Celebrity
Who Is Najee Laurent Todd Eugene Smith? Meet LL Cool J’s Son
When you hear the name LL Cool J, you probably think of timeless hip-hop hits, blockbuster movies, and one of the most iconic careers in American entertainment. But beyond the spotlight, LL Cool J is also a dedicated husband and father of four. His eldest child, Najee Laurent Todd Eugene Smith, may not chase fame the way his father does, but he has built an impressive life of his own. Born into a family of resilience, creativity, and success, Najee has grown into a grounded and independent man. While he maintains a low public profile, his connection to LL Cool J’s legacy, his entrepreneurial drive, and his presence in the family’s cultural brand make him a figure worth knowing.
This article explores Najee’s background, his family, his career, and the life he has built outside of the entertainment industry. Whether you are curious about his personal journey, his role in Rock The Bells, or his famous siblings, here is everything you need to know about Najee Laurent Todd Eugene Smith.
Quick Bio Information
Full Name: Najee Laurent Todd Eugene Smith
Date Of Birth: September 18, 1989
Age (2025): 35 Years Old
Zodiac Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: United States
Nationality: American
Ethnicity: African-American
Religion: Christianity
Father: LL Cool J (James Todd Smith)
Mother: Simone Johnson-Smith
Siblings: Italia, Samaria, Nina Simone
Profession: Entrepreneur, Lifestyle Influencer
Current Residence: United States
Najee Laurent Todd Eugene Smith’s Early Life
Najee Laurent Todd Eugene Smith was born on September 18, 1989, in the United States. As the firstborn of LL Cool J and Simone Smith, Najee grew up in a household where music, faith, and resilience were deeply valued. His father was already a rising star in the entertainment world, which meant that Najee’s childhood was shaped by both the privileges and challenges of having a world-famous parent.
Despite his father’s fame, Najee’s upbringing was kept grounded. LL Cool J has often spoken about instilling discipline and independence in his children, ensuring they would not rely on his success but instead work to create their own paths. Growing up, Najee was surrounded by creativity and ambition, values that continue to define his life today.
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His Parents: LL Cool J and Simone Smith
Najee’s father, LL Cool J, born James Todd Smith, is one of the most influential rappers and actors of his generation. With a career spanning decades, he has released numerous hit albums, starred in blockbuster movies such as S.W.A.T., Last Holiday, and Halloween H20, and won multiple awards, including two Grammys. Beyond entertainment, he is also the founder of Rock The Bells, a lifestyle brand celebrating hip-hop culture, and the charitable Jump & Ball Foundation, which supports youth programs.
His mother, Simone Johnson-Smith, has an equally inspiring story. In 2004, she survived stage three chondrosarcoma, a rare form of bone cancer. That battle reshaped her outlook on life and motivated her to become an entrepreneur. She launched her jewelry line in 2011 and later co-founded Majesty in 2023 with LL Cool J, a men’s jewelry brand that reflects both strength and style. Simone’s faith and resilience have been a major influence on Najee and his siblings, serving as a reminder of the power of determination and hope.
Najee’s Siblings And Their Paths
Najee Laurent Todd Eugene Smith grew up as the eldest of four children, each of whom has taken their own unique direction in life.
His sister Italia Anita Marie Smith, born in January 1991, works in real estate. She is married to Lamar Cardinez and is the mother of three children: Faith, King, and a newborn baby girl. Italia prefers a quieter life, focusing on family and her professional work.
Samaria Leah Smith, born in September 1995, followed her passion for fashion. After studying at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York, she launched Samaria Leah, a denim brand that reflects her creative vision and love for design.
The youngest sibling, Nina Simone Smith, born in August 2000, has embraced music just like her father. She made her debut in 2019 with the single Call Me and graduated in 2023 from the prestigious Berklee College of Music with a degree in songwriting.
Together, the Smith siblings represent a mix of creativity, independence, and ambition, qualities that their parents worked hard to instill in them.
Education And Upbringing
Though Najee’s educational background has not been widely publicized, what stands out is the way his parents prioritized strong values during his upbringing. LL Cool J has openly shared that he wanted his son to grow up understanding hard work rather than relying on family fame. Najee’s childhood was shaped by faith, family traditions, and a balance between public attention and private growth.
This grounded foundation gave him the tools to explore life on his own terms, focusing on entrepreneurship and lifestyle branding rather than the music and film industries that made his father famous.
Career And Business Ventures
Unlike his father, Najee did not step into music or acting. Instead, he chose the path of entrepreneurship. He has become involved in Rock The Bells, LL Cool J’s cultural and fashion brand dedicated to preserving and celebrating hip-hop’s history. Through his work with the brand, Najee contributes to showcasing new collections and promoting the lifestyle that Rock The Bells embodies.
Najee also maintains a presence on Instagram, where he shares lifestyle content and connects with a growing audience. His stylish approach and creative outlook align with the fashion-forward projects his family supports, making him a recognizable figure in the Smith family legacy.
Lifestyle And Social Media Presence
Though Najee prefers to live privately, his social media provides a glimpse into his interests and lifestyle. With a stylish presence on Instagram, he has attracted followers who admire his sense of fashion, creativity, and family-centered values. He avoids the celebrity spotlight, but his connection to Rock The Bells and his public image make him an influential figure in his own right.
In many ways, Najee represents a balance between the world of fame and personal independence, managing to remain connected to his father’s legacy while also maintaining his own space.
LL Cool J’s Parenting Influence
In interviews, LL Cool J has shared his approach to parenting, especially when it comes to raising his son. He wanted Najee to learn how to stand on his own two feet rather than rely solely on his father’s success. LL Cool J once explained that he encouraged his children to work and find their identity so they could become “real people” in the world.
This guidance has clearly influenced Najee, who has embraced an entrepreneurial spirit and independence. It is this balance of support and discipline that has helped Najee shape his adult life.
Net Worth And Financial Standing
As of 2025, Najee Laurent Todd Eugene Smith’s personal net worth is not publicly known. Unlike his father, who has an estimated net worth of around $120 million, Najee has chosen a quieter path, making it difficult to track his financial achievements. What is clear is that he is involved in projects like Rock The Bells and maintains his own ventures, suggesting that he is steadily building his own career.
Personal Life And Relationships
Najee keeps his personal life away from the spotlight. There are no public records of him being married or in a confirmed relationship. This choice reflects his overall preference for privacy, even as the son of a global celebrity. His focus remains on family, entrepreneurship, and personal growth rather than publicized relationships.
Fun Facts About Najee Laurent Todd Eugene Smith
Najee is the eldest of LL Cool J’s four children. He was born under the zodiac sign Virgo, often associated with independence and hard work. Unlike his youngest sister, Nina, he did not pursue music but instead found his place in entrepreneurship and lifestyle branding. Najee is often seen supporting his family at major events, yet he manages to maintain a private and grounded personal life.
Conclusion
Najee Laurent Todd Eugene Smith may not be a household name like his father, but his life tells a meaningful story of independence, resilience, and creativity. As the eldest child of LL Cool J and Simone Smith, he grew up surrounded by fame yet chose to build his own identity. From his involvement in Rock The Bells to his private but stylish social media presence, Najee is carving his own path while honoring the values his parents instilled in him.
In a world where children of celebrities often chase the spotlight, Najee’s decision to live with purpose, privacy, and authenticity sets him apart. He reminds us that legacy is not just about fame—it is also about the choices we make to live a life true to ourselves.
FAQs About Najee Laurent Todd Eugene Smith
How Old Is Najee Laurent Todd Eugene Smith?
He was born on September 18, 1989, which makes him 35 years old in 2025.
Who Are Najee Laurent Todd Eugene Smith’s Parents?
His parents are LL Cool J, the rapper and actor, and Simone Johnson-Smith, an entrepreneur and cancer survivor.
What Does Najee Laurent Todd Eugene Smith Do For A Living?
He works as an entrepreneur, actively involved in Rock The Bells, LL Cool J’s cultural and fashion brand. He also maintains a following on Instagram.
Does Najee Have Any Siblings?
Yes, he has three younger sisters: Italia, Samaria, and Nina Simone Smith, each successful in their own fields.
Is Najee Married Or In A Relationship?
There is no public record of Najee being married or in a confirmed relationship. He lives a private life away from public speculation.
What Is Najee Laurent Todd Eugene Smith’s Net Worth?
His personal net worth has not been disclosed. However, his father LL Cool J’s net worth is estimated at $120 million.
Did Najee Act Or Rap Like His Father?
No, Najee has not pursued acting or music. Instead, he focuses on entrepreneurship and lifestyle branding.