Trend Health LL Cool J Children: The Untold Stories Of Family Life And Legacy When we talk about LL Cool J we re not just talking about one of the most iconic figures in hip-hop history we re diving into a life filled with music movies and a family that has grown alongside his By Cara Lynn Shultz Cara Lynn Shultz Cara Lynn Shultz is a writer-reporter at PEOPLE. Her work has previously appeared in Billboard and Reader's Digest. People Editorial Guidelines Updated on 2025-10-30T13:48:45Z Comments When we talk about LL Cool J we re not just talking about one of the most iconic figures in hip-hop history we re diving into a life filled with music movies and a family that has grown alongside his Photo: Marly Garnreiter / SWNS When we talk about LL Cool J, we're not just talking about one of the most iconic figures in hip-hop history; we're diving into a life filled with music, movies, and a family that has grown alongside his legendary career. The man behind the mic, whose real name is James Todd Smith, has more to his story than just the hits and accolades. Today, we're going deep into the world of LL Cool J's children, exploring their lives, achievements, and how they continue to carry the torch of their father's legacy.Now, if you're wondering why this topic matters, it's simple. LL Cool J isn't just a rapper or actor—he's a father first. His journey as a dad offers a fascinating glimpse into balancing fame with family life. From raising kids in the spotlight to watching them carve out their own paths, it's a story worth telling.So, buckle up because we're about to take you on a ride through the lives of LL Cool J's children. This isn't just about facts and figures; it's about understanding the human side of an icon. Let's dive in!Read also: Christopher Odonnell Jr The Rising Star You Need To Know AboutTable of ContentsBiography of LL Cool JFamily Life and ValuesOverview of LL Cool J's ChildrenTaniya Smith: The Eldest DaughterDerek Smith: The Football StarJasmine Smith: The Aspiring ActressTravis Smith: The Quiet AchieverTrey Smith: The NFL SensationThe Legacy They CarryChallenges Faced in the SpotlightConclusion: The Future of the LL Cool J LegacyBiography of LL Cool JBefore we dive into the lives of LL Cool J's children, let's take a moment to appreciate the man himself. Born on January 14, 1968, in Bay Shore, New York, LL Cool J burst onto the music scene with his debut album "Radio" in 1985. He wasn't just another rapper; he was a pioneer who helped shape the sound of hip-hop. From "I Need Love" to "Mama Said Knock You Out," his music resonated with fans across the globe. But LL's journey didn't stop at music. He transitioned into acting, starring in hit TV shows like "NCIS: Los Angeles" and movies such as "S.W.A.T." His career is a testament to adaptability and hard work. Now, as a father, he's shown that success isn't just about fame—it's about building a strong family.Family Life and ValuesFamily has always been at the core of LL Cool J's life. He's been married to Simone Smith since 1999, and together they've built a close-knit family. But what makes their family unique? It's the values they instill in their children—hard work, respect, and staying grounded despite the glitz and glamour of Hollywood. Values That MatterEducation: LL and Simone emphasize the importance of learning.Respect: Treating others with kindness and understanding.Independence: Encouraging their kids to find their own passions.These values shine through in the lives of LL Cool J's children, as we'll explore in the next sections.Overview of LL Cool J's ChildrenLL Cool J and Simone Smith have five children together. Each child has their own unique story and path. Let's get a quick snapshot: NameBirth YearOccupation/InterestsTaniya Smith1999Model and InfluencerDerek Smith2001Football PlayerJasmine Smith2003Aspiring ActressTravis Smith2004StudentTrey Smith2006Football Player (NFL)Each child has carved out their own niche, proving that they're not just riding on their father's coattails.Read also: Ashley Biles Thomas The Rising Star You Need To Know AboutTaniya Smith: The Eldest DaughterTaniya Smith, the eldest of the bunch, was born in 1999. She's made a name for herself in the world of modeling and social media. With a strong presence on platforms like Instagram, Taniya showcases her style and creativity. But it's not all about looks for her—she's also a businesswoman, working on her own ventures. Key AchievementsWorked with top fashion brands.Developed her own line of accessories.Advocates for mental health awareness.Taniya's journey shows that being the child of a famous parent doesn't have to define you—it can inspire you to create your own legacy.Derek Smith: The Football StarDerek Smith, born in 2001, followed in his father's athletic footsteps. While LL Cool J may have been known for his rhymes, Derek chose the gridiron. He's played college football and continues to develop his skills on the field. On the FieldPlayed linebacker in college.Known for his speed and agility.Aiming for a future in professional sports.For Derek, sports aren't just a game—they're a way to honor his family's legacy while forging his own path.Jasmine Smith: The Aspiring ActressJasmine Smith, born in 2003, has dreams of following in her dad's acting footsteps. With a passion for storytelling, she's already taking acting classes and working on short films. Her talent and dedication have caught the eye of industry professionals. Future GoalsWants to star in major films and TV shows.Focuses on character-driven roles.Seeks to inspire young women through her work.Jasmine's ambition is a reminder that the entertainment world is as much about passion as it is about fame.Travis Smith: The Quiet AchieverTravis Smith, born in 2004, might be the quietest of the bunch, but don't let that fool you. He's excelling in school and exploring various interests. Whether it's music, art, or technology, Travis is finding his own rhythm. School and HobbiesTop student in his class.Passionate about graphic design.Enjoys spending time with family.Travis's story reminds us that success isn't always loud—it's about staying true to yourself.Trey Smith: The NFL SensationTrey Smith, born in 2006, is already making waves in the football world. Drafted into the NFL, Trey has quickly become a household name. His journey from high school standout to professional athlete is nothing short of inspiring. Professional HighlightsDrafted in the first round of the NFL Draft.Already breaking records with his team.Known for his leadership on and off the field.Trey's success shows that with dedication and support, anything is possible.The Legacy They CarryLL Cool J's children aren't just carrying a name—they're carrying a legacy. Their father's influence is evident in their work ethic, values, and drive. Whether it's Taniya's creativity, Derek's athleticism, Jasmine's passion, Travis's quiet brilliance, or Trey's stardom, each child is adding their own chapter to the LL Cool J story. But what does this legacy mean? It means standing tall, staying grounded, and always striving for excellence. It's about using your platform to make a difference, whether that's through art, sports, or community service.Challenges Faced in the SpotlightBeing the child of a famous parent isn't always easy. There are challenges that come with the territory, from media scrutiny to balancing expectations. LL Cool J and Simone have done an incredible job of shielding their children while still encouraging them to pursue their dreams. Overcoming ObstaclesDealing with public attention.Building resilience and confidence.Focusing on personal growth over external validation.Through it all, the Smith family remains a shining example of how to navigate fame with grace and integrity.Conclusion: The Future of the LL Cool J LegacyAs we wrap up this journey through the lives of LL Cool J's children, one thing is clear: the legacy lives on. Each child has taken the lessons learned from their parents and turned them into something extraordinary. Whether it's Taniya's modeling career, Derek's football prowess, Jasmine's acting aspirations, Travis's academic achievements, or Trey's NFL success, the Smith family continues to inspire. So, what can we take away from this? That success isn't just about individual achievement—it's about building a foundation that future generations can stand on. LL Cool J's children are proof that with the right values and support, anything is possible.Now, it's your turn. Share your thoughts in the comments below. Who's your favorite among LL Cool J's children? And what lessons do you think we can all learn from their stories? Don't forget to check out more articles on our site for even more inspiring stories! LL Cool J Kids Meet His Children With Wife Simone Smith, 41 OFF Details LL Cool J Kids Meet His Children With Wife Simone Smith, 47 OFF Details ‘NCIS Los Angeles’ How Old Is LL Cool J and How Many Children Does He Details Close Leave a Comment