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In the pantheon of hip-hop royalty, James Todd Smith, a.k.a LL Cool J, stands as an emblem of excellence, a titan who not only shaped the contours of rap with his lyrical prowess but also ventured beyond the microphone to make his mark on the silver screen and the world of business.
LL Cool J is an American rapper and actor and one of the fore exponents of new-school rap of the 1980s. In 1984, he signed with Def Jam and released first single, “I Need a Beat,” which sold more than 100,000 copies. By 1985, he released his first album, “Radio,” and appeared in “Krush Groove,” the movie chronicling and celebrating Def Jam’s origins.
Known for his unparalleled swag and iconic hits like “I Need a Beat” and “I Need Love,” LL Cool J has long cemented his status as one of hip-hop’s all-time greatest.
With accolades, including multiple Grammy Awards, a Kennedy Center Honor, and an induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, this multifaceted mogul’s reach extends from entertainment to an impressive portfolio of businesses.
LL Cool J is a focused businessman with interests spanning real estate, clothing, communications and entertainment. He is a multiple Grammy Award winner.
Billionaires.Africa looks into four of his most notable business ventures.
Founded in 2018, Rock The Bells is a direct-to-consumer content and commerce brand focused on classic hip-hop.
Platinum Harvest
LL Cool J is the founder of Platinum Harvest Records. He has signed artists such as Nicolette and Izzo on his label.
Boomdizzle
Boomdizzle is an online music community co-founded by LL Cool J. Boomdizzle developed a virtual recording studio that lets musicians in different locations record songs together in real-time on the Web.
Phenix Salon Suites
LL Cool J partnered with Phenix Salon Suites to offer franchisees the opportunity to own their beauty boutique. The partnership with the largest Phenix Salon Suites franchisee, Kevin Davis, was aimed at developing the East Coast market, including areas like Manhattan, Queens, and Brooklyn, and extending into the Los Angeles market.
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