LL Cool J
James Todd Smith, known professionally as LL Cool J, is an American rapper, songwriter, record producer, and actor. His breakthrough success came with his single "I Need a Beat" and his debut studio album, Radio, in 1985. His sophomore album, Bigger and Deffer, supported by singles "I'm Bad" and "I Need Love", was released to commercial success and acclaim in the summer of 1987. LL Cool J became an early hip hop act to achieve mainstream success alongside Def Jam Recordings groups Beastie Boys and Run-DMC. LL Cool J has released 13 studio albums and two greatest hits compilations. His twelfth album Exit 13, was his last for his long-tenured deal with Def Jam Recordings. LL Cool J has appeared in numerous films, including Halloween H20, In Too Deep, Any Given Sunday, Deep Blue Sea, S.W.A.T., Mindhunters, and Edison. He currently plays NCIS Special Agent Sam Hanna in the CBS crime drama television series NCIS: Los Angeles.
