Ll Cool J’s Net Worth : Career & Vacation
The American hip-hop artist best recognized for popularizing the genre worldwide, Ll Cool J’s net worth is a staggering $120 million as of 2024.
Smith began recording his own tunes and submitting them to record labels. Finally, the executives at Def Jam Recordings got their hands on his demo. Def Jam well received the demo, and his debut album was released.
His new stage name, LL Cool J, stood for Ladies Love Cool James, and the song was released under that moniker.
Cool J was well-liked by the rap business and the general public, as evidenced by his 1984 single “I Need a Beat,” selling over 100,000 copies. He dropped out of high school to make his first album as a result of this.
His debut album, “Radio,” was a major hit, selling over 1,500,000 copies. It was not only a commercial success, but it was also a critical hit, with Cool J introducing traditional song structure to rap, making it more accessible to the average listener.
In 1987, he would follow it up with “Bigger and Deffer.” “I Need Love” was one of the earliest pop-rap songs to be released. With the record hitting 2X platinum, he was once again met with critical and commercial praise.
In 1989, he released a new album, Walking with a Panther, which again went platinum. The hip-hop scene in the United States began to emerge around this period.
The hip-hop community’s themes began to include more gangster overtones. “Mama Said Knock You Out” was released in 1990. The record had a tougher edge to it, which appealed to the hip-new hop generation… It was regarded as yet another triumph.
Quick Facts
So, let’s get to know Ll Cool J’s a little better, starting with some basic facts about him.
| Full Name | James Todd Smith |
|---|---|
| Known name | Ll Cool J |
| Date of Birth | Jan 14, 1968 |
| Birthplace | Bay Shore, New York, United States |
| Age | 56 years old |
| Nationality | American |
| Religion | Christianity |
| Ethnicity | Black |
| Gender | Male |
| Mother | Ondrea Smith |
| Father | James Nunya |
| Siblings | N/A |
| Height | In meters – 1.91 m In Feet and Inches – 6 ft 3 in |
| Weight |
In Kilograms – 96 kg
In Pounds – 212 lbs |
| Eye color | Black |
| Zodiac Sign | Capricorn |
| School | Robert Moses Middle School |
| College | Northeastern University |
| Source of Wealth | Professional Raps, TV shows |
| Sexual Orientation | Straight |
| Active Years | 1984–present |
| Profession | Rapper, Record Producer, Television producer, Actor, Entrepreneur |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Girlfriend | N/A |
| Spouse | Simone Smith (m. 1995) |
| Children | Najee Laurent Todd Eugene Smith, Samaria Leah Wisdom Smith, Italia Anita Maria Smith, Nina Simone Smith |
| Ex-Spouse | N/A |
| Yearly Salary | N/A |
| Net Worth | $120 million |
| Social Media | Instagram, Twitter, Facebook |
| Last Update | April, 2024 |
Early Life: Ll Cool J
Ondrea Griffith and James Louis Smith Jr. gave birth to LL Cool J on January 14th, 1968, in Bay Shore, New York. Unfortunately, LL Cool’s upbringing was marred by a series of tragic experiences.
LL was four years old when he discovered his mother and grandma shot and bloodied. Then, in a squabble over their divorce procedures in 1972, his father shot and nearly killed them.
His mother’s second engagement was with a heroin addict named Roscoe Granger, who regularly beat LL.
Smith became interested in music at a young age when he joined his church choir. He started rapping at the age of nine. At sixteen, his grandfather, a jazz musician, encouraged James’ music and purchased his first mixing table.
Sears provided the mixing table. His mother was a strong supporter of his work, and she used a tax rebate to buy him a Korg drum machine one year.
Ll Cool J’s Net Worth and Income
Ll Cool J’s Net Worth
An American hip-hop artist best recognized for popularizing the genre worldwide, Ll Cool J’s net worth is a staggering $120 million as of 2024.
LL Cool J may only have had one album reach number one on the Billboard 200, G.O.A.T. (Greatest of All-Time) from 2000, but his albums have all gone platinum or double platinum.
Mr. Smith, released in 1995, is his best-selling album, with over 2.1 million copies sold, and the singles “Lounging” and “Hey Lover,” both from that album, are his highest-charting and best-selling songs as a lead artist.
But it was on Jennifer Lopez’s “All I Have,” which peaked at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart, that he had his finest chart success of all time.
J began his career as a successful rapper and was regarded as such for a long time, but he is now more known as an actor and TV personality, and his remuneration reflects this.
He’s worked on NCIS: Los Angeles for more than 11 years, and his income has climbed to a whopping $350,000 per episode since he first started.
With 24 episodes in a season, J would be looking at an annual salary of $8.4 million for playing the special agent with a golden heart.
Though it isn’t disclosed how much he earns per episode of Lip Sync Battle, it is certain to be in the six figures, and with five seasons under his belt, J has amassed the majority of his wealth from the television.
Ll Cool J’s Income
His bread and butter are Los Angeles, and he’s well compensated for his role as Sam Hanna on the show. According to Bankrate, he earns $150,000 every episode, or $3.6 million for a 24-episode season.
If you can do the math, LL Cool J’s net worth is estimated to be roughly $36 million (10 seasons of NCIS: Los Angeles at $3.6 million per season). We hate to break it to you, but you’re completely wrong.
Thanks to his music career, movies, and television appearances, his net worth is three times more.
Let’s have a look at Ll Cool J’s earnings from the year 1985-2011:
| Year | Earnings |
|---|---|
| 1985 | $1,000,000 |
| 1987 | $3,100,000 |
| 1990 | $2,100,000 |
| 1993 | $573,000 |
| 1995 | $2,300,000 |
| 1997 | $1,100,000 |
| 2002 | $1,000,000 |
| 2006 | $370,000 |
| 2009 | $150,000 |
| 2013 | $30,000 |
Ll Cool J’s Net Worth in Different Currencies
Let’s look at Ll Cool J’s Net Worth in several currencies, including BitCoin, the cryptocurrency.
| Currency | Net Worth |
| Euro | € 101,734,572 |
| Pound Sterling | £ 87,177,636 |
| Australian Dollar | A$ 164,113,800 |
| Canadian Dollar | C$ 151,486,200 |
| Indian Rupee | ₹ 8,819,616,000 |
| BitCoin | ฿ 2,450 |
Ll Cool J: House, Cars, Watch, Dookie Chains
House
Manhasset, New York House
Following the filming of In Too Deep in June 1999, LL Cool J paid $1,575,000 for a brick Colonial-style mansion in Manhasset, New York. LL Cool J’s mansion, which was built in 1993 and sat on just under three acres.
With his wife, three daughters, and son, he lives in this Tudor-style home with six bathrooms, three fireplaces, a swimming pool, and 5,552 square feet. This mansion also has a hair salon for his kids’ hairstylists to come in and visit.
Manhasset is a town on Long Island’s North Shore with a population of about 8,300 people.
Los Angeles House
On April 24, 2013, the house where LL Cool J beat up a 56-year-old vagrant for breaking into his Studio City home on August 22, 2012, at around 1:30 a.m., was listed on the market for $5,950,000.
The house was constructed in 2004 and had 6 bedrooms and 7 bathrooms with a total square footage of 7,566 square feet on a 0.72-acre lot.
This home was recently purchased for $1,075,000 on August 16, 2002, and it appears to be a land acquisition with the home being built in 2004. This mansion is not owned by LL Cool J but by Juliette Industries LLC, a Sherman Oaks-based corporation.
To bear in mind about this location is that it is next to Harvard Westlake High School, which was recently in the headlines for a proposed parking expansion.
While it may not directly influence this home, some neighbors are against it, so keep that in mind when looking at it.
Because no interior photos were included in the ad, it appears that LL Cool J is currently renting this home. As a result, LL Cool J may be looking for a new property in the Los Angeles region.
Cars
When LL Cool J initially became famous, he possessed around ten expensive cars. The musician rose to stardom as a rapper as a teenager in the 1980s, and he admits that when he initially made huge money, he lavished it on himself and his family.
He had 10 to 12 cars, including BMWs, Mercedes, and Porsches. He spent millions of dollars on these high-end automobiles. Luxury automobiles, on the other hand, are no longer on his list.
Mercedes Benz
The cheapest Mercedes-Benz sedan, the A-Class Limousine, costs Rs 41.19 lakh, while the most costly model, the AMG GT, costs Rs 2.64 crore.
Mercedes-Benz is a high-end luxury vehicle, so, unsurprisingly, it includes several features that you won’t find in a regular automobile. Even so, there are so many amenities that you may not be aware of all of them.
Even the Mercedes-Benz SmartKey has a few tricks up its sleeve, so we’ll show you how to make the most of it. The top-of-the-line X-Class will be powered by a V6 engine, according to Daimler.
The engine is connected to a permanent all-wheel-drive system called 4MATIC. The pickup truck, according to Mercedes, has a payload capacity of more than 1.1 tons and a towing capacity of 3.5 tons.
Porsche
The starting price of the 2021 Porsche 911 is $99,200, making it one of the most costly vehicles in the already expensive luxury sports car class. The high-end 911 Turbo S cabriolet costs roughly $216,000 to buy.
For excellent savings at your local Porsche dealer, check out our U.S. News Best Price Program.
The Porsche 911 is a fantastic high-end sports car. The interior of the 911 is stunning, with high-end materials, plush front seats, and an easy-to-use touchscreen infotainment system. It also comes with the most up-to-date technology and security features.
However, one of 911’s greatest accomplishments is that it does not compromise everyday comfort for performance.
Thanks to its tight steering, balanced body control, and brawny turbocharged engine lineup, it’s fun to drive on twisty switchback roads, yet it still rides softly over bumpy pavement.
The 911’s main notable flaws are its high starting price, narrow rear seats, and limited trunk room. However, few vehicles in this class offer rear seats, and if you don’t plan on putting passengers in the back, the space can be used for extra cargo.
BMW
The 2020 BMW 3 Series sedan has a starting price of $40,750. That’s nearly $2,500 more than the median price of a fancy small car. Nevertheless, the BMW 3 Series is a fantastic vehicle. Engines that are dynamic and responsive are among the performance highlights.
Thanks to its well-balanced suspension system, this sports sedan is not only entertaining to drive, but it also won’t leave you feeling beat up after a long day on the road.
However, it has a few flaws since some rivals outperform the 3 Series in interior extravagances and infotainment use.
470-hp Dodge Challenger SRT8
The 2012 Challenger SRT8 392 ($43,995) comes with a 470-hp 6.4-liter Hemi V8 and a 6-speed manual or 5-speed automated transmission ($995). Street and Racing Technology is the abbreviation for “Street and Racing Technology.”
SRT formed as Team Viper to develop the Dodge Viper. SRT became synonymous with the entire Dodge lineup over time. When you see a new Dodge Challenger SRT8, you can be sure that it has a V8 engine.
The Dodge Challenger SRT 392 has a top speed of 182 mph and a 0-60 time of 4.2 seconds, 1.2 seconds faster than the Ford Mustang V6.
Watch
In NCIS: Los Angeles, LL Cool J wears a Suunto X-Lander Military special agent Sam Hanna.
The watch can be seen in the commercial image and the film Ambush, where Sam Hanna uses his watch to convey morse code via a laser beam reflection.
Suunto’s X-Lander watch is a true outdoor instrument with an altimeter, barometer, compass, and most conventional watch functions, all housed in a rugged metal shell.
LL Cool J’s X-Lander Military edition has a black aluminum case and a black rubber strap. There are several other model versions with different colored casings.
You can get it at the best price on Amazon.com or eBay.
Dookie Chains
In rap culture, wearing the chain is a way of life: the owner is defined by how they wear it.
Also, the capacity to keep it on yourself: in the 1980s, beatdowns and stolen gold chains were nearly the norm, so if you were rocking a piece, you were expected to go through with it.
It’s not unexpected that varied ways of wearing these objects have developed over time. Welcome to the game of “rocking the chain.”
Starting with the “old school” chain, commonly known as “the rope” or “the dookie chain.” This is the original trend, with numerous old-school aces as standard-bearers, from Run DMC and LL Cool J to Big Daddy Kane and Rakim, to mention a few.
Yacht
LL Cool J is making the most of his life! Aboard Instagram, the actor/rapper posted a video with Magic Johnson, Rodney Peele, and Samuel L Jackson touring Italy on a $1.1 million yacht.
In the caption, the NCIS actor says, “From Farmers the Rock to the Porto Cervo Dock.” LL Cool J begins the video by displaying many jet skis and kayaks at the yacht’s dock.
The staff ascends to the upper deck, where they may take in the breathtaking views.
Ll Cool J: Lifestyle and Vacation
Lifestyle
Cool J, a multi-platinum artist, reveals the secrets to his amazing physique as well as, maybe even more enticing, his hard-won contentment and peace of mind.
His no-nonsense, high-energy approach includes a 30-day workout routine designed to build lean, attractive muscles, as well as a groundbreaking nutrition plan that can help you lose up to 20 pounds in only four weeks—even with weekend cheat meals!
But it’s LL Cool J’s practical, easy-to-follow guidance for personal development that actually elevates the LL Cool J’s Platinum 360 Diet and Lifestyle.
He’ll show you how to create your own internal strength via self-reflection and spiritual direction, equipping you with the tools and insight to alter your life from the inside out. It’s not only about getting in shape; you can — and should — be your best self.
Vacation
When LL Cool J isn’t surrounded by actors playing special agents on “NCIS: Los Angeles,” he surrounds himself with some good company.
He recently released a video with NBA star Magic Johnson and legendary actor Samuel L. Jackson. The three are spending their holiday in Italy together.
“Spend your time with individuals that raise you and encourage your dreams,” he captioned the video.
The three of them appear to be lifting each other, as they appear to be having a great time riding in a boat together. LL Cool J is initially filming himself and Magic Johnson before rotating the camera around to expose Samuel L. Jackson.
He yells “pow!” and the entire group bursts out laughing.
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Album, Movies, Endorsements, Book Publications, Other Ventures
Album
In 1984, LL began his career by securing a deal with Def Jam Records, a hip-hop label. In 1985, he released his first studio album, “Radio,” debuted at number 46 on the US Billboard 200 and sold one million copies worldwide.
His breakthrough single, “I Need a Beat,” sold more than 100,000 copies. The rapper/actor has released 13 studio albums and two best hits compilations to date.
LL’s fifth studio album, ’14 Shots to the Dome,’ was a commercial success and was certified Gold by the Recording Industry Association of America. In addition, the album reached number 5 on the Billboard 200 in the United States, selling 500,000 copies.
His thirteenth album, “Exit 13,” was released as part of his final agreement with Def Jam and charted at number nine on the Billboard 200 and number three on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart.
Following his departure from Def Jam, he signed with 429 Records and released his thirteenth studio album, Authentic, in 2013.
Aside from rapping, LL Cool J has appeared in several big-budget films, including Deep Blue Sea, Toys, S.W.A.T., and The Hard Way. He’s also a producer and host of the show “Lip Sync Battle.”
Movies
While LL Cool J made his acting debut in Wildcats, he first appeared as a rapper in Krush Groove. In Barry Levinson’s 1992 film Toys, he earned the role of Captain Patrick Zevo. He had his own sitcom, In the House, from 1995 to 1999.
He played an ex-Oakland Raiders running back who runs into financial issues and is forced to rent out a portion of his house to a single mother and her two kids, one of whom leaves in with her before the third season.
Halloween H20, the seventh installment in the Halloween franchise, starred LL Cool J as security guard Ronny in 1998. In the Renny Harlin horror/comedy Deep Blue Sea, he co-starred as Preacher, the chef.
In Too Deep, he played Dwayne Gittens, an underworld lord known as “God,” and earned favorable reviews.
Later the same year, he starred in Oliver Stone’s drama Any Given Sunday as Julian Washington, a gifted but selfish running back on the fictional Miami Sharks. While filming a fight scene, he and co-star Jamie Foxx allegedly got into a real fistfight.
LL Cool J appeared in the films Rollerball, Deliver Us from Eva, S.W.A.T., and Mindhunters throughout the next two years.
In 2005, he had a cameo appearance on Fox’s medical drama House, portraying a death row convict who succumbed to an unknown disease in an episode titled “Acceptance.” In the 2006 film Last Holiday, he played Queen Latifah’s love interest.
In the 39th season of Sesame Street, LL Cool J had two appearances: in episode 4169 (September 22, 2008), he introduced the word of the day, “Unanimous,” and in episode 4172, he performed “The Addition Expedition” (September 30, 2008).
Endorsements
LL also collaborates behind the scenes with TROOP, an 80s hip-hop apparel line. In addition, however, he has developed the ‘Todd Smith’ clothing line, which creates fashionable urban wear.
As a rapper, he’s now the owner of two record labels, P.O.G. (Power of God) and Rock The Bells. In September 2008, he also founded and launched the social networking site Boomdizzle.com.
Book Publications
In addition, the rapper has published four novels so far. In addition, LL Cool J and Karen Hunter collaborated on the autobiography “I Make My Own Rules.”
This book is available for $1.09 on Amazon. And The Winner Is..., The Platinum Workout, and LL Cool J are his other books.
Other Ventures
TROOP, a hip-hop clothing label founded by LL Cool J in the mid-1980s, hired him behind the scenes. LL Cool J has debuted his own apparel brand.
The designs incorporate elements from LL’s words and tattoos, as well as other hip-hop legends.
LL Cool J began his own enterprises in the music industry in 1993, such as the P.O.G. (Power Of God) music label and the Rock The Bells music production company.
Amyth, Smokeman, Natice, Chantel Jones, and Simone Starks were his Rock The Bells label. In addition, the Deep Blue Sea soundtrack for the 1999 film of the same name was also produced by Rock the Bells Records.
The label also signed Rufus “Scola” Waller, who was released when the label dissolved. In September 2008, LL Cool J founded and launched Boomdizzle.com, a music label and social networking platform.
Users review songs through contests, voting, and other community events, and the website accepts music uploads from budding musicians, mainly in the hip-hop genre.
LL Cool J also made an appearance in the WrestleMania 31 pre-show in March 2015.
Career
When LL Cool J met Rick Rubin at the age of 16, he began his musical career. Rubin was so taken with his music that the two collaborated on a record, “I Need a Beat.”
They eventually forwarded the record to Russell Simmons, artist management, who liked it as well. As a result, Simmon and Rubin started their record label, Def Jam Recordings, in the same year.
Cool J’s meteoric rise in the music industry prompted him to drop out of school and work on his debut album. ‘Radio,’ which was published in 1985 and sold over 1.5 million copies, garnered a lot of great acclaim for its dramatic lyrics.
LL Cool J continued to release moderate to major successes from 2000 through 2008 while having a successful film career.
‘Exit 13′, his last album with ‘Def Jam Recordings,’ was released in 2008. The following year, LL Cool J was cast as a regular in the CBS television series ‘NCIS: Los Angeles,’ which is still on the air today.
Charity
LL is a dedicated philanthropist who supports a variety of causes, including literacy for children, music and arts programs in schools, and his annual charity “Jump & Ball” in Queens, New York, which he returns to the community by providing a five-week athletic and team-building program dedicated to providing wholesome fun to young people.
The GOAT hitmaker was a special guest at the Butterfly Ball, which raised money for the Chrysalis organization, which assists homeless people in finding work.
LL Cool J has been a long-time supporter of the organization, even contributing his own fashionable apparel to help those in need.
“What’s really wonderful about it, when folks have a job interview, they can look the part,” he tells online magazine Society News L.A. about his involvement with the cause. So many people here have, like, sinful closets.”
3 Interesting Facts About LL Cool J
- L Cool J is a rapper who is well-known for Having two tattoos on his shoulder: one on the left is the word ‘Respect,’ and the other on the right is ‘Mr. Smith.’
- He really recorded a collection of songs before “Mr. Smith” (1995), but it was never released.
- He’s known for wearing a hat when he’s on camera, something he’s done since his mother’s lover mistreated him.
FAQS
Is LL Cool J a seasoned performer?
Before he became a rap pioneer or a TV celebrity on “NCIS: Los Angeles,” LL Cool J was the son of a Navy veteran. He was recently named the first Kennedy Center Honoree for his contributions to Hip Hop.
Is LL Cool J a veteran of the military?
LL Cool J’s take on the scenario was unique. In preparation for his part as Special Agent Sam Hanna on the CBS drama, the veteran emcee trained with Navy SEALs and other members of the military forces. LL added, “I went out to Camp Pendleton and met with some special ops people.”
Is LL Cool J a physician?
On May 2, LL Cool J got an honorary Doctor of Arts degree from Northeastern University, making him Dr. Cool J.
