LL Cool J Net Worth

What Is LL Cool J’s Net Worth?

LL Cool J, the celebrated American rapper and actor, has amassed a considerable fortune throughout his career. His net worth is estimated to be around $120 million. This substantial wealth is a result of his successful endeavors in the music industry, his forays into acting, and various other business ventures.

Early Career and Musical Achievements

Born James Todd Smith on January 14, 1968, in Bay Shore, New York, LL Cool J’s journey began with a mixing table purchased by his grandfather at Sears when he was sixteen. This early encouragement fueled his passion for music. His mother further supported his aspirations by using her tax refund to buy him a Korg drum machine. These early investments proved pivotal in launching his career.

LL Cool J’s career took off when he signed with Def Jam Recordings after his demo caught their attention. His debut single, “I Need a Beat,” released in 1984, sold over 100,000 copies, marking his arrival in the music scene. This success led him to leave high school to fully pursue his musical ambitions. His debut album, “Radio,” released in 1985, achieved platinum status with 1,500,000 sales, establishing him as a major force in hip-hop.

In 1987, he released “Bigger and Deffer,” which went 2X platinum, solidifying his position as a leading artist. The single “I Need Love” was one of the first pop-rap songs. “Walking with a Panther” followed in 1989 and also went platinum. In 1990, LL Cool J released “Mama Said Knock You Out,” which resonated with the evolving hip-hop landscape. Although his 1993 album faced criticism, he returned in 1995 with “Mr. Smith,” which sold over two million copies and earned him a Grammy Award.

Further albums like “Phenomenon” and “G.O.A.T.” continued his success. “G.O.A.T,” released in 2000, debuted at #1 on the Billboard album charts and achieved platinum status. In 2002, his ninth studio album, “10,” reached #4 on the Billboard charts. He hosted the Grammy Awards for five consecutive years, from 2012 to 2016. LL Cool J re-signed with Def Jam Records in September 2019, signaling new music releases.

Acting Career and Earnings

LL Cool J transitioned into acting, securing roles in various films and television shows. His first role was a small part in the movie “Wildcats.” He played Captain Patric Zevo in “Toys” (1992). He starred in his own TV sitcom, “In the House,” from 1995 to 1998, portraying a former football star who rents out part of his house. In 1998, he had a small role in “Halloween H20.” He appeared in movies like “Deliver Us from Eva,” “S.W.A.T.,” and “Mindhunters.” From 2009, he starred in “NCIS: Los Angeles” as NCIS Special Agent Sam Hanna. His salary for “NCIS: Los Angeles” was $350,000 per episode, totaling approximately $8.4 million per season.

Since April 2015, he has hosted the show “Lip Sync Battle”.

Other Ventures and Investments

Beyond music and acting, LL Cool J has engaged in several entrepreneurial ventures. He collaborated with the hip-hop sportswear line TROOP. In 1996, he was involved in launching a clothing line through FUBU. He created his own clothing line called Todd Smith, specializing in urban wear. In 2008, he partnered with Sears to design and sell an affordable clothing line. LL Cool J founded Boomdizzle.com, a record label and social networking site, in 2009.

In November 2017, he completed the Business of Entertainment Media & Sports program at Harvard University.

He has also authored four books: his 1998 autobiography “I Make My Own Rules,” the 2002 children’s book “And The Winner Is,” the 2006 fitness book “The Platinum Workout” (co-written with his trainer), and 2007’s “LL Cool J (Hip Hop Stars).”

LL Cool J started a charitable foundation called Jump & Ball, based in Queens. It provides athletic and team-building programs for children.

Personal Life and Real Estate

LL Cool J has been married to Simone Johnson since 1995, and they have four children together. In August 2012, LL Cool J defended his home in Studio City, Los Angeles, against a suspected burglar, resulting in the suspect’s hospitalization.

While specific details about his real estate holdings aren’t widely publicized, it is known that he owns a home in Studio City, Los Angeles.