993. The album featured singles like "How I'm Comin'" and "Back Seat (of My Jeep)" and went gold in June of the same year.
1993: Founds P.O.G. Music Label
In 1993, LL Cool J established P.O.G. (Power Of God), his own record label, demonstrating his entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to nurturing new talent within the music industry.
1994: Relationship with Kidada Jones Ends
LL Cool J's relationship with Kidada Jones ended in 1994.
1995: Mr. Smith Release and Success
Before starring in the NBC sitcom "In the House," LL Cool J released "Mr. Smith" in 1995. The album sold over two million copies and earned him a Grammy Award for the hit single "Hey Lover."
1995: Release of "Mr. Smith"
In 1995, LL Cool J released the album "Mr. Smith."
1995: Marries Simone Johnson
LL Cool J married Simone Johnson in 1995, marking a significant milestone in his personal life.
1995: Premiere of "In the House"
LL Cool J's television sitcom, "In the House," premiered in 1995.
December 1996: "Ain't Nobody" Cover Release
In December 1996, LL Cool J's cover of the Rufus and Chaka Khan song "Ain't Nobody" was featured on the "Beavis and Butt-Head Do America" soundtrack and released as a single, achieving particular success in the United Kingdom.
1997: Publication of "I Make My Own Rules"
In 1997, LL Cool J added "published author" to his list of accomplishments with the release of his autobiography, "I Make My Own Rules," co-written with Karen Hunter.
1997: Phenomenon Release
LL Cool J released his album "Phenomenon" in 1997, featuring singles such as "Phenomenon" and "Father." The album's second single, "4, 3, 2, 1," introduced DMX and Canibus to the music scene.
1997: Release of "Phenomenon"
LL Cool J released his album "Phenomenon" in 1997.
1998: Role in "Halloween H20"
LL Cool J joined the cast of "Halloween H20," the seventh film in the "Halloween" franchise, in 1998, portraying the character Ronny.
1999: End of "In the House"
LL Cool J's sitcom, "In the House," concluded in 1999 after a run of four years.
1999: Releases "Deep Blue Sea" Soundtrack
LL Cool J's Rock the Bells Records made waves in 1999 with the release of the soundtrack for the film "Deep Blue Sea," showcasing his label's ability to contribute to popular culture.
1999: Roles in "Deep Blue Sea," "In Too Deep," and "Any Given Sunday"
In 1999, LL Cool J starred in several films, including "Deep Blue Sea" as Preacher, "In Too Deep" as Dwayne "God" Gittens, and "Any Given Sunday" as Julian Washington.
2000: G.O.A.T. Release
LL Cool J released "G.O.A.T. ("Greatest of All Time")" in 2000, which debuted at number one on the Billboard album charts and went platinum.
2002: Release of Children's Book "And The Winner Is..."
Expanding his reach to young readers, LL Cool J published his second book, the children's title "And The Winner Is..." in 2002.
2002: Supports George Pataki's Gubernatorial Campaign
LL Cool J publicly supported George Pataki's bid for a third term as Governor of New York in 2002.
2002: 10 Release
LL Cool J's ninth studio album, "10," was released in 2002, featuring hit singles like "Paradise" and "Luv U Better." The album achieved platinum status.
2003: Collaboration with Jennifer Lopez
In 2003, LL Cool J collaborated with Jennifer Lopez on the song "All I Have," which was later added to the pressings of his album "10."
2003: Testifies at Senate Hearing on Music Piracy
LL Cool J's influence extended to the political arena in 2003 when he testified at a U.S. Senate Committee hearing concerning online music piracy.
August 31, 2004: The DEFinition Release
"The DEFinition," LL Cool J's tenth studio album, was released on August 31, 2004, featuring production from renowned artists such as Timbaland and R. Kelly. The album debuted at number four on the Billboard charts.
2004: Simone Johnson-Smith Becomes Cancer-Free
Simone Johnson-Smith triumphed over a challenging health battle with chondrosarcoma, a form of bone cancer, becoming cancer-free in 2004.
2005: Guest Appearance on "House"
LL Cool J made a guest appearance on the medical drama "House" in 2005, playing a death row inmate battling an unidentified illness in the episode "Acceptance."
2005: Introduces Wife and Mary J. Blige
LL Cool J played a pivotal role in connecting his wife, Simone Johnson-Smith, with singer Mary J. Blige in 2005, sparking a lasting friendship between the two women.
January 2, 2006: "Control Myself" Music Video Shoot
LL Cool J and Jennifer Lopez filmed the music video for "Control Myself" at Sony Studios in New York on January 2, 2006.
April 11, 2006: Todd Smith Release
LL Cool J released his eleventh album, "Todd Smith," on April 11, 2006, featuring collaborations with artists such as 112, Ginuwine, and Juelz Santana.
July 2006: Exit 13 Announcement
LL Cool J announced his final album with Def Jam Recordings, "Exit 13," in July 2006. Initially planned for a fall 2006 release with 50 Cent as executive producer, the album faced a two-year delay.
2006: Co-authors Fitness Book "The Platinum Workout"
In 2006, LL Cool J teamed up with his personal trainer, Dave "Scooter" Honig, to release "The Platinum Workout," a guide to fitness.
2006: Role in "Last Holiday"
LL Cool J appeared alongside Queen Latifah in the 2006 movie "Last Holiday," portraying her love interest.
2007: Publication of "LL Cool J (Hip-Hop Stars)"
Delving into the history of hip-hop, LL Cool J co-authored "LL Cool J (Hip-Hop Stars)" in 2007 with historian Dustin Shekell and Public Enemy's Chuck D.
2007: Guest Appearance on "30 Rock"
In 2007, LL Cool J guest-starred in an episode of "30 Rock" titled "The Source Awards." He played the character Ridikulous, a hip-hop producer feared by Tracy Jordan.
June 1, 2008: "Hi Haterz" Leak
A track titled "Hi Haterz," featuring LL Cool J rapping over Maino's "Hi Hater" instrumental, was leaked online on June 1, 2008.
September 9, 2008: Exit 13 Release and Mixtape
After a two-year delay, LL Cool J's final album with Def Jam Recordings, "Exit 13," was released on September 9, 2008, without 50 Cent as executive producer. He also partnered with DJ Kay Slay on his first-ever mixtape, "The Return of the G.O.A.T."
September 2008: Launch of Boomdizzle.com
In September 2008, LL Cool J merged music and technology with the launch of Boomdizzle.com, a platform for aspiring artists to share their music and connect with fans.
September 22, 2008: Appearance on "Sesame Street"
On September 22, 2008, LL Cool J appeared on "Sesame Street," introducing the word of the day, "Unanimous," in episode 4169.
September 30, 2008: Performance on "Sesame Street"
LL Cool J returned to "Sesame Street" on September 30, 2008, to perform "The Addition Expedition" in episode 4172.
2008: Release of "Exit 13"
In 2008, LL Cool J released "Exit 13," his last album with Def Jam Recordings.
2008: Release of "Exit 13"
LL Cool J released his album "Exit 13" in 2008. This was his last release with Def Jam Recordings before returning to the label in 2024 with "The FORCE."
April 2009: Debut of "NCIS: Los Angeles" Characters
The characters for the "NCIS" spinoff, "NCIS: Los Angeles," debuted in a crossover episode on "NCIS" in April 2009.
September 2009: NCIS-Inspired Song Release
In September 2009, LL Cool J released a single inspired by his role as special agent Sam Hanna on the TV series "NCIS." The song, reflecting his experiences on set, was made available on iTunes.
2010: Includes President Obama in List of Inspiring Figures in Book
LL Cool J's admiration for President Barack Obama was evident in his 2010 book, "LL Cool J's Platinum 360 Diet and Lifestyle," where he included the president among a group of individuals he found inspiring.
2010: VH1's 100 Greatest Artists of All Time
VH1 included LL Cool J on their "100 Greatest Artists of All Time" list in 2010.
March 2011: LL Cool J's Collaboration with Z-Trip at SXSW
In March 2011, LL Cool J made a guest appearance with Z-Trip at the Red Bull Thre3Style showcase during South by Southwest. This marked the start of their collaborative efforts, leading to interviews, a remix of Kasabian's "Days Are Forgotten," and a tour.
2011: Simone Johnson-Smith Launches Jewelry Line
Simone Johnson-Smith embraced her entrepreneurial spirit in 2011 by launching her own jewelry line.
January 2012: Release of "Super Baller"
In January 2012, LL Cool J and Z-Trip dropped their track "Super Baller" as a free download to commemorate the New York Giants' Super Bowl win.
February 10, 2012: Expresses Political Views in CNN Interview
In a televised interview with CNN's Piers Morgan on February 10, 2012, LL Cool J shared his perspective on President Barack Obama's leadership, highlighting the challenges posed by political opposition.
February 12, 2012: Start of Grammy Awards Hosting
LL Cool J's five-year stint as the host of the Grammy Awards Show began with the 54th Grammy Awards on February 12, 2012.
October 6, 2012: Release of "Ratchet"
On October 6, 2012, LL Cool J released "Ratchet," a single from his forthcoming album, "Authentic Hip-Hop."
November 3, 2012: Release of "Take It"
LL Cool J teamed up with Joe and Trackmasters for his second single, "Take It," which was released on November 3, 2012.
February 8, 2013: Album Title and Collaboration Announcement
On February 8, 2013, LL Cool J announced the change of his album title from "Authentic Hip-Hop" to "Authentic," revealed its new release date as April 30, 2013, and unveiled a new cover. He also shared his collaboration with Eddie Van Halen on two tracks.
April 30, 2013: Release of "Authentic"
LL Cool J's album "Authentic" was released on April 30, 2013.
October 16, 2013: Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Nomination
LL Cool J received a nomination for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame on October 16, 2013.
December 2013: Role in "Grudge Match"
LL Cool J appeared in the sports dramedy "Grudge Match" as a gym owner in December 2013.
2013: Teen Choice Award Win for "NCIS: Los Angeles"
LL Cool J's performance in "NCIS: Los Angeles" earned him a Teen Choice Award for Choice TV Actor: Action in 2013.
October 2014: Announcement of "G.O.A.T. 2" Album
In October 2014, LL Cool J announced his 14th studio album, "G.O.A.T. 2," slated for a 2015 release. The album, intended to showcase upcoming artists, was later put on hold.
March 2015: Appearance at WrestleMania 31
LL Cool J crossed over into the world of professional wrestling in March 2015 with an appearance at WrestleMania 31, further expanding his entertainment industry presence.
2015: Start of Hosting "Lip Sync Battle"
LL Cool J began hosting the show "Lip Sync Battle" in 2015.
2015: "G.O.A.T 2" Album Put on Hold
LL Cool J's album "G.O.A.T 2," initially planned for a 2015 release, was delayed. LL Cool J explained that he didn't feel the album was ready for release.
January 21, 2016: Hollywood Walk of Fame Star
LL Cool J was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on January 21, 2016.
February 15, 2016: End of Grammy Awards Hosting
The 58th Grammy Awards on February 15, 2016, marked the end of LL Cool J's role as the show's host for five consecutive years.
March 2016: Retirement Announcement and Retraction
LL Cool J briefly announced his retirement on social media in March 2016. He quickly rescinded this announcement, hinting at a new album in progress.
2017: Kennedy Center Honors
In 2017, LL Cool J became the first rapper to receive the Kennedy Center Honors.
2017: Receives Kennedy Center Honors
In a groundbreaking achievement, LL Cool J became the first rapper to receive the prestigious Kennedy Center Honors in 2017, solidifying his legacy as a cultural icon.
October 2018: Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Nomination
LL Cool J received another nomination for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in October 2018.
September 2019: Re-Signing with Def Jam Recordings
In September 2019, LL Cool J returned to Def Jam Recordings, signing a deal for future album releases.
2019: End of Hosting "Lip Sync Battle"
After a successful run, LL Cool J's time as host of "Lip Sync Battle" ended in 2019.
2020: Simone Johnson-Smith and Mary J. Blige Launch "Sister Love" Jewelry Line
Further solidifying their bond, Simone Johnson-Smith and Mary J. Blige collaborated on a new venture in 2020, launching the "Sister Love" jewelry line, a testament to their enduring friendship and shared passion for creativity.
December 29, 2021: Cancellation of "Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve" Performance
On December 29, 2021, LL Cool J had to withdraw from his scheduled performance at "Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve With Ryan Seacrest 2022" due to a positive COVID-19 test.
2021: Induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
LL Cool J was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with an award for Musical Excellence in 2021.
2021: Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
LL Cool J's indelible impact on music was cemented in 2021 with his induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, receiving the award for Musical Excellence.
March 22, 2022: Hosting the iHeartRadio Music Awards
LL Cool J took on the role of host for the 2022 iHeartRadio Music Awards on March 22, 2022.
2022: "Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve" Performance Canceled
LL Cool J was scheduled to perform at "Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve With Ryan Seacrest 2022." However, the performance was canceled.
May 2023: Announcement of Reprising Role in "NCIS: Hawai'i"
Following the conclusion of "NCIS: Los Angeles," LL Cool J announced that he would reprise his role as Sam Hanna in the third season of "NCIS: Hawai'i" as a recurring guest star in May 2023.
2023: Co-founds "Majesty" Jewelry Line with Wife
LL Cool J and his wife, Simone Johnson-Smith, continued to build their entrepreneurial portfolio together in 2023 by co-founding "Majesty," a jewelry line designed for men.
June 14, 2024: Release of "Saturday Night Special"
On June 14, 2024, LL Cool J released "Saturday Night Special," featuring Rick Ross and Fat Joe. This marked his first single as a lead artist in eight years and served as the lead single from his album "The FORCE."
August 2024: Release of "Proclivities"
"Proclivities," a single featuring rapper Saweetie from the album "The FORCE," was released in August 2024.
August 31, 2024: Release of "Murdergram Deux"
"Murdergram Deux," featuring Eminem and produced by Q-Tip, was released on August 31, 2024, as the fourth single from "The FORCE."
September 6, 2024: Release of "The FORCE"
LL Cool J's fourteenth studio album, "The FORCE," entirely produced by Q-Tip, was released on September 6, 2024, under Def Jam Recordings.