LL Cool J
- Net worth $130 million
- Birthday January 14, 1968
- Status Married
- Country United States
- Ethnicity African-American
- Source(-s) of wealth Actor, Author, Entrepreneur, Rapper
How much is LL Cool J Worth? LL Cool J Net Worth in 2026
LL Cool J’s net worth is estimated at $130 million as of October 2026. LL Cool J is an American rapper, actor, author and entrepreneur. In October 2026 he returned to network TV as the star and an executive producer of NCIS: New York.
| Net worth | $130 million (estimate, October 2026) |
|---|---|
| Estimated annual income | About $10 million a year, from television, music and touring |
| Born | 14 January 1968, Bay Shore, New York (age 58) |
| Country | United States |
| Occupations / sources of wealth | Rapper, actor, author, entrepreneur |
| Known for | Early hip-hop hits such as I Need a Beat, and playing Sam Hanna on NCIS: Los Angeles |
How much is LL Cool J worth in 2026?
LL Cool J’s estimated wealth is built on more than three decades in music, a long run on network television and business ventures. A leading TV role and festival headlining add to his current earnings. Net worth figures for public figures are estimates and vary between sources.
How LL Cool J built it
- Built a music career first. He released 13 studio albums and two greatest hits compilations.
- Moved into network TV. He plays Sam Hanna on NCIS and is star and executive producer of NCIS: New York.
- Founded a festival brand. He founded Rock the Bells and is set to headline it in November 2026.
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Get the Alux appLL Cool J in 2026: what they’ve been up to
- October 2026: the spinoff NCIS: New York premiered, with LL Cool J as star and executive producer, reprising Sam Hanna from NCIS: Los Angeles.
- 29 November 2026: he is scheduled to headline the Rock the Bells festival, which he founded, at the Prudential Center in Newark.
- 2025: he reprised Sam Hanna in six episodes of NCIS and appeared in the documentary Stans.
How LL Cool J makes money
- Television: star and executive producer fees for the NCIS franchise.
- Music: album sales, streaming and touring from 13 studio albums and two greatest hits compilations.
- Festivals and live events: the Rock the Bells brand.
- Hosting: he hosted Lip Sync Battle.
Career timeline
- 1984: made demo tapes at his grandparents’ home with equipment his grandfather bought him for $2,000.
- 1984: signed to Def Jam and released I Need a Beat, which sold over 100,000 copies and led to a distribution deal with Columbia Records.
- 1987: Bigger and Deffer, his biggest-selling album, sold more than 3 million copies in the US.
- Later: 10th album featuring producers Pharrell and The Neptunes, with singles such as Paradise and Luv U Better.
- Film and TV roles including The Hard Way, Toys and In the House.
- Starred as Sam Hanna in NCIS: Los Angeles and hosted Lip Sync Battle.
- 2026: returned as the star of NCIS: New York.
Early life and background
LL Cool J was born James Todd Smith in Bay Shore, New York, the son of Ondrea Griffeth and James Louis Smith Jr.
He started rapping at nine, citing the Treacherous Three among his earliest influences. His stage name is short for Ladies Love Cool James.
LL Cool J net worth FAQ
What is LL Cool J’s net worth?
LL Cool J’s net worth is estimated at $130 million as of October 2026.
How does LL Cool J make money?
LL Cool J earns from television, including NCIS: New York, as well as music, touring and festival brands.
How old is LL Cool J?
LL Cool J was born on 14 January 1968 and is 58 years old as of October 2026.
Where is LL Cool J from?
LL Cool J was born in Bay Shore, New York, United States.
What is LL Cool J doing now?
He stars in and executive produces NCIS: New York, which premiered in October 2026, and is set to headline Rock the Bells in Newark on 29 November.
How is LL Cool J’s net worth estimated?
The figure is an approximate estimate based on public reporting, deal and earnings figures and the value of known assets and businesses. It can change as new information appears.
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How we estimate net worth
Our estimates are based on public reporting, company valuations, and deal and earnings figures all compiled in an internal valuation model. They are approximate, and figures change over time as new information emerges.
Last updated: October 2026.