Najee Laurent Todd Eugene Smith – Growing Up as LL Cool J’s Son
In the world of entertainment, we often get a close look at the lives of actors, rappers, and public figures — but their families tend to remain a mystery. Najee Laurent Todd Eugene Smith is a perfect example of someone who has a very famous parent yet lives life far from the media spotlight. As the firstborn child of legendary rapper and actor LL Cool J and jewelry designer Simone Smith, Najee has a story that combines fame, family, and privacy.
This article takes a deep look into Najee’s life — from his early years to his place in one of hip-hop’s most iconic families — and explores why he has chosen to stay grounded and private despite growing up in fame.
Quick Info Table – Najee Laurent Todd Eugene Smith
| Key Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Najee Laurent Todd Eugene Smith |
| Date of Birth | September 18, 1989 |
| Age (2024) | 35 years old |
| Birthplace | United States |
| Parents | LL Cool J (James Todd Smith) and Simone I. Smith |
| Siblings | Italia Anita Maria, Samaria Leah Wisdom, Nina Simone |
| Profession | Private citizen, does not work in entertainment |
| Known For | Being the eldest son of LL Cool J |
| Relationship Status | Not publicly shared |
| Lifestyle | Low-profile, family-oriented |
| Cultural Connection | Member of a family that shaped mainstream hip-hop culture |
The Beginning – Early Life of Najee Smith
Najee Laurent Todd Eugene Smith was born in 1989 at a time when LL Cool J was not just a rising star but already considered one of the most influential figures in rap music. LL Cool J had released several successful albums by then, including Bigger and Deffer and Walking with a Panther, and was shaping what rap music meant to the mainstream audience.
Being born into a household where fame was normal could have been overwhelming, but Najee’s parents prioritized giving him and his siblings a sense of normalcy. They believed in balancing privilege with responsibility.
Childhood in a Celebrity Household
Growing up in a home filled with music, awards, and media attention, Najee experienced a childhood unlike most kids his age. He likely saw his father perform live, visit film sets, and meet other famous entertainers. But unlike many celebrity children, Najee did not appear regularly in the spotlight.
LL Cool J and Simone Smith have spoken publicly about the importance of keeping their children grounded. They wanted their kids to learn about humility, kindness, and hard work, despite living in an environment full of success and fame.
A Strong Father-Son Relationship
Najee has always shared a close bond with his father, James Todd Smith (LL Cool J). Beyond being a rap icon, LL Cool J is a father who values discipline, faith, and respect. His interviews often highlight how he wanted to raise his children to be self-sufficient and respectful individuals rather than spoiled celebrity kids.
Najee, as the oldest, was the first to experience LL Cool J’s parenting approach. He likely became a role model for his younger sisters, setting an example of responsibility within the household.
Powerful Influence of Simone Smith
Najee’s mother, Simone I. Smith, plays a significant role in shaping his life. Simone is not only known as LL Cool J’s wife but also as a businesswoman and a cancer survivor. Her battle with a rare type of bone cancer in the early 2000s was a defining moment for the entire Smith family.
Najee, who was a teenager during this time, had to mature quickly and support his family. Watching his mother overcome cancer with strength and positivity likely gave Najee a deep appreciation for life, health, and perseverance.
Family Structure and Sibling Bond
Najee is the eldest of four children. His sisters include:
- Italia Anita Maria Smith – A real estate professional who works in luxury property sales.
- Samaria Leah Wisdom Smith – A fashion designer with her own clothing line.
- Nina Simone Smith – The youngest sibling, known for her music career and performances.
The Smith family is well-known for being very close-knit. Whether it’s celebrating birthdays, supporting each other’s careers, or attending red-carpet events together, Najee and his siblings appear to share a warm and supportive relationship.
Education and Life Choices
While Najee has not revealed much about his education, he is believed to have received a strong academic foundation. LL Cool J has mentioned in past interviews that he pushes his kids to take their education seriously, and Najee appears to have followed that advice.
Interestingly, Najee has not taken a public path in music or acting. Instead, he has built a life for himself outside of the entertainment spotlight, a decision that reflects maturity and independence.
Staying Away from Fame
One of the most unique things about Najee is that, despite being connected to one of the most iconic rappers of all time, he rarely makes public appearances. While we occasionally see him at events with his family, Najee does not actively seek attention or media coverage.
This choice has allowed him to live a relatively normal life. Unlike some celebrity children who chase the spotlight, Najee has proven that privacy can be empowering.
Notable Public Moments
Najee has made rare appearances on the red carpet with LL Cool J and Simone, and he is occasionally photographed at major family milestones. In 2015, Najee made headlines due to a small incident at a restaurant, but the situation was resolved quickly and did not lead to ongoing controversy.
Since then, Najee has maintained a drama-free public image.
Lessons From LL Cool J’s Career
Najee has had a front-row seat to one of the most successful careers in entertainment. LL Cool J is a pioneer who helped shape hip-hop culture and then transitioned into acting, starring for over a decade on NCIS: Los Angeles.
This exposure must have shown Najee what it takes to build a lasting career — not just in terms of fame but in terms of discipline, professionalism, and reinvention.
Net Worth and Lifestyle
Najee’s personal financial details are not disclosed, but growing up in a successful household means he has lived a comfortable life. LL Cool J’s net worth is estimated at over $100 million, and while Najee benefits from that stability, LL Cool J has publicly said that his kids are encouraged to work for their success rather than simply live off the family fortune.
The Cultural Legacy He Inherits
Najee is part of a family that has had a major cultural impact. LL Cool J helped bring hip-hop to the mainstream, while Simone Smith has inspired many through her entrepreneurial work and health journey. Najee inherits this powerful legacy, even if he chooses to live outside of public attention.
His quiet life can be seen as a statement in itself — a reminder that you don’t have to live under the glare of fame to carry forward a family’s influence.
Conclusion
Najee Laurent Todd Eugene Smith represents a refreshing example of what it means to grow up with fame but not be consumed by it. He embodies balance — enjoying the advantages of being LL Cool J’s son while still keeping his own life and choices private.
Through the ups and downs of family life, his mother’s health battle, and his father’s ongoing success, Najee has remained grounded, choosing privacy, family loyalty, and independence over the allure of Hollywood.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who is Najee Laurent Todd Eugene Smith?
He is the eldest son of LL Cool J and Simone Smith, born in 1989.
Q: How many siblings does Najee have?
He has three sisters — Italia, Samaria, and Nina.
Q: Is Najee involved in music or acting?
No, Najee does not have a public career in entertainment and prefers to live privately.
Q: How old is Najee in 2024?
Najee is 35 years old as of 2024.
Q: Does Najee appear in public often?
He occasionally attends family events and red carpets but generally avoids the spotlight.
