Queens, New York native LL Cool J (born James Todd Smith) signed to Russell Simmons and Rick Rubin's fledgling Def Jam label in 1984, when he was 16 years old. His first single, "I Need a Beat," sold over of 100,000 copies, and his debut album, Radio, which included the hip-hop classic "Rock the Bells," went platinum in 1986. Bigger and Deffer, released in 1987, continued LL's ascent, crossing over to the pop charts with the rap ballad "I Need Love." With success came accusations from hip-hop fans of becoming a commercial sell-out. In response, LL released Mama Said Knock You Out (1990), which addressed the criticism on the title cut. That album, which also included the hit "Around the Way Girl," won back hip-hop fans and was his biggest-selling ever.

LL expanded his career to include acting, appearing in movies such as Toys (1992), Any Given Sunday (1999) and S.W.A.T. (2003) and in the mid-'90s TV series In the House.In 2004 he released his 11th album, The DEFinition, which included production from Timbaland.

VIDEO: Pop Rocks with LL Cool J

Reviews

• Todd Smith
• The DEFinition
• Ten

Features

• The Greatest Songs Ever! I Need Love
• Dear Superstar: LL Cool J

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