He shot him in the stomach before shooting his estranged wife, Ondrea, LL Cool J's mother. }); Copyright 2015 . 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. Aired on 01/27/2013 | CC. LL Cool J's second album was 1987's Bigger and Deffer, which was produced by DJ Pooh and the L.A. 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. But even with all of that negativity LL still found a way to forgive his father for everything hes ever done to him. 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. Yet, the scars never fully healed. It was released on January 13, 1998 for Def Jam Recordings and was produced by the Trackmasters. Thankfully, she later became the rapper's number one woman, who is appreciated and deeply loved by a man she described as "her rock.". "I Can't Live Without My Radio" and "Rock the Bells" were singles that helped the album go platinum. 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. 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. LL Cool J has been in a relationship with Kidada Jones (1992 - 1994).. LL Cool J is rumoured to have hooked up with Karrine Steffans (2007), Pilar Sanders (1996) and Gabrielle Union.. About. 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LL Cool J Unpacked His Past Addictions with Sex and Drugs in 1997 Memoir LL Cool J - IMDb Production came from Timbaland, 7 Aurelius, R. Kelly, and others. LL Cool J, whose real name is James Todd Smith, was born in January 1968 in Queens, New York, in a middle-class and catholic family. He currently plays NCIS Special Agent Sam Hanna in the CBS crime drama television series NCIS: Los Angeles. LL Cool J - Listal In 1984, sixteen-year-old Smith was creating demo tapes in his grandparents' home. 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Series overview and suggestions on where to start! [88] (Power Of God) and formed the company Rock The Bells to produce music. LL Cool J - Pinterest LL Cool J founded and launched Boomdizzle.com, a record label / social networking site launched in September 2008. Much to people's surprise, LL Cool J said: LL Cool J at Barclays Center on July 14, 2019 | Source: Getty Images, 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.. does not support or promote any kind of violence, self-harm, or abusive behavior. Tito Jackson found his birth mother. Their family's journey is a tale "[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. target_type: 'mix' LL Cool J's 11th album, Todd Smith, was released on April 11, 2006. [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. LL Cool J Facts for Kids He didnt need a good reason. [27][28] Radio peaked at number 6 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart and at number 46 on the Billboard 200 albums chart. LL COOL J's Alleged 'Hidden' Biological Son Speaks Out He did not get the best attention as a young child, and his surroundings subjected him to a life of bullying and arms. [14][12][19] His mother was also supportive of his musical endeavors, using her tax refund to buy him a Korg drum machine. 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. As a result LL fired James and hired a new manager. "[22] That same year, Smith made his professional debut concert performance at Manhattan Center High School. How LL Cool J Learned to Forgive His Father | Oprah's Next Chapter [10], In 2002, LL Cool J supported George Pataki's bid for a third term as Governor of New York. James reportedly did it because he was distraught that Ondrea had left him and also taken their son with her. 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. Rapper, actor, author and entrepreneur LL Cool J was rap music's first big solo star. Pl. Young James had a rather traumatic childhood. [59] In September 2019, it was announced that LL had re-signed to Def Jam for future album releases. 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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. LL Cool J on February 9, 2019 in Beverly Hills, California | Source: Getty Images. He was quick to add that no one "should assume that I'm a Democrat either. LL Cool J has lost his father, James Nunya. We humbly honor the old school soul music era and will keep pushing forward to keep it alive. 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. 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. 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. [83] Since April 2015, LL has hosted the show Lip Sync Battle. Relationships. Please fill in your e-mail so we can share with you our top stories! In 2010, VH1 placed him on their "100 Greatest Artists Of All Time" list. Yet, the scars never fully healed. It eventually reached 1,500,000 copies sold in the US.[30]. Thank you. [77] He also guest-starred on 30 Rock in the 2007 episode "The Source Awards", portraying a hip-hop producer called Ridikulous who Tracy Jordan fears may kill him. The incident happened at the couple's home at New Meadows Road . 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). LL Cool J is one of the most respected rappers in the game but even he has endured his fair share of obstacles. 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 during a press conference at Hotel St. Regis on June 5, 2019 in Mexico City, Mexico | Source: Getty Images. We humbly honor the old school soul music era and will keep pushing forward to keep it alive. 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. "This song is the musical interpretation of what I felt after meeting with NCIS agents, experienced Marines and Navy SEALs," LL Cool J said. [18], In the VH1 documentary Planet Rock: The Story of Hip Hop and the Crack Generation, Smith revealed that he initially called himself J-Ski, but did not want to associate his stage name with the cocaine culture (The rappers who use "Ski" or "Blow" as part of their stage name, e.g., Kurtis Blow and Joeski Love, were associated with the rise of the cocaine culture, as depicted in the 1983 remake of Scarface.) 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. My father made a massive blunder, but he also did a lot of things right.. 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 would later consider toning his lifestyle down out of respect for his lady, and that was the beginning of a lifetime of commitment. LL Cool J looks back on "Accidental Racist" and explains why he declared himself the G.O.A.T. If that wasn't hard enough, he experienced a tragic and dramatic event when he was only four years old. 16 on the Billboard Hot 100. [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. Rechristened LL Cool J (Ladies Love Cool James), he released his debut single, . Eventually, LLs father James came back into his life and helped him out in the early stages of his budding rap career. placement: 'Right Rail Thumbnails', In 2006, LL Cool J and his personal trainer, Dave "Scooter" Honig, wrote a fitness book titled The Platinum Workout. A track entitled "Hi Haterz" was leaked onto the internet on June 1, 2008. 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Sadly, a few years later, the young man stated that his dad mismanaged his funds which led to him getting fired. [80][81] In 2013, LL received a Teen Choice Award for Choice TV Actor: Action for his work on the show. They worked through thick and thin to become one of the industry's power couples. LL Cool J attends Spike TV's Guys Choice 2015 at Sony Pictures Studios on June 6, 2015 in Culver City, California | Photo: Getty Images. Chuck D provided an opposing viewpoint, saying free file-sharing could be leveraged as a promotional tool and the industry was being overprotective of its copyright. 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 . The series' genetic genealogist CeCe Moore identified Smith's biological grandparents as Ethel Mae Jolly and Nathaniel Christy Lewis through analysis of his DNA. 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. It was tough. Cool J is a real force to be reckoned with, and this is why he is beloved, honored, and celebrated. The toddler's 25-year-old father was hit in the head and his 22-year-old mother in the leg. The album was originally scheduled to be executively produced by fellow Queens rapper 50 Cent. In 2006, LL Cool J and his personal trainer, Dave "Scooter" Honig, wrote a fitness book titled The Platinum Workout. The show is a spin-off of NCIS, which itself is a spin-off of the naval legal drama JAG. 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. In 1972, when he was just 4 years old his father shot his wife (James Mother) as well as James grandfather. 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. Who are LL Cool J parents? - KnowledgeBurrow.com His father shot his mother and grandfather, nearly killing them both. L.A. City Council Shutdown Because Council Members Caught on Opinion: Sacramento Mass Shooting Confirms What Experts Already Knew, What the Puck? Plus, LL shares what his father's mistakes taught him about mercy. LL Cool J Painfully Details Why His Dad Shot His Mom & Grandfather, Why 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. LL Cool J started a record label called 'Boomdizzle' that doubled up as a social networking site as well. But The lessons you taught me live on in my heart. Elsewhere in the book, LL said a low point in his sex life came when he had an intimate encounter with a . 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. When 4-year-old Smith found them, blood was everywhere. [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 mother forgave his father for shooting her in the back. mode: 'thumbnails-rr1', "[14] In 1972, Smith and his mother moved into his grandparents' home in St. Albans, Queens, where he was raised. 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). James Todd Smith, popularly known as LL Cool J, is a well-known artist in the movie and music industry. LL Cool J's Traumatic Childhood Includes Stepfather's Physical Abuse LL opened up about Roscoes constant abuse during an interview with Oprah back in the day. LL Cool J | House Wiki | Fandom WHO WE AREThe news you want unfiltered.The Electronic Urban Report/EUR puts the most buzz worthy African American news at your fingertips. The Journal of Steffanie Jay-Zs Shock in Running Into Kelly Rowland Is Your WATCH LIVE! I was so inspired I wrote the song on set."[44]. 2 and would be released in 2015. Signed to Def Jam Recordings in 1984, LL Cool J's breakthrough came with his single "I . LL Cool J partnered with DJ Kay Slay to release a mixtape called "The Return of the G.O.A.T.". During an appearance on Finding Your Roots With Henry Louis . His second book was the children-oriented book called And The Winner Is. Thankfully, the actor and rapper is in a much better place now and learned from his parents mistakes. As a young boy growing up in New York City LL witnessed a few traumatic events that he carried with him into his adulthood. "[18] This was at the same time that NYU student Rick Rubin and promoter-manager Russell Simmons founded the then-independent Def Jam label. While speaking to Oprah, the jewelry maker explained that they have an awesome marriage because of the sacrifices and love they share. 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. 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. This page was last edited on 2 March 2023, at 21:38. [66] He landed the role of Captain Patrick Zevo in Barry Levinson's 1992 film Toys. LL Cool J combined acting with his rap career; his acting debut was in 1985's "Krush Groove." Later, LL's mom was instramental in getting her son to reconcile with his father. We also encourage everyone to report any crime incident they witness as soon as possible. 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 . Smith's biological great-uncle was Hall of Fame boxer John Henry Lewis. 96 views, 2 likes, 0 loves, 0 comments, 2 shares, Facebook Watch Videos from J.Cano: Law & Order: SVU - Best Episode *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 divorce. Before then, they were lovers with an unsettling relationship plagued by the rapper's familiarity with women and his flirtatious attitude. "RIP to My Father James Nunya. There is no more complete source for urban news than the Electronic Urban Report. His early life was horrific - his father shot both LL's mother and grandfather, and the young LL was the victim . According to a Chicago Tribune report, his father shot his mother and grandfather, nearly killing them. LL Cool J was born James Todd Smith into a middle-class family. 00:00. and the Beastie Boys. LL Cool J - Father Lyrics | Genius Lyrics 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. 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. LL Cool J's interpretation of "Ain't Nobody" was particularly successful in the United Kingdom, where it topped the UK Singles Chart in early-1997. LL Cool J - Father Samples | Genius According to Hollywood.com, it would be years before LL was able to forgive his father. James Todd Smith, realized expertly by his stage name, LL Cool J, was brought into this world on January 14, 1968. LL Cool J has been nominated six times for induction into The Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame. 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. window._taboola = window._taboola || []; "LL Cool J gets honorary degree from Northeastern", "LL Cool J Receives a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame", "Fela nominated for 2021 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame", "LL COOL J Honored With Key To The City In Queens, New York During First Rock The Bells Festival", "LL Cool J Honored With Key To Queens, New York", "LL Cool J Received The Key To The City Of Queens During Inaugural Rock The Bells Festival", "february 2000 | blackfilm.com | features | naacp image awards nominees", "Blockbuster Entertainment Award winners", "Filmmakers.com: Film: The 2004 Black Reel Awards Nominations Announced", "Teen Choice Awards 2011 Nominees Announced: Harry Potter vs Twilight", "NAACP Image Awards 2012: Full list of winners", "Teen Choice Awards 2012: Complete Winners List", "The 44th NAACP Image Award complete winners list", "Teen Choice 2013 - August 11 on FOX - Vote Every Day! LL Cool J Painfully Detailed Why His Dad Shot His Mom & Grandfather 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. Father LL Cool J. [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. He didnt need a good reason. LL Cool J Net Worth In 2023 and How He Makes Money The iconic rapper and actor tops the list as one of the few black entertainers with a happy home and no controversies. Its singles included "Doin' It" and "Loungin". _taboola.push({ Both survived. As a rap phenom, LL Cool J needed love. As a rap legend, he's finally When 4-year-old LL found them, blood was everywhere." 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. [31] Another milestone of LL's popularity was his appearance on American Bandstand as the first hip-hop act on the show. }); Copyright 2015 . February 20, 2023. LL Cool J is one of the most respected rappers in the game but even he has endured his fair share of obstacles. [92], With the breakthrough success of his hit single "I Need a Beat" and the Radio LP, LL Cool J became an early hip-hop act to achieve mainstream success along with Kurtis Blow and Run-DMC. and the Beastie Boys. [25] 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. LL Cool J has an enviable relationship with his wife, Simone Smith, and they share four kids. 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.
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