Ladies Love Cool James aka LL Cool J, born James Todd Smith, was born on January 14, 1968, in Long Island, New York. He would later move to Queens where he honed his rap skills at a very young age with the support of his mother. He was one of the first rappers on Def Jam and has two Grammy Awards. He also hosted the award show several times.
In addition to rap, LL Cool J has starred in several movies and TV shows. His career is the blue[print for rappers looking to crossover into other genres of music like R’n’B and acting. He was the first rapper to be honored at the Kennedy Center.