James Todd Smith (born January 14, 1968), better known as
LL Cool J (short for
Ladies
Love
Cool James), is an American
hip hop recording artist and
actor from
Queens, New York. He is known for pioneering hip-hop tracks such as "
I Can't Live Without My Radio", "
I'm Bad", "
The Boomin' System", "
Rock The Bells" and "
Mama Said Knock You Out", as well as romantic ballads such as "
Doin' It", "
I Need Love", "
Around the Way Girl" and "
Hey Lover". LL Cool J is also known as one of the forefathers of
pop rap. He has released 13 studio albums and two
greatest hits compilations. His twelfth album
Exit 13 (2008), was his last for his long-tenured deal with
Def Jam Recordings. His latest album,
Authentic, was released in April 2013.