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LL Cool J
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LL Cool J’s mother played a crucial role in launching his career by investing in his music when he was faced with countless rejection. The rapper, born to Ondrea Smith in Bay Shore, NY, has released his 14th studio album, “The Force,” after a decade-long wait. Released Sept. 6, the project features 14 tracks, including “Post Modern,” which holds a significant line about his mother’s support that came from a tax refund. “My mother took her tax return and invested it. She bet it on her kid and look at what he did with it. 2,000 in ’84 that’s a 100,000 x multiple from keepin’ you on the floor,” he rapped. During an interview on the podcast “Sway In The Morning,” LL Cool J shared the backstory behind that line. He revealed his mother was not making a lot of money, so tax season was an exciting time for her as it led to extra earnings in her pocket when she received a refund. “Here’s this Black woman who worked really hard, who got a tax return — and just for the record — the majority of...
Whether you are a Gen Z’er, Millennial, Gen X’er or Boomer, you have probably seen Daymond John on TV. Elder Millennials, Gen X’ers and Boomers probably remember John from the iconic FUBU brand launched with famed spokespeople like LL Cool J during the 90s. Meanwhile, younger Millennials and Gen Z members may only know him as one of the main angel investors on the hit ABC reality show, “ Shark Tank .” Wherever one remembers him from, Daymond John has become a fixture in the investor circuit and a strong example of Black Excellence fueled by entrepreneurship. From working behind the scenes when Hip-Hop expanded beyond the music industry to becoming the face of helping small business owners skyrocket to success through shrewd business deals, he has proven his business acumen time and again. Which leaves just one question — how much is Daymond John Worth? Daymond John’s Early Life Like many people in and around Hip-Hop during the early years, Daymond John is from New York — Brooklyn to...
Ahead of Hip-Hop’s 50th birthday on Aug. 11, LL Cool J’s Rock The Bells threw the genre a celebration packed with unforgettable moments. Hosted on Aug. 5 at Forest Hills Stadium in Queens, NY, the Rock The Bells Festival’s lineup included Hip-Hop pioneers such as Queen Latifah, who brought out surprise guests Naughty By Nature, Big Boi, Remy Ma, and more. Another performer who hit the stage was Swizz Beatz and friends — one of them being Beanie Sigel.
From the very beginning in 1973, Hip-Hop has always been a movement. Now, 50 years later, the impact of what the genre has burgeoned into speaks for itself. The groundbreaking genre went from being birthed out of economic hard times to today being worth an estimated $7.7 billion, according to Gitnux.
Maybe this is why they call him Big L’y. In 1984, legendary entertainer LL COOL J began creating demo tapes from his grandparent’s home. Now, nearly 40 years later, not only is he considered a Hip-Hop pioneer, but he has also planted the seeds to ensure that he leaves behind a massive legacy.
LL COOL J is setting the record straight for anyone with something to say about the pioneers of Hip-Hop. The genre, which was birthed by DJ Kool Herc during a back-to-school party hosted in the Bronx, NY, on Aug. 11, 1973, has changed the lives of people across, not just the nation, but the planet. Now, some recent remarks made by DJ Akademiks have caused some to raise their eyebrows and give a reminder of what those early contributions to Hip-Hop looked like.
As a driver of culture, Hip-Hop has the power to shift the conversation and bring attention to important causes. Ahead of the curve, Rock The Bells, founded by LL COOL J, has teamed up with Salesforce.org to champion voices within the Hip-Hop space and disrupt stigmas surrounding mental health.
Pampers has teamed up with LL COOL J’s Rock The Bells and Black Mamas Matter Alliance to ensure Black mothers receive the care they rightfully deserve. According to a press release Pampers is sponsoring Black Mamas Matter Alliance’s Black Maternal Health Week. The toddler brand will team up with Rock The Bells to launch a limited-time Non-Fungible Token (NFT) collection. All proceeds will be donated to Black Mamas Matter Alliance to support their work centered on scholarships for Black women, maternity care, and advocacy. “At Pampers, we believe every parent is entitled to experience the full joy of pregnancy and parenthood. That’s why we are committed to helping change the systemic issues that prevent Black moms from receiving the equitable care they and their families deserve. We’re proud to sponsor Black Maternal Health Week and provide a way for people to help drive change through our NFT offering,” said Melissa Aceves, Senior Brand Director of Pampers Equity & Inclusion at...
Technology can be a sight to see, especially in this case, when it’s a site honoring a Hip-Hop great. LL COOL J will be honored in his hometown of Queens, New York with a new solar-powered bronze statue per reports from OkayPlayer. The rapper, born James Todd Smith, will be preserved in the likeness of his debut 1980s era and will be located in the middle of David Dinkins Circle located in Flushing Meadows Corona Park.
It’s no secret that LL Cool J is a multi-faceted Hip-Hop legend. Though AfroTech readers may know James Todd Smith as the founder of Rock The Bells, he’s also a successful actor who has made quite a name for himself on the hit CBS drama, “NCIS: Los Angeles.” He’s played the beloved agent Sam Hanna for more than 13 seasons, and it’s safe to say that at this point, more people can name his one-liners on the show than they can name the lyrics to “Dear Yvette” (More’s the pity). Regardless of where you know him from, though, LL Cool J is also known as a devoted family man. He’s a faithful and devoted husband to his longtime wife, Simone. According to Country Living, the pair met in 1987 when they were both teenagers and ultimately married in 1995. Together, too, the pair share four children — all of whom are grown up and in careers of their own (And yes, today, LL Cool J is a grandfather). Hard work and dedication to his craft has given LL Cool J an impressive $120 million estimated net...
LL COOL J continues his reign as a multi-talented businessman and mogul. In a press release announcement, it was revealed that the rap pioneer has partnered with Phenix Salon Suites to own and operate independent salons across the country. LL COOL J is specifically partnering with Kevin Davis — the salon suites’ largest franchisee — to open salons in the Greater New York City area (Queens, Brooklyn, and Manhattan) and Los Angeles. “I have known Gina Rivera, Founder of Phenix Salon Suites, for several years now,” said LL COOL J, in the press release announcement. “I love the fact that Gina is not only the founder but also an active stylist with over 42,000 hours behind a chair servicing clients. She truly understands what it takes to make a difference in the lives of cosmetologists and estheticians. Together, we are helping them realize their dreams of owning and operating their very own businesses. With Phenix, lifestyle professionals have the opportunity to flourish creatively,...