Musician and actor LL Cool J, born James Todd Smith, was born on January 14, 1968 in New York City. He began nurturing his musical talent as part of his church choir, before deciding to submit demos to many record companies. He was subsequently picked up by DefJam Records and, after adopting his stage name (which stands for Ladies Love Cool James), released his first single, “I Need A Beat”, in 1985. Its success led him to drop out of high school and pursue a music career.
As a music artist, LL Cool J has released 12 albums from 1985 to 2008-- the last of which was Exit 13. This marked his final collaboration with with Def Jam recordings.
LL Cool J pursued acting in 1986, and went on to star in several movies and television series. In 1995, he took his first regular television role, appearing as the lead in the NBC sitcom In the House; it moved to UPN after its second season, where it continued until it was cancelled in 1999. He starred in films such as Deep Blue Sea, Charlie’s Angels, Kingdom Come, Rollerball, S.W.A.T., Last Holiday and The Deal. He also made guest appearances in House and 30 Rock. At present, he stars in the spin-off NCIS: Los Angeles as Special Agent Sam Hanna.