Happy birthday! LL Cool J turns 57 today

By Lori Macatee
Washington
Last updated on January 14, 2025

The iconic and legendary rapper turns 57 on Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2025.

Hot news

Breaking news January 11, 2026
LL Cool J to announce retirement at age 57
Love January 12, 2026
LL Cool J: Secretly Married?
Rumor Central January 2026
Is LL Cool J secretly gay and hiding in the closet?

LL Cool J is celebrating his 57th birthday today. As a number of online tributes attest, he is one of the most acclaimed rappers of his generation.

Popular rapper-actor-business man LL Cool J (Mama Said Knock You Out, I Need Love, ...) has always liked to keep a bit of himself hidden from view. At 57th birthday, he remains a man of many facets.

LL Cool J, a cultural icon

Born James Todd Smith in Bay Shore on January 14, 1968, his career spans an arc over many different eras and tastes in American history. LL Cool J's not just a great rapper, he's an inspiration, an icon and a very charming man. At this point in his career, there seems to be little James hasn't done.

And we've got a feeling the next 12 months are going to be even bigger and better for LL Cool J as he promises more to come. After all, he's only 57.

Happy Birthday, James, you're the best!