The $100 Million Legacy: Where Are LL Cool J's 4 Kids Now In 2025?

As of late 2025, the legendary hip-hop artist and actor LL Cool J is not just a cultural icon, but a proud father and grandfather whose four children have all stepped out of his shadow to forge their own impressive careers. The 'Ladies Love Cool James' star, whose real name is James Todd Smith, and his wife, Simone I. Smith, recently celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary, marking a major milestone in a family life that has always been kept relatively private despite the immense fame. Their four children—a son and three daughters—are now successful adults making waves in photography, real estate, fashion, and music. The Smith family is a true testament to building a lasting legacy, proving that the next generation can thrive by blending their famous roots with fierce independence. With LL Cool J embracing his role as an empty nester and continuing his work in the entertainment industry, the spotlight now often turns to Najee, Italia, Samaria, and Nina-Symone as they build their own empires, demonstrating a quiet ambition that is both inspiring and unexpected.

James Todd Smith: The Man Behind 'Ladies Love Cool James'

The foundation of the Smith family's success lies in the enduring career of its patriarch, James Todd Smith, known globally as LL Cool J. His journey from a young rapper in Queens to a multi-hyphenate star provides the backdrop for his children's lives.

• Full Name: James Todd Smith
• Born: January 14, 1968
• Birthplace: Bay Shore, Long Island, New York
• Spouse: Simone I. Smith (Married 1995)
• Children: Four (Najee, Italia, Samaria, Nina-Symone)
• Career Highlights: Two-time Grammy Award winner, first hip-hop artist to receive a Kennedy Center Honor, inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
• Key Roles: Recording Artist (Def Jam Records), Actor (most notably as Agent Sam Hanna on NCIS: Los Angeles and the upcoming NCIS: Hawaiʻi crossover), Host (Lip Sync Battle).
• Nickname Origin: LL Cool J is an acronym for "Ladies Love Cool James."

LL Cool J and Simone I. Smith first met in 1987 and married in 1995, building one of the most stable and long-lasting relationships in the entertainment world. Their commitment to family unity remains a cornerstone of their public image, a value they have clearly passed on to their four children.

Najee, Italia, and Samaria: The Eldest Children Forging Unique Paths

The three eldest Smith children have chosen career paths that intentionally diverge from their father’s music and acting spotlight, focusing on creative and professional fields that speak to their individual passions. This move showcases their desire for independent success, free from the constant comparison to a hip-hop legend.

Najee Laurent Todd Eugene Smith: The Professional Photographer

The eldest of the four, Najee Smith, born in September 1989 (making him 36 in 2025), has cultivated a successful career as a professional photographer. * Career Focus: Najee Laurent Todd Eugene Smith specializes in lifestyle and artistic photography. He often shares his work on social media platforms, providing a glimpse into his distinct visual style. * Creative Independence: Unlike his father, Najee has remained largely behind the camera, choosing a creative outlet that allows him to express himself without stepping into the performance-based world of music or acting. * Entity Spotlight: His work has been featured in various exhibitions, including showcases at Long Island University (LIU), establishing him as a serious artist in his own right.

Italia Anita Maria Smith: The Real Estate Mogul and Family Woman

Italia Smith, born January 3, 1991 (34 in 2025), has found her niche in the highly competitive world of New York real estate. * Professional Success: Italia Anita Maria Smith is a licensed Real Estate Salesperson, currently affiliated with Keller Williams Realty Gold Coast on Long Island. * Education: She is a graduate of Northeastern University, which provided the academic foundation for her business career. * Family Life: Italia is LL Cool J's first child to make him a grandfather, as she is a devoted wife and mother, often sharing her family life and faith on her social media, highlighting her grounded journey away from Hollywood’s glare. Her success in real estate shows a strong business acumen and dedication to a traditional professional career.

Samaria Leah Smith: The Sustainable Denim Designer

Samaria Smith, born in 1995 (30 in 2025), has become a prominent name in the sustainable fashion industry, establishing a highly-regarded brand. * Fashion Brand: She is the founder and creative director of the denim brand Samaria Leah. * Unique Selling Proposition: The brand is celebrated for its handcrafted, repurposed, and vintage denim pieces, including the signature 'Leah' lace-up jeans, which promote sustainability and unique design. * Collaborations: Samaria has successfully collaborated with her mother, Simone I. Smith, on various pieces, creating a powerful mother-daughter business entity. Her work has been featured in major fashion publications, solidifying her status as a serious designer and not just a celebrity child.

Nina-Symone Smith: The Youngest Daughter Embracing the Music Legacy

While the three older children chose careers outside of entertainment, the youngest daughter, Nina-Symone Smith, has decided to follow in her father’s musical footsteps, albeit with her own contemporary twist.

Nina-Symone Smith: The Emerging R&B Artist

Born in 1999 (26 in 2025), Nina-Symone is the only one of LL Cool J's children to pursue a career in the music industry. * Musical Genre: She is an emerging R&B and soul artist, showcasing a vocal talent distinct from her father’s rap style. * Debut Single: Nina-Symone made her debut a few years ago with the single "Call Me," which received positive attention for its smooth production and mature sound. * Artistic Identity: She performs under her full name, Nina-Symone Smith, carefully carving out her own artistic identity in a genre that allows her to showcase her powerful voice, rather than relying on her father's hip-hop fame. Her decision to enter the music world demonstrates a confidence in her own talent and a willingness to face the inevitable comparisons head-on.

The Enduring LL Cool J and Simone I. Smith Family Legacy in 2025

The story of LL Cool J's children in 2025 is less about celebrity offspring and more about the successful transition of a high-profile family into a multi-generational entrepreneurial powerhouse. The careers of Najee, Italia, Samaria, and Nina-Symone highlight several key entities and themes: * Entrepreneurship: Samaria Leah’s fashion line and Italia’s Real Estate business show a strong family focus on building independent ventures. * Creative Arts: Najee’s photography and Nina-Symone’s music career demonstrate a commitment to creative expression beyond the traditional celebrity mold. * Family Unit: The public visibility of LL Cool J and Simone I. Smith, especially as they celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary, reinforces the stability of their home life, which clearly provided a supportive environment for their children to pursue diverse, ambitious goals. As LL Cool J continues his acting career, including his return to the NCIS universe, he often speaks with pride about his children. The family has successfully navigated the complexities of fame, raising four well-adjusted, high-achieving adults who have all found ways to honor their legacy while establishing their own names. The Smith children are a powerful example of how a strong family foundation can empower the next generation to achieve success on their own terms, making them a fascinating case study in modern celebrity family life.