Artist

LL Cool J

Wins

2

Nominations

9

Category

Rap

47th Annual Grammy Awards

Best Rap Album - Nominee

46th Annual Grammy Awards

Best Melodic Rap Performance - Nominee

Luv U Better. LL Cool J, Marc Dorsey

40th Annual Grammy Awards

Best Rap Solo Performance - Nominee

Ain't Nobody (Single). LL Cool J

39th Annual Grammy Awards

Best Rap Solo Performance - Winner

Hey Lover. LL Cool J

39th Annual Grammy Awards

Best Rap Album - Nominee

Mr. Smith (Album). LL Cool J

36th Annual Grammy Awards

Best Rap Solo Performance - Nominee

Stand By Your Man (Single). LL Cool J

35th Annual Grammy Awards

Best Rap Solo Performance - Nominee

Strictly Business (Single). LL Cool J

34th Annual Grammy Awards

Best Rap Solo Performance - Winner

Mama Said Knock You Out. LL Cool J

31st Annual Grammy Awards

Best Rap Performance - Nominee

Going Back To Cali (Single). LL Cool J

About LL Cool J

"When adversity strikes, that's when you have to be the most calm. Take a step back, stay strong, stay grounded and press on."

  • Born James Todd Smith on Jan. 14, 1968, in Bay Shore, New York
     
  • LL Cool J's first official release was the 1985 single "I Need A Beat," which helped establish success early on for then-nascent label Def Jam. Later that year, the rapper achieved wider critical success and commercial acclaim with his debut album, Radio, which eventually sold more than 1 million copies.
     
  • LL Cool J won his first career GRAMMY for 1991 for Best Rap Performance for "Mama Said Knock You Out." 
     
  • Did you know? The rapper hosted five consecutive GRAMMY telecasts from the 55th GRAMMY Awards in 2012 to the 58th GRAMMY Awards in 2016.
     
  • The rapper is a longtime supporter of Chrysalis, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing resources and support for homeless and low-income individuals.

All Grammy Awards and
Nominations for LL Cool J

The Grammys are more than just Awards

Advancement

Empowering music makers through their creative journeys
Learn More

Music Advocacy

Defending creators’ rights while shaping a future of responsible innovation
Get Involved

Assistance

Helping music people find healing, hope, and stability in times of need
Donate

LL Cool J Videos