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The Smith Dynasty: Where Are LL Cool J's Four Kids Today? (2025 Update)

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Few celebrity families maintain the level of privacy and grounded success as the Smiths. As of late 2025, hip-hop icon and acting veteran LL Cool J, whose real name is James Todd Smith, and his wife, Simone I. Smith, are celebrating a remarkable milestone: 30 years of marriage. They have successfully raised four adult children—Najee, Italia, Samaria, and Nina—who are now making their own distinct marks on the worlds of real estate, fashion, and music. This deep dive reveals the latest, most current updates on the next generation of the Smith dynasty.

The legendary rapper, best known as "Ladies Love Cool James," has transitioned from an empty nester to a proud grandfather several times over, often citing his family as his greatest accomplishment, even above his two Grammy Awards and Kennedy Center Honor. The careers of his children are a fascinating blend of entrepreneurial spirit and creative talent, proving that while the apple may not always fall far from the tree, it certainly branches out in unique and ambitious directions.

LL Cool J: Biography, Marriage, and Family Patriarch

James Todd Smith, known professionally as LL Cool J, is one of the most enduring and influential figures in hip-hop history. Born on January 14, 1968, in Bay Shore, Long Island, New York, he is 57 years old as of late 2025. His stage name, an acronym for "Ladies Love Cool James," was a perfect fit for his early music career, which began when he was just 16 and led to the release of his groundbreaking debut album, Radio, in 1985.

Beyond his musical achievements, which include hits like "I Need Love" and "Mama Said Knock You Out," he established a successful acting career, most notably starring as Special Agent Sam Hanna on the long-running CBS series NCIS: Los Angeles.

His personal life is anchored by his marriage to Simone I. Smith, a jewelry designer and entrepreneur. The couple met in 1987 and tied the knot on August 7, 1995, meaning they celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary in the summer of 2025. Simone is a cancer survivor and the founder of the Simone I. Smith Jewelry line, which often features her signature "A Sweet Touch of Hope" lollipop design, with proceeds benefiting the American Cancer Society. Together, they have built a powerful, private, and philanthropic family legacy.

  • Full Name: James Todd Smith
  • Born: January 14, 1968 (Age 57 in 2025)
  • Wife: Simone I. Smith (Married August 7, 1995)
  • Children: Najee, Italia, Samaria, and Nina
  • Notable Careers: Rapper, Actor (NCIS: Los Angeles), Author, Entrepreneur

The Four Pillars: Careers and Lives of the Smith Children

LL Cool J and Simone Smith's four children—one son and three daughters—have all carved out professional paths away from the direct glare of their father's spotlight, focusing on entrepreneurship, real estate, and creative arts. The family is known for its tight-knit bond, frequently appearing together at charity events and on social media to support one another's ventures.

Najee Laurent Todd Eugene Smith (Age 36)

Najee is the eldest of the Smith children, born on September 18, 1989. In contrast to his highly public father, Najee has chosen a path that keeps him primarily out of the entertainment industry. He is the most private of the siblings, opting to pursue a career that does not involve the constant scrutiny of Hollywood. His focus is reported to be in the business world, though details are kept intentionally minimal.

Italia Anita Maria Smith-Cardinez (Age 34)

Born on January 3, 1991, Italia is a powerhouse entrepreneur and the first of the Smith children to make LL Cool J a grandfather. She is a licensed real estate agent with a successful career in the luxury market, having previously gained experience in marketing and social media at CBS. Italia and her husband, Lamar Cardinez, are both graduates of Northeastern University and are actively involved in the school's Young Global Leaders program, supporting first-generation scholars.

In a major family update for 2025, Italia is currently a mother of two and is expecting her third child, further expanding the Smith family’s growing number of grandchildren.

Samaria Leah Wisdom Smith (Age 30)

Samaria, born in 1995, has become a prominent figure in the fashion world. She is a graduate of the prestigious Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) in New York City. Her professional passion is her self-titled denim brand, Samaria Leah, which she launched in 2019. The brand specializes in upcycled, custom-designed denim pieces, quickly gaining a reputation for its sustainable and unique designs.

Samaria's personal life has also garnered attention, as she has been in a relationship with NFL star Jordan Fuller since 2021, creating a high-profile coupling of sports and fashion.

Nina Simone Smith (Age 24)

The youngest of the family, Nina Simone Smith, is the only child to explicitly follow her father’s creative footsteps into the music industry. Born in 2001, she is 24 years old as of late 2025. Nina, who also goes by the stage name Nina-Symone, released her debut single, "Call Me," on her 19th birthday, demonstrating a clear commitment to an R&B and pop career. Her decision to pursue music has been met with public support from her father, who understands the unique challenges of breaking into the industry as the child of a legend. She is actively working on new music, positioning herself as a rising star in the contemporary R&B space.

The LL Cool J Family Legacy: More Than Just Show Business

The collective careers of Najee, Italia, Samaria, and Nina underscore a powerful family philosophy: leverage the foundation of success not to replicate it, but to build something entirely new. The children’s ventures span diverse fields, demonstrating that the "Ladies Love Cool James" legacy is expanding into a full-fledged family empire rooted in entrepreneurship and creative independence.

The recent updates, particularly Italia expecting her third child and Nina continuing her music career, highlight a family in constant motion. LL Cool J often speaks about the pride he takes in being an empty nester, which has allowed him to focus on his own dreams, including his work with the Rock The Bells festival and his ongoing acting roles. However, the real story of the Smith family in 2025 is the success of the next generation—a testament to the enduring partnership of LL Cool J and Simone I. Smith, who have prioritized raising grounded, ambitious, and independent adults.

From the world of luxury real estate and sustainable fashion to a burgeoning R&B career, the Smith children are defining their own success. Their stories are a compelling chapter in the ongoing narrative of one of hip-hop's most respected families, proving that the most valuable legacy a celebrity can leave is a family of strong, self-made individuals.

ll cool j kids
ll cool j kids

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