LL Cool J

Stage name was shortened from the original "Ladies Love Cool James." 1985 debut single "I Need a Beat" was also the first song released on the Def Jam recording label. Appeared in the 1985 hip-hop movie Krush Groove ; first lead role was in the 2003 comedy Deliver Us From Eva . Has written several books, including an autobiography in 1998, I Make My Own Rules . Launched his own clothing line, Todd Smith, in 2008. ~ Rovi