Todd Smith is a legend. You know him as LL Cool J. The "Mama Said Knock You Out" energy is still there, even in his 50s, but if you look at his Instagram or see him at a red carpet event, there’s a different vibe now. It’s all about the legacy. Seeing LL Cool J with entire family—his wife Simone I. Smith and their four adult children—is actually kind of a miracle when you think about the statistics of celebrity marriages.
Hip hop isn't exactly known for 30-year marriages. It’s a culture of fast living. Yet, here is the man who basically invented the "G.O.A.T." acronym, standing firmly as a girl dad and a devoted husband. It’s not just for the cameras.
The Rock of the Smith Clan
LL met Simone Smith back in 1987. He was a teenager. He was already a star. He was driving around Queens in a Porsche, and a friend asked if he wanted to meet his cousin. That was it. They dated for eight years before tying the knot in 1995. Think about that timeline. That's the peak of his "Ladies Love Cool J" era. He was the ultimate heartthrob, yet he was building a foundation at home.
Simone isn't just "the wife." She’s a bone cancer survivor. When she was diagnosed with stage 3 chondrosarcoma in 2004, LL didn't just hire nurses and go on tour. He offered to give her his own bone. He stopped everything. He sat by her bed for two years during her recovery. That’s the "entire family" glue. You can't understand their public image without realizing they’ve stared down some dark stuff together.
The Four Smith Kids
They have four children: Najee, Italia, Samaria, and Nina-Symone. They’re all grown up now.
Najee Laurent Todd Eugene Smith is the eldest. He stays relatively low-key compared to his sisters. He’s a photographer and a creative. You won't find him chasing the "nepotism baby" spotlight in the way some celebrity kids do. He’s his own man.
Then there’s Italia Anita Maria Smith. She’s a licensed real estate agent. She got married in a massive, star-studded ceremony a few years back. Seeing the photos of the whole crew at her wedding was a moment. It wasn't just a party; it was a transition.
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Samaria Leah Wisdom Smith followed the fashion route. She’s a designer. She launched her own denim brand. She actually graduated from FIT (Fashion Institute of Technology), so she’s got the credentials. She isn't just slapping her name on a label.
Nina-Symone Smith is the youngest. She’s the one following most closely in her dad’s musical footsteps. She’s a singer. Her track "Call Me" showed she has the pipes. But LL has been very vocal about one thing: his kids don't get a free ride.
The "No Handouts" Philosophy
LL is rich. Like, "don't ever have to work again" rich. But he’s famously told his kids that they have to earn it. He’s mentioned in interviews that he wants them to have their own "thirst" for success.
"I tell them all the time, I'm not leaving you a bunch of money," he once joked, though he probably meant he’s not leaving them a life of leisure without a work ethic. He pays for education. He provides the safety net. But the hustle? That has to be internal.
It’s a tough balance. How do you raise "normal" kids when their dad is an icon? You do it by being present. LL and Simone are notorious for being at every graduation, every birthday, every milestone. They show up.
Why the Public Loves Seeing LL Cool J With Entire Family
Honestly, it’s refreshing. We’re used to seeing messy divorces. We’re used to seeing kids of stars go off the rails. When we see this particular family together, it represents a successful "second act" for hip hop.
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The genre has grown up. We’re no longer just looking at the 20-year-old rebel; we’re looking at the 56-year-old patriarch. The Smith family represents the aspirational side of Black excellence that feels grounded. They look like they actually like each other. That’s the secret sauce.
The Role of Faith and Queens Roots
They’re a religious family. LL often credits God for his longevity and his family’s health. Growing up in St. Albans, Queens, wasn't easy. He’s talked about the abuse he saw as a child. He’s talked about the chaos. He made a conscious decision to break those cycles.
You see that in the way he treats Simone. They celebrate anniversaries like they're still in the honeymoon phase. It’s a partnership. She runs her jewelry business, and he’s her biggest hype man.
Modern Legacy and Social Media
In 2026, legacy is managed through snippets. On Father's Day or Thanksgiving, the Smith family usually drops a "standard" family photo. Everyone is dressed to the nines. The lighting is perfect. But the captions are what matter. They speak about "teamwork" and "unconditional love."
It’s not just about the fame. It’s about the fact that LL transitioned from being a rapper to an actor (NCIS: Los Angeles for over a decade) to a Kennedy Center Honoree, and his family was there for every pivot.
Breaking Down the Family Dynamics
If you look at the sisters, they are incredibly close. They travel together. They support each other’s business launches.
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- Simone’s Influence: She is the spiritual center. Her cancer battle changed the family’s perspective on what matters.
- LL’s Discipline: He’s a fitness fanatic and a hard worker. That discipline rubbed off on the kids' professional lives.
- The Queens Connection: They haven't forgotten where they came from. They still do a lot of charity work back in the old neighborhood.
There was a moment at the 50th Anniversary of Hip Hop celebrations where LL was performing. His family was right there. It wasn't just a work night. It was a victory lap for all of them.
Actionable Takeaways from the Smith Family Blueprint
You don't have to be a multi-platinum rapper to take notes from how LL handles his business.
- Prioritize the Partner: LL and Simone have survived fame by putting their relationship before the industry.
- Encourage Independent Paths: None of the Smith children are "mini-LLs." They have their own careers in real estate, fashion, and photography.
- Presence Over Presents: Despite the wealth, LL’s kids often talk about his advice and his presence more than his gifts.
- Weather the Storm: Use health crises or professional setbacks as bonding moments rather than reasons to drift apart.
The Smith family isn't perfect—no family is—but they are a blueprint for how to handle extreme success without losing your soul or your spouse. They’ve managed to turn a celebrity brand into a family legacy that will likely outlast the music itself.
Next time you see a photo of them, remember it’s the result of 30+ years of conscious choices. It’s about being a "G.O.A.T." at home, not just on the stage.
Practical Steps for Your Own Family Legacy:
Start by establishing "non-negotiable" family time, regardless of your career demands. Like LL, realize that your greatest "hit" isn't your job—it's the people sitting at your dinner table. Support your partner’s independent ventures to ensure a balanced power dynamic in the household. Finally, teach your children the value of a dollar early, regardless of your financial status, to foster the "thirst" for individual success.