Popular Searches:
Najee Laurent Todd Eugene Smith, born September 18, 1989, is the eldest son of rapper and actor LL Cool J. Unlike many celebrity children, he’s built a private career in creative design and brand development. As a graphic artist and key figure in Rock The Bells, his father’s clothing brand, Najee represents a generation of celebrity offspring who prioritize authenticity over fame.
Najee Laurent Todd Eugene Smith is LL Cool J’s eldest and only son. Born on September 18, 1989, he’s now 35 years old and based in New York City. His full name—Najee Laurent Todd Eugene Smith—reflects his father’s real name, James Todd Smith, connecting him directly to the hip-hop legend’s lineage.
What makes Najee’s story compelling isn’t his father’s fame. It’s how he’s chosen to respond to it. While growing up as the son of a Grammy-winning rapper and accomplished actor, Najee pursued a quieter path. He avoided the typical celebrity child trajectory of reality TV, public scandals, and leveraging family connections for instant stardom. Instead, he carved out space for himself as an artist, entrepreneur, and creative director—someone who defines success on his own terms.
On Instagram, where he has 17.6k followers, Najee describes himself as a “Creative New Yorker.” That simple descriptor captures his identity: grounded, creative, and intentional about where he builds his life.
Najee was born into a household already shaped by both glamour and resilience. His father, LL Cool J (James Todd Smith), is a two-time Grammy Award-winning rapper whose albums include The DEFinition, Todd Smith, Exit 13, and The FORCE. Beyond music, LL Cool J gained wider recognition for his role as Agent Sam Hanna on the CBS drama NCIS: Los Angeles, where he performed for more than 13 seasons.
His mother, Simone Johnson-Smith, brought her own story of strength. Diagnosed with stage three chondrosarcoma—a rare and aggressive bone cancer—Simone fought the disease and was declared cancer-free in 2004. That journey left an indelible mark on Najee and shaped his values around resilience, faith, and family.
LL Cool J and Simone met as teenagers in 1987 and married in 1995. Together, they raised four children in an environment that prioritized faith, hard work, and privacy despite the spotlight. Najee’s three younger sisters—Italia (born 1991), Samaria (born 1995), and Nina (born 2000)—each pursued their own paths. Italia works in real estate. Samaria studied design and merchandising at the Fashion Institute of Technology. Nina released her debut single “Call Me” in 2019 and graduated from Berklee College of Music with a degree in songwriting.
Growing up in the Smith household meant witnessing how a legendary figure handled family responsibility. LL Cool J has spoken publicly about instilling independence and a work ethic in his children. For Najee, that meant learning that celebrity and privilege were starting points—not destinations.
Najee’s professional identity centers on art and design. He’s been deeply involved in Rock The Bells, the clothing and cultural brand founded by his father. Unlike appearing as a talent in hip-hop, Najee works behind the scenes as a creative force. He handles graphic design, conceptualization, and brand execution—the work that happens before products reach customers.
His methodology is deliberate. In an interview about creating Rock The Bells’ Drip Hoodie in 2021, Najee explained his approach: “I consider myself an artist. When I think of graphic design, I think more of people designing on the computer. I started bleaching T-shirts because I don’t like anyone’s T-shirts.” He continued, “And then I started messing around with fabric dyes.”
That last sentence reveals his creative process. Najee isn’t designing solely on screens. He’s experimenting with hands-on techniques—bleaching, dyeing, and manipulating fabrics. He’s been perfecting these methods for over four years, treating each piece as a potential artwork rather than just merchandise.
This hands-on philosophy distinguishes Rock The Bells from typical celebrity clothing lines. The brand carries Najee’s fingerprints because he’s actively shaping its aesthetic. He posts frequently on Instagram about gear, latest drops, and brand collaborations, using the platform to document his work rather than chase attention.
His role extends beyond one project. Najee has been a consistent presence at Rock The Bells events since childhood, building institutional knowledge of the brand. He’s essentially groomed to understand not just the creative side but the business logistics—production, distribution, brand partnerships, and cultural relevance.
In September 2015, Najee made headlines for reasons unrelated to his art. On the morning after his 26th birthday, he was arrested in New York City following an altercation at a nightclub. He was charged with criminal trespassing after a physical confrontation with a group of men.
The incident attracted media attention precisely because of his father’s profile. LL Cool J’s name meant the story spread faster. But what’s notable is what happened next: Najee didn’t become a repeat tabloid fixture. He didn’t release a statement blaming anyone. He didn’t spiral into the public meltdown that captures headlines.
Instead, the Smith family handled it with discretion. Najee appears to have learned from the experience and moved deliberately away from that lifestyle. He focused on his creative work. He invested in building something meaningful with Rock The Bells rather than seeking redemption through public appearances or apologies.
This response reinforces his overall philosophy: stay grounded, work quietly, and let your accomplishments speak louder than your mistakes.
Najee’s mother’s battle with cancer shaped more than his family values. It sparked a commitment to charitable work. He’s been an active supporter of the American Cancer Society, lending his time and advocacy to the fight against cancer.
This isn’t performative celebrity philanthropy—the kind where famous people show up for a photo and move on. Najee’s involvement appears rooted in personal stakes. He watched his mother face a life-threatening illness. He witnessed her survival and recovery. That experience created genuine motivation to help others facing similar battles.
His philanthropy reflects a broader pattern in how Najee approaches life: substance over spectacle. He doesn’t publicize every charitable act. He participates because the cause matters, not because it needs social media documentation.
Najee isn’t an only child, and understanding his siblings provides context for his choices. Each Smith child took a different route despite sharing the same parents and values.
Italia Anita Marie Smith, his closest sibling in age (born 1991), pursued a career in real estate and commercial property. She’s married to Lamar Cardinez and has three children. Italia maintains an even lower public profile than Najee. She’s essentially invisible to celebrity media—which may be exactly how she prefers it.
Samaria Leah Smith (born 1995) leaned into fashion design. She attended the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City and established an eponymous fashion label. Of the four siblings, Samaria operates most visibly in the fashion and design space—though still far from mainstream celebrity.
Nina Simone Smith (born 2000) is the only one who followed her father directly into music. She released “Call Me” in 2019 and completed her degree in songwriting from Berklee College of Music in 2023. LL Cool J has publicly stated that Nina has the musical “gene.” She represents the generational continuation of the family’s entertainment legacy.
Together, the Smith siblings illustrate a strategic approach to celebrity: diversify, specialize, and choose privacy. None of them became TMZ fixtures. None chased reality television deals. Each found a distinct lane and committed to depth rather than breadth.
What distinguishes Najee from many celebrity children is his seeming comfort with invisibility. He could leverage his father’s name for easy entry into entertainment, music production, or high-profile ventures. Instead, he designs t-shirts and manages brand aesthetics.
He’s rumored to have worked in media production, though specifics remain private. Some sources suggest he’s explored entrepreneurial ventures beyond Rock The Bells. But Najee doesn’t announce these projects. They remain work-focused rather than fame-focused, which is consistent with his overall approach.
This choice reflects a deliberate philosophy. Najee appears to have concluded early that viral attention, social media followers, and celebrity gossip coverage don’t equal fulfillment. He’d rather build something real—whether that’s a creative practice, a business venture, or a private life—than chase the shortcut of family fame.
His 17.6k Instagram followers are people who appreciate his aesthetic and creative direction, not his last name.
Najee Laurent Todd Eugene Smith stands at an intersection. He carries the Smith family legacy—the name of a hip-hop legend, the values of two resilient parents, the example of three accomplished siblings. But he’s not defined by it.
His story matters because it contradicts the typical narrative around celebrity offspring. He proves that being born into fame doesn’t require embracing fame. You can be LL Cool J’s son without becoming a celebrity yourself. You can build a meaningful career in the shadow of a legend without trying to outshine or duplicate that legend.
For hip-hop culture and broader celebrity studies, Najee represents a quiet revolution. As celebrity children become increasingly media-savvy and entrepreneurial—launching podcasts, TikTok accounts, and personal brands—Najee’s choice to remain private signals an alternative path. One built on craft, independence, and values rather than visibility.
What’s next for Najee remains his own story to write. He may expand Rock The Bells into new markets. He may launch his own fashion brand. He may continue working behind the scenes, building things that matter to him rather than to TMZ. Whatever direction he chooses, his foundation is solid: a clear identity, grounded values, and the freedom to make that choice on his own terms.
