LL Cool J—born James Todd Smith—is basically the blueprint for the modern multi-hyphenate. He went from "Radio" and "Mama Said Knock You Out" to becoming a permanent fixture on NCIS: Los Angeles and a Kennedy Center Honoree. But if you ask the man himself, his biggest "win" isn't a Grammy or a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. It’s the family he’s built with his wife, Simone Smith. People are constantly searching for LL Cool J children to see if they followed him into the rap game or if they’re living totally private lives. Honestly? It's a bit of both.
The Smiths have been married since 1995, which is basically an eternity in celebrity years. Together, they raised four kids: Najee, Italia, Samaria, and Nina-Symone. What’s wild is how LL managed to keep them grounded while he was becoming one of the biggest stars on the planet. He’s famously said he didn't want "spoiled" kids. He wanted them to understand the value of a dollar.
Why the LL Cool J Children Aren't Your Typical "Nepo Babies"
We talk a lot about nepo babies these days. It’s a huge thing on TikTok and Twitter. But when you look at the LL Cool J children, they don't really fit that mold of just "being famous for being famous." LL and Simone were very intentional about this. They lived in Manhasset, Long Island—far enough from the Hollywood madness to keep things relatively normal.
LL Cool J once told Oprah in an interview that he didn't want his kids to have a "silver spoon" experience that robbed them of their drive. He wanted them to have their own dreams.
Najee Laurent Todd Eugene Smith: The Eldest Son
Najee is the oldest, born in 1989. For the most part, he stays out of the bright lights. He’s a photographer and creative. He isn't out here trying to drop a rap album or ride his dad's coattails on a procedural drama. There was a bit of a headline-grabbing moment years ago involving a dispute at a restaurant in NYC, but since then, he's been low-key. He’s focused on his craft.
It’s actually refreshing. You’d expect the only son of a rap pioneer to be trying to recreate Radio for a new generation. Najee didn't do that. He carved out a lane in visual arts. That takes a specific kind of confidence when your dad is a global icon.
The Middle Sisters: Italia and Samaria
Then you have the girls. Italia Anita Maria Smith and Samaria Leah Wisdom Smith.
Italia is a high achiever in a totally different arena. She graduated from Northeastern University and got into real estate. She’s a licensed real estate agent. She got married in a stunning ceremony in 2017—which, by the way, was a star-studded affair with guests like Mary J. Blige—and she’s now a mother. Seeing LL Cool J as a grandfather is still a bit of a trip for fans who remember him wearing a Kangol hat and licking his lips in music videos, but he’s clearly leaned into the role.
Samaria, born in 1995, followed a more creative but still independent path. She graduated from the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) in New York. Instead of just wearing designer clothes on Instagram, she started her own brand. She launched a denim line. She’s an entrepreneur. It’s that business mindset LL always talked about. He didn't just give them money; he gave them the "hustle" gene.
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Nina-Symone Smith: Carrying the Musical Torch?
If anyone is going to follow LL into the studio, it’s the youngest, Nina-Symone. Born in 2000, she’s actually a gifted singer. She released a debut single called "Call Me" on her 19th birthday.
Her sound isn't "Mama Said Knock You Out." It’s smooth, R&B-leaning, and modern. She has a real voice. What’s interesting is that she didn't just sign to a major label using her dad’s connections immediately. She’s been building her own aesthetic. You can see her on Instagram and YouTube, and the talent is undeniable.
But even with Nina, there’s this sense of "do it yourself." LL has been a mentor, sure, but he’s not hovering. He lets her find her sound.
The Secret Sauce: Simone Smith’s Influence
You can't talk about the LL Cool J children without talking about their mother, Simone. She’s a bone cancer survivor. That journey—her diagnosis with chondrosarcoma in 2004—shifted the entire family dynamic.
LL actually offered to give her his own bone for her surgery. That kind of intensity and loyalty is what the kids grew up seeing. It wasn't just about red carpets. It was about hospital rooms and recovery. Simone has her own jewelry line (Simone I. Smith) and works closely with the American Cancer Society. The kids saw their mom build a business while fighting for her life. That’s why none of them seem to be "idling" in their adulthood.
Lessons in Parenting from a Hip-Hop Icon
LL has a very specific philosophy. He’s often quoted saying, "I’m not a 'friend' parent, I’m a father."
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- Respect the grind: He made sure they knew the house and the cars belonged to him and Simone, not them.
- Education first: All the Smith kids pursued higher education or professional certifications.
- Privacy is power: Notice how you don't see them on reality TV? They’ve stayed away from the Love & Hip Hop style of fame.
This approach is likely why they’ve avoided the "troubled celebrity kid" trope. They seem remarkably well-adjusted. They show up for their dad's honors, they support their mom’s charity events, and then they go back to their own lives.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Smiths
A lot of people assume that because LL Cool J is worth an estimated $120 million, his kids are just living off a trust fund. While they certainly have a safety net most of us can only dream of, they are remarkably active. They work.
There's also this misconception that they must be "Hollywood." Honestly, they feel more like a tight-knit East Coast family that just happens to have a famous patriarch. They value their Sunday dinners. They value their faith.
When you look at the LL Cool J children as a unit, you see a reflection of a 30-year marriage. In an industry where relationships last about fifteen minutes, that’s the most impressive stat in LL's career.
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How to Follow Their Journeys
If you're looking to keep up with them, social media is the best bet, though they aren't all equally active.
- Nina-Symone is the one to watch for music updates.
- Samaria is your go-to for fashion and lifestyle content.
- Italia occasionally shares glimpses of her life as a mom and professional.
- Najee remains the most private, focusing on his visual art.
The takeaway here is simple. LL Cool J didn't just leave a legacy of music and film. He’s raised a group of individuals who seem to actually like each other and have their own identities. That’s a rare feat in the spotlight.
Actionable Insights for Navigating Celebrity Family Legacies
If you are studying how successful public figures manage family life, the Smith family offers a masterclass in "The Long Game." To apply these lessons to your own life or brand:
- Prioritize Privacy: Limit what you share about your family's inner workings to maintain a sense of normalcy.
- Foster Independence: Encourage your children or mentees to find their own "lane" rather than just following in your footsteps.
- Resilience Over Perks: Use challenges (like Simone’s health battle) as teaching moments for the next generation.
- Values Matter: Establish a core family identity that is separate from your professional success.
LL Cool J proved you can be a "G.O.A.T." on the mic and a present, disciplined father at home. The success of his children is the ultimate proof of that balance.