History of LL Cool J in Timeline
James Todd Smith, known as LL Cool J, is a highly influential American rapper and actor. He achieved mainstream commercial success early in his career, marking him as a pioneer alongside contemporaries like Beastie Boys and Run-DMC. LL Cool J's contributions have cemented his place in hip-hop history and popular culture.
January 19, 1946: Ondrea Griffith Born
On January 19, 1946, Ondrea Griffith, LL Cool J's mother, was born. This event marks the birth of a person who would play a significant role in his life.
January 14, 1968: James Todd Smith Born
On January 14, 1968, James Todd Smith, later known as LL Cool J, was born. This event marks the start of the life and career of a prominent figure in hip hop and acting.
1972: Moved to Grandparent's Home
In 1972, LL Cool J and his mother moved into his grandparents' home in St. Albans, Queens, where he was raised.
1983: Rise of Cocaine Culture
In 1983, the rise of cocaine culture was depicted in the remake of Scarface, influencing LL Cool J's decision to change his stage name from J-Ski to avoid association.
1984: Signed to Def Jam Recordings
In 1984, LL Cool J signed with Def Jam Recordings, a pivotal moment that launched his career. This marked the beginning of his journey in the music industry.
1984: Emergence of new-school scene
In 1984, LL Cool J's music influenced the emerging new-school scene characterized by drum machine-led minimalism and tough, cool b-boy attitude, contrasting with the old-school styles.
1984: Signed by Def Jam and Release of I Need a Beat
In 1984, LL Cool J, under his new stage name, was signed by Def Jam and released his first official record, "I Need a Beat", which sold over 100,000 copies and launched his career.
1984: Creating Demo Tapes and Receiving Equipment
In 1984, a sixteen-year-old LL Cool J created demo tapes and received musical equipment from his grandfather and mother, marking a significant step in his early music career.
November 18, 1985: Radio Released
On November 18, 1985, Radio was released to critical acclaim. The album earned commercial success, selling over 500,000 copies in its first five months.
December 28, 1985: Radio Entered Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums Chart
On December 28, 1985, Radio entered the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart, remaining there for 47 weeks.
1985: Release of Landmark Debut Album Radio
In 1985, LL Cool J released his debut album, Radio, which was a landmark achievement. This release significantly contributed to his early success and recognition.
1985: Feature in Krush Groove
In 1985, the song "I Can't Live Without My Radio" was featured in the film Krush Groove, which was based on the rise of Def Jam and new school acts such as Run-D.M.C. and the Fat Boys.
January 11, 1986: Radio Entered Pop Albums Chart
On January 11, 1986, Radio entered the Pop Albums chart, remaining on that chart for thirty-eight weeks.
April 14, 1986: Radio Earned Gold Certification
On April 14, 1986, Radio earned a gold certification in the United States.
1986: Joined Raising Hell Tour
In 1986, LL Cool J joined the Raising Hell tour, opening for Run-D.M.C. and the Beastie Boys, marking a step in his career at larger venues.
1986: Release of Raising Hell and Licensed to Ill
In 1986, the release of Raising Hell and Licensed to Ill, along with Radio, formed a trilogy of New York City-based, Rubin-helmed albums that helped to diversify hip-hop.
1987: Release of Bigger and Deffer
In 1987, LL Cool J achieved further commercial and critical success with the release of the album Bigger and Deffer.
1987: Appearance on Diana Ross' Television Special
In 1987, LL Cool J appeared on Diana Ross' television special, Red Hot Rhythm & Blues, which was a milestone of LL's popularity.
1987: Met Simone Johnson
LL Cool J met Simone Johnson, who he later married, in 1987.
1988: Radio Sales Reached Over 1 Million Copies
By 1988, Radio had sold over 1 million copies according to the Recording Industry Association of America.
1989: Radio Earned Platinum Status
By 1989, the album Radio had earned platinum status from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), with sales exceeding one million copies.
1989: Release of Walking with a Panther Album
In 1989, LL Cool J released his third album Walking with a Panther, which, despite commercial success, received criticism for being too commercial.
1990: Release of Mama Said Knock You Out
In 1990, LL Cool J released Mama Said Knock You Out, an album that proved to be a significant success both commercially and critically.
1992: Role in Toys
In 1992, LL Cool J landed the role of Captain Patrick Zevo in Barry Levinson's film Toys.
1992: Grammy Award Win
In 1992, LL Cool J won a Grammy Award for Best Rap Solo Performance for the title track of Mama Said Knock You Out.
March 1993: Release of 14 Shots to the Dome
In March 1993, LL Cool J released 14 Shots to the Dome, which featured four singles and guest appearances.
1993: Founded P.O.G. and Rock The Bells
In 1993, LL Cool J founded a music label called P.O.G. (Power Of God) and formed the company Rock The Bells to produce music.
1994: Dated Kidada Jones
LL Cool J dated Kidada Jones, daughter of producer Quincy Jones, from 1992 to 1994.
1995: Starred in In The House
From 1995 to 1999, LL Cool J starred in his own television sitcom In the House.
1995: Release of Mr. Smith
In 1995, LL Cool J released his album Mr. Smith, which went on to sell over two million copies and included the hit single "Hey Lover".
1995: Marriage to Simone Johnson
LL Cool J married Simone Johnson in 1995.
December 1996: Release of Ain't Nobody Cover
In December 1996, LL Cool J's cover of "Ain't Nobody" was included on the Beavis and Butt-Head Do America soundtrack and released as a single.
1997: Release of I Make My Own Rules
In 1997, LL Cool J released I Make My Own Rules, an autobiography cowritten with Karen Hunter.
1997: Release of Phenomenon
In 1997, LL Cool J released the album Phenomenon, adding another title to his extensive catalog of work.
1998: Role in Halloween H20
In 1998, LL Cool J played security guard Ronny in Halloween H20, the seventh movie in the Halloween franchise.
1999: Starred in In The House
From 1995 to 1999, LL Cool J starred in his own television sitcom In the House.
1999: Co-starred in Deep Blue Sea
In 1999, LL Cool J co-starred as Preacher, the chef in the Renny Harlin horror/comedy Deep Blue Sea.
1999: Rock the Bells Records Production
Rock the Bells Records was responsible for the Deep Blue Sea soundtrack, which helped to promote the 1999 movie of the same name.
2000: Release of G.O.A.T. Album
In 2000, LL Cool J released the album G.O.A.T., which stood for "Greatest of All Time" and debuted at number one on the Billboard album charts.
2002: Mama Said Knock You Out Top Selling Album
As of 2002, Mama Said Knock You Out was LL Cool J's top selling album of his career, solidifying his status as a hip-hop icon.
2002: Support for George Pataki
In 2002, LL Cool J publicly supported George Pataki's campaign for a third term as Governor of New York.
2002: Release of And The Winner Is...
In 2002, LL Cool J released a children-oriented book called And The Winner Is...
2002: Release of 10 Album
In 2002, LL Cool J released his ninth studio album, 10, which included the singles "Paradise" and "Luv U Better".
2003: Senate Committee Hearing on RIAA Lawsuits
In 2003, LL Cool J spoke at a U.S. Senate Committee hearing regarding the RIAA lawsuits against individuals sharing copyrighted music. He appeared to support the RIAA, citing concerns over lost sales due to illegal file sharing.
2003: Added Jennifer Lopez Duet
In 2003, later pressings of the album 10 added the Jennifer Lopez duet, "All I Have".
August 31, 2004: Release of The DEFinition Album
On August 31, 2004, LL Cool J's tenth album The DEFinition was released, debuting at No. 4 on the Billboard charts.
2004: Simone Johnson-Smith cancer-free
Simone Johnson-Smith was cancer-free as of 2004 after being diagnosed with chondrosarcoma.
2005: Introduction of Mary J. Blige to Simone Johnson-Smith
In 2005, LL Cool J is credited with introducing his wife to singer and close friend Mary J. Blige, inspiring their friendship.
2005: Guest-starring Role on House
In 2005, LL Cool J returned to television in a guest-starring role on the Fox medical drama House, portraying a death row inmate.
January 2, 2006: Control Myself Video Shot
On January 2, 2006, the video for "Control Myself" featuring Jennifer Lopez was shot at Sony Studios, New York.
April 11, 2006: Release of Todd Smith Album
On April 11, 2006, LL Cool J's 11th album, Todd Smith, was released, featuring collaborations with various artists.
July 2006: Final album announcement
In July 2006, LL Cool J announced details about Exit 13, his final album with Def Jam Recordings.
2006: Release of The Platinum Workout
In 2006, LL Cool J and his personal trainer, Dave "Scooter" Honig, wrote a fitness book titled The Platinum Workout.
2006: Appearance in Last Holiday
In 2006, LL Cool J appeared as Queen Latifah's love interest in the movie Last Holiday.
2007: Release of LL Cool J (Hip-Hop Stars)
In 2007, LL Cool J cowrote his fourth book, LL Cool J (Hip-Hop Stars), with hip-hop historian Dustin Shekell and Public Enemy's Chuck D.
2007: Guest-starring Role on 30 Rock
In 2007, LL Cool J guest-starred on 30 Rock in the episode "The Source Awards", portraying a hip-hop producer.
June 1, 2008: "Hi Haterz" Leaked
On June 1, 2008, the track "Hi Haterz," featuring LL Cool J rapping over Maino's "Hi Hater" instrumental, was leaked onto the internet.
September 9, 2008: Release of Exit 13 album
After a 2-year delay, LL Cool J released Exit 13 on September 9, 2008, without 50 Cent as the executive producer.
September 2008: Launch of Boomdizzle.com
In September 2008, LL Cool J founded and launched Boomdizzle.com, a record label/social networking site.
September 22, 2008: Sesame Street Appearance
On September 22, 2008, LL Cool J appeared in Sesame Street's 39th season, introducing the word of the day--"Unanimous".
September 30, 2008: Sesame Street Performance
On September 30, 2008, LL Cool J appeared in Sesame Street's 39th season, performing "The Addition Expedition".
2008: Last album until The FORCE
In 2008, LL Cool J released Exit 13 under Def Jam Recordings. This album was his last under the label until the release of The FORCE in 2024.
2008: Release of Exit 13
In 2008, LL Cool J released Exit 13, which marked the end of his long-term deal with Def Jam Recordings.
April 2009: Introduction of NCIS: Los Angeles characters
In April 2009, the characters for NCIS: Los Angeles were introduced in a crossover episode on the parent show, NCIS.
September 2009: Release of NCIS TV series song
In September 2009, LL Cool J released a song inspired by the NCIS TV series, available on iTunes. The track reflects his experiences playing special agent Sam Hanna.
2010: LL Cool J's Platinum 360 Diet and Lifestyle
In 2010, LL Cool J published "LL Cool J's Platinum 360 Diet and Lifestyle", where he expressed admiration for Barack Obama, then president.
2010: VH1's 100 Greatest Artists Of All Time
In 2010, VH1 placed LL Cool J on their "100 Greatest Artists Of All Time" list, recognizing his significant impact on music.
March 2011: Performance at South by Southwest with Z-Trip
In March 2011, LL Cool J was revealed as Z-Trip's special guest at the Red Bull Thre3Style showcase during South by Southwest, marking the beginning of their creative collaboration.
2011: Simone Johnson-Smith Launches Jewelry Line
Simone Johnson-Smith became an entrepreneur, launching a jewelry line in 2011.
January 2012: Release of "Super Baller" with Z-Trip
In January 2012, LL Cool J and Z-Trip released the track "Super Baller" as a free download, celebrating the New York Giants Super Bowl victory.
February 10, 2012: CNN Interview with Piers Morgan
On February 10, 2012, LL Cool J expressed sympathy for President Barack Obama during a televised interview with CNN's Piers Morgan, attributing negative perceptions of Obama's leadership to Republican obstruction.
February 12, 2012: First Grammy Awards hosting
On February 12, 2012, LL Cool J hosted the Grammy Awards Show for the first time at the 54th Grammy Awards.
October 6, 2012: Release of "Ratchet"
On October 6, 2012, LL Cool J released "Ratchet", a new single from his upcoming album titled Authentic Hip-Hop.
November 3, 2012: Collaboration on "Take It"
On November 3, 2012, LL Cool J collaborated with Joe and the Trackmasters on his second single, "Take It".
February 8, 2013: Album title change and collaboration announcement
On February 8, 2013, the title of LL's upcoming album was changed from Authentic Hip-Hop to Authentic, with a new release date of April 30, 2013. It was also announced that LL Cool J had collaborated with Eddie Van Halen on two tracks.
April 30, 2013: Authentic Album Release Date
The album Authentic was scheduled to be released on April 30, 2013.
October 16, 2013: Rock and Roll Hall of Fame nomination
On October 16, 2013, LL Cool J was announced as a nominee for inclusion in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2014.
December 2013: Co-starred in Grudge Match
In December 2013, LL Cool J co-starred as a gym owner in the sports dramedy Grudge Match.
2013: Teen Choice Award for NCIS: Los Angeles
In 2013, LL Cool J received a Teen Choice Award for Choice TV Actor: Action for his work on NCIS: Los Angeles.
October 2014: Announcement of G.O.A.T. 2 album
In October 2014, LL Cool J announced his 14th studio album would be called G.O.A.T. 2 and would be released in 2015.
March 2015: WrestleMania 31 Appearance
In March 2015, LL Cool J appeared in an introduction to WrestleMania 31.
2015: Hosted Lip Sync Battle
From 2015 to 2019, LL Cool J hosted the show Lip Sync Battle.
2015: G.O.A.T. 2 album put on hold
In 2015, the album G.O.A.T. 2 was put on hold because LL Cool J didn't feel like it was ready yet.
January 21, 2016: Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame
On January 21, 2016, LL Cool J received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
February 15, 2016: Final Grammy Awards hosting
On February 15, 2016, LL Cool J hosted the Grammy Awards Show for the 58th time, marking his fifth consecutive year hosting the show.
March 2016: Retirement announcement and walk back
In March 2016, LL Cool J announced his retirement on social media, but quickly walked back his announcement and indicated that a new album was on the way.
2017: Kennedy Center Honors
In 2017, LL Cool J became the first rapper to receive Kennedy Center Honors.
October 2018: Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Nomination
In October 2018, LL Cool J was nominated for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
September 2019: Resigning with Def Jam
In September 2019, it was announced that LL Cool J had re-signed to Def Jam for future album releases.
2019: Hosted Lip Sync Battle
From 2015 to 2019, LL Cool J hosted the show Lip Sync Battle.
2020: Launch of Sister Love jewelry line
In late 2020, Simone Johnson-Smith and Mary J. Blige launched a collaborative jewelry line, Sister Love.
December 29, 2021: New Year's Rockin' Eve Performance Cancellation
On December 29, 2021, LL Cool J canceled his performance at Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve With Ryan Seacrest 2022 after testing positive for COVID-19.
2021: Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
In 2021, LL Cool J was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in the Musical Excellence category, solidifying his legacy in music history.
2021: Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction
In 2021, LL Cool J was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with an award for Musical Excellence.
March 22, 2022: Hosted iHeartRadio Music Awards
On March 22, 2022, LL Cool J hosted the 2022 iHeartRadio Music Awards.
2022: New Year's Rockin' Eve Performance Cancellation
LL Cool J canceled his performance at Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve With Ryan Seacrest in 2022 due to testing positive for COVID-19.
May 2023: Reprising Role in NCIS: Hawai'i
In May 2023, following the series finale of NCIS: Los Angeles, it was announced that LL would reprise the role of Sam Hanna as a recurring guest star in the third season of NCIS: Hawaiʻi.
2023: Co-founded Majesty jewelry line
In 2023, LL Cool J and his wife Simone co-founded a jewelry line for men, Majesty.
June 14, 2024: Release of "Saturday Night Special" single
On June 14, 2024, LL Cool J released the single "Saturday Night Special", featuring Rick Ross and Fat Joe, marking his first single as a lead artist in eight years.
August 2024: Release of "Proclivities" Single
In August 2024, LL Cool J released the single "Proclivities", featuring rapper Saweetie.
August 31, 2024: Release of "Murdergram Deux" single
On August 31, 2024, LL Cool J released the album's fourth single "Murdergram Deux", featuring Eminem.
September 6, 2024: Release of The FORCE album
LL Cool J released his fourteenth studio album, The FORCE, on September 6, 2024, under Def Jam Recordings.
2024: Release of The FORCE
In 2024, LL Cool J re-signed with Def Jam and released his fourteenth album, The FORCE, marking a return to his original label.
