biographical article needs additional citations for verification. Please help by adding reliable sources. Contentious material about living persons that is unsourced or poorly sourced must be removed immediately, especially if potentially libelous or harmful. (February 2010) LL Cool J LL Cool J at Roma Fiction Fest in June 2010. Background information Birth name James Todd Smith Also known as L.L. Cool J, Ladies Love Cool James, Luv, Cool J, LL, The G.O.A.T., Jack the Ripper, Mr. Smith, Uncle LL Born January 14, 1968 (1968-01-14) (age 43) Bay Shore, New York, U.S. Origin St. Albans, Queens, New York, U.S. Genres Hip hop Occupations Rapper, actor, record producer, author Instruments Vocals, turntables Years active 1984–present Labels Def Jam, Violator Associated acts L.A. Posse, Keith Murray, Run–D.M.C., KRS-One, Marley Marl, Method Man, Redman, DMX, G-Unit, Timbaland, H.E.H. Website llcoolj.defjam.com James Todd Smith (born January 14, 1968), better known as LL Cool J (acronym for Ladies Love Cool James) is an American rapper and actor. He is known for romantic ballads such as "I Need Love", "Around the Way Girl" and "Hey Lover" as well as pioneering hip-hop such as "I Can't Live Without My Radio", "I'm Bad", "The Boomin' System", and "Mama Said Knock You Out". He has released twelve studio albums and two greatest hits compilations, with his final album being 2008's Exit 13, the last for his record deal with Def Jam Recordings. He has also appeared in numerous films, and currently stars as NCIS Special Agent Sam Hanna on the CBS crime drama television series NCIS: Los Angeles. He now lives in Long Island, New York, with his wife and four children..