A Look at LL Cool J Through the Years

LL Cool J is one of the few rappers who has managed to stay in the spotlight for the last 25 years.

As one of Def Jam Records biggest hit makers, James Todd Smith first impressed the masses on screen in the hip-hop classic 'Krush Groove' in 1985. Shortly after, his profile started to grow beyond the local rap scene with a string of hip-hop hits.

At 42, the Bayshore, N.Y. native hasn't slowed down and doesn't plan to. The muscle-clad married father of four recently released his latest fitness book; stars in the CBS series 'NCIS, Los Angeles'; and will headline the 2010 Essence Music Festival in new Orleans.

Blackvoices.com takes a look at the versatile rap icon's career through the years.

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LL Cool J: Through The Years

LL Cool J is one of the few rappers who has managed to stay in the spotlight for the past 25 years. From music and TV to books and movies, the Bayshore,, N.Y., native hasn't slowed down and doesn't look like he has any plans to. We take a look at his career, through the years. Check it out.

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LL Cool J: Through The Years

First brought into the spotlight when he appeared in the classic hip hop film, 'Krush Groove' back in 1985, LL Cool J (born James Todd Smith) has made it from the record studios, where he had numerous hits, to the film world where he was featured alongside top talent and other rappers.

LL Cool J: Through The Years

He starting rapping at the age of nine, and by the time he was 16, he was using a mixing table purchased by his grandfather at Sears to produce and send demos to various record companies, including Def Jam Recordings.

LL Cool J: Through The Years

After Def Jam released his first record, the 12" single 'I Need a Beat,' and it sold over 100,000 copies, LL secured a distribution deal with Def Jam and Columbia Records in 1985.

LL Cool J: Through The Years

After Def Jam released his first record, the 12" single 'I Need a Beat,' and it sold over 100,000 copies, LL secured a distribution deal with Def Jam and Columbia Records in 1985.

LL Cool J: Through The Years

No stranger to fashion, LL Cool J worked behind the scenes with the mid-eighties Hip-Hop sportswear line TROOP, and also helped to launch the clothing line FUBU in the mid 90's.

LL Cool J: Through The Years

LL Cool J's third album was 1989's 'Walking with a Panther,' featured the hit singles 'Going Back to Cali,' 'I'm That Type of Guy,' 'Jingling Baby,' and 'Big Ole Butt.'

LL Cool J: Through The Years

In 1990, LL Cool J released 'Mama Said Knock You Out,' which included the singles, 'The Boomin' System,' 'Around the Way Girl,' and the title track, which he performed during an episode of MTV Unplugged.

LL Cool J: Through The Years

LL's first acting part was a small role in a high school football movie called Wildcats, which starred Goldie Hawn, Wesley Snipes and Woody Harrelson.

LL Cool J: Through The Years

Married to Simone Smith since 1995, the happy couple have four children together, including 3 daughters and one son.

LL Cool J: Through The Years

In the late 90's, LL Cool J entered the horror genre as he was featured in 'Halloween H20,' followed by 1999's 'Deep Blue Sea,' where he played the wise-cracking cook on a top-secret sea base besieged by genetically-enhanced sharks.

LL Cool J: Through The Years