5 Shocking Secrets To LL Cool J And Simone Smith’s Nearly 30-Year Marriage: The Untold Story Of A Hip-Hop Power Couple

As of December 2025, the enduring relationship between hip-hop icon LL Cool J and his wife, Simone I. Smith, stands as one of the most remarkable love stories in the entertainment industry. Their journey, which began as a teenage romance in Queens, New York, has blossomed into a nearly three-decade-long marriage, defying the notoriously short lifespans of celebrity unions. This article dives deep into the life of Simone I. Smith, exploring her success as an entrepreneur, her courageous battle with cancer, and the foundational pillars that have kept her relationship with James Todd Smith (LL Cool J) strong through every challenge. Simone I. Smith is far more than just "LL Cool J's wife"; she is a formidable powerhouse in her own right—a dedicated mother, a proud grandmother (or "MoMa"), a successful jewelry designer, and a passionate philanthropist. Her personal story of resilience, particularly her 19-year battle with a rare form of bone cancer, has become the driving force behind her professional and charitable endeavors, making her a true inspiration.

Simone I. Smith: Complete Biography and Profile

Simone I. Smith is the unwavering pillar of strength and style beside one of music and television’s biggest stars. Her life story is defined by family, entrepreneurship, and incredible personal fortitude.

• Full Name: Simone I. Smith (née Johnson - though not widely confirmed, Smith is her married and professional name).
• Date of Birth: March 30, 1968.
• Age (as of Dec 2025): 57 years old.
• Birthplace: Queens, New York, USA.
• Husband: James Todd Smith (LL Cool J).
• Met: 1987, as teenagers in Queens, New York.
• Wedding Date: August 7, 1995.
• Children: Four—one son and three daughters.
  • Najee Smith (Son, b. 1989)
  • Italia Smith (Daughter, b. 1991)
  • Samaria Smith (Daughter, b. 1995)
  • Nina Smith (Daughter, b. 2000)
• Grandchildren: Three (referred to as "MoMa" by Simone).
• Occupation: Entrepreneur, Jewelry Designer, Philanthropist.
• Key Achievements: 19-year cancer survivor; Co-Founder of Simone I. Smith Jewelry.

The Cancer Battle That Inspired a Jewelry Empire

One of the most defining chapters in Simone I. Smith’s life is her courageous fight against a rare form of bone cancer called Chondrosarcoma. She was diagnosed in 2004 and underwent a grueling 15-hour surgery that required replacing a bone in her leg with a rod, followed by months of intensive physical therapy.

The experience was life-altering, but Simone chose to channel her pain into purpose. Her jewelry line, Simone I. Smith Jewelry, which she co-founded in 2011, is a direct result of her survivorship. The signature piece in her collection is the "Sweet Touch of Hope" lollipop-shaped pendant, designed to represent the sweet, hopeful side of life that follows a bitter experience like cancer.

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This entrepreneurial venture is deeply rooted in philanthropy. A portion of the proceeds from the jewelry line is dedicated to the American Cancer Society, specifically supporting programs for cancer survivors. Her commitment to giving back, coupled with her role as a fashion influencer, has made her a powerful voice in the health and wellness community, promoting health equity and sisterhood among women.

5 Pillars of Their Enduring Love: LL Cool J’s Marriage Secrets

In an industry plagued by short-lived relationships, LL Cool J and Simone I. Smith’s relationship—approaching its 30th anniversary in August 2025—is an anomaly that sparks intense curiosity. Simone has recently opened up about the effort and rules required to maintain a successful marriage to a "Ladies Love Cool James" heartthrob.

1. Respect and Handling the "Ladies Love" Factor

Simone acknowledges that being married to a hip-hop legend and Hollywood star is not for the faint of heart. She has learned to embrace the reality that women will always be attracted to her husband. Her secret is focusing on the respect within their home. In a recent interview, she emphasized that while he is LL Cool J to the world, he is James Todd Smith, the devoted husband and father, at home.

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2. The Power of Separate TVs (and Space)

LL Cool J has humorously shared a surprisingly practical rule for their marital bliss: "A couple of TVs goes a long way." This simple statement points to a deeper truth: respecting each other's individual interests and need for personal space. He noted that he might not want to watch reality television all day, and having separate entertainment options helps maintain harmony and prevent small conflicts from escalating.

3. Consistent Romance, Not Just Last-Second Efforts

The rapper has stressed the importance of consistent, thoughtful romance, not just grand gestures. He believes that many men make the mistake of thinking romance only starts at the last second. For the Smiths, a successful marriage requires continuous effort, support, and the consistent showing of affection, proving that the foundation of their love is built on daily attentiveness.

4. A Shared Queens, New York Foundation

Meeting as teenagers in their native Queens, New York, provided LL Cool J and Simone with a shared cultural history and a strong, grounded beginning. Their eight years of dating before marriage allowed them to grow up together and establish a deep, non-celebrity foundation. This long history and shared roots are often cited as a key factor in their ability to withstand the pressures of fame.

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5. Navigating Life's Crises as a United Front

The couple has navigated significant challenges, most notably Simone's cancer battle. LL Cool J was a rock of support during her 15-hour surgery and subsequent recovery. Facing such a serious crisis together strengthened their bond immeasurably, demonstrating that their commitment is truly for better or worse. This shared struggle has given their relationship a depth and resilience that simple fame cannot break.

Simone Smith: Entrepreneur, MoMa, and Modern Matriarch

Beyond her public profile, Simone I. Smith is a dedicated mother to her four children—Najee, Italia, Samaria, and Nina—and a doting grandmother, or "MoMa," to three. Her role as a matriarch is central to her identity, balancing the demands of a high-profile family with her own thriving business.

The Simone I. Smith Jewelry brand continues to be a successful, fashion-forward line, featuring her signature hoop earrings and the iconic lollipop design. Her work in the jewelry industry allows her to express her creativity while simultaneously championing an important cause, making her a powerful example of a celebrity spouse who has successfully forged her own meaningful path. Her story is a testament to resilience, enduring love, and the power of turning personal pain into a platform for hope and giving back.