Najee Laurent Todd Eugene Smith may be known to many as the son of legendary rapper and actor LL Cool J, but there’s much more to him than just his famous last name. While he grew up in the spotlight of a celebrity family, Najee has quietly built a life of his own—one rooted in creativity, privacy, and strong family values. In this article, we take a closer look at who Najee Smith is, from his early life and family background to his personal interests, career choices, and how he stays out of the public eye.
We’ll uncover the real story behind this private and thoughtful individual. Whether you’re curious about his relationship with LL Cool J, his siblings, or what he’s doing today, this detailed profile will give you everything you need to know.
Profile Summary
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Najee Laurent Todd Eugene Smith |
| Date of Birth | September 18, 1989 |
| Age | 35 (as of 2025) |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | African-American |
| Parents | LL Cool J (James Todd Smith), Simone I. Smith |
| Siblings | Italia Anita Maria, Samaria Leah Wisdom, Nina Simone Smith |
| Profession | Creative Entrepreneur, Photographer (reportedly) |
| Marital Status | Not publicly disclosed |
| Known For | Son of LL Cool J, fashion & creative pursuits |
| @najee.laurent (if verified) | |
| Net Worth | Undisclosed |
Early Life and Background
Najee Laurent Todd Eugene Smith was born on September 18, 1989, in the United States as the first child of legendary rapper and actor LL Cool J (real name James Todd Smith) and Simone I. Smith, a successful entrepreneur and jewelry designer. His full name reflects deep family ties—“Todd” comes from his father’s name, showing their close bond, while “Laurent” and “Eugene” give his name a classic, distinguished feel. Growing up in a well-known celebrity household, Najee was surrounded by fame, music, and media attention from a young age.
Despite the spotlight, his parents focused on raising him with strong values, including respect, hard work, and humility. LL Cool J’s success in entertainment and Simone’s strength as a cancer survivor deeply influenced Najee’s character and outlook on life. His grandparents, especially Ondrea Smith, also played a meaningful role in his upbringing, sharing life lessons rooted in faith, culture, and family traditions, which helped shape Najee into the grounded person he is today.
Education and Personal Development
Najee Laurent Todd Eugene Smith likely attended private and well-known schools, supported by his family’s resources. Although his college details are not public, it is believed he continued his education after high school. His parents, LL Cool J and Simone Smith, focused on teaching their children life values, encouraging both intellectual and spiritual growth. Education played an important role in helping Najee become a disciplined and thoughtful person, able to handle life with confidence and balance.
Najee Laurent Todd Eugene Smith Parents
Father: LL Cool J
Najee Laurent Todd Eugene Smith’s father is LL Cool J, whose real name is James Todd Smith. He is a famous American rapper, actor, and producer, known for hit songs like “I Need Love” and “Mama Said Knock You Out.” LL Cool J was born on January 14, 1968, and became one of the first hip-hop artists to gain worldwide fame. He later became a successful actor, starring in the TV series NCIS: Los Angeles. He is also known for supporting community programs and youth development. As a father, he has always focused on discipline, respect, and strong family values.
Mother: Simone I. Smith
Najee’s mother is Simone I. Smith, a businesswoman and jewelry designer. She is the founder of the brand Simone I. Smith Jewelry, known for its bold and meaningful designs. Simone was born on March 31, 1968, and married LL Cool J in 1995. She is also a cancer survivor and has worked with the American Cancer Society to raise awareness and funds. Simone is known for her strong faith and dedication to family, playing a key role in raising her children with love, strength, and purpose.
Siblings of Najee Laurent Todd Eugene Smith
Italia Anita Maria Smith
Italia is the eldest sister of Najee Laurent Todd Eugene Smith. She was born in the early 1990s and works as a real estate agent. She is also a wife and mother, known for keeping a private and family-focused life. Italia studied at Northeastern University and has stayed close to her family, often appearing at public events with them.
Samaria Leah Wisdom Smith
Samaria is the second sister of Najee. She was born in 1995 and is a fashion designer. She owns a denim brand called Samaria Leah, known for custom and vintage-inspired jeans. She studied fashion at the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) in New York. Samaria is active on social media and often shares her creative work and lifestyle.
Nina Simone Smith
Nina is the youngest sibling of Najee. She was born in 2000 and is an aspiring singer. She has released music under the name Nina-Symone and follows in her father’s footsteps in the music world. Nina is also active on social media, where she shares her music, fashion, and personal life.
Relationship with LL Cool J
Najee Laurent Todd Eugene Smith shares a close and respectful relationship with his father, LL Cool J. As the oldest child, Najee has often looked to his father as a role model. LL Cool J has influenced Najee’s personality, discipline, and work ethic, teaching him the value of hard work, respect, and staying focused. When Najee faced a legal issue in 2015, LL Cool J and the family showed strong support, helping him through the situation privately. Their bond reflects a strong family connection, built on trust, guidance, and support during both good and difficult times.
Career Journey
Initial Interests
Najee Laurent Todd Eugene Smith was exposed to the entertainment industry from a young age through his father LL Cool J. He appeared at red carpet events and in some reality shows, giving him early experience in the public eye. However, he did not choose a career in music or acting like his father.
Creative Pursuits
Najee developed an interest in fashion and photography. He has been involved in creative work behind the scenes and is linked to “Rock The Bells”, a brand started by LL Cool J that focuses on hip-hop culture and fashion. Najee also shares photography and visual content on social media, showing his creative side.
Public vs. Private Image
Najee has made a conscious decision to live a private life. He avoids the spotlight and has not pursued fame in music or acting. Instead, he focuses on his personal interests and self-identity, building quiet success outside of public attention.
Legal Issue: 2015 Incident
In 2015, Najee Laurent Todd Eugene Smith was arrested after a disagreement at a restaurant in New York City. Reports said he refused to leave the restaurant after an argument and was taken into custody. His family, including LL Cool J, supported him and handled the matter privately. The charges were later dropped. The incident got some media attention, but it did not have a lasting effect on Najee’s public image.
Personal Life and Privacy
Najee values privacy and chooses to stay out of the spotlight, even though he is the son of a celebrity. There are no public records showing that he is married or has children. He rarely speaks to the media and avoids sharing personal details. Najee’s known interests include fashion, photography, and basketball, which he sometimes shares through social media.
Rumors vs Facts
There has been some confusion online about Najee Smith, as people mix him up with the sons of Busta Rhymes or Will Smith, who also have sons named Najee. Najee Laurent Todd Eugene Smith is LL Cool J’s son, not related to those other celebrities. He has never played in the NFL and is not an actor. He prefers a quiet, creative life and has not worked in music or sports professionally.
Social Media Presence
Najee is believed to use Instagram under the handle @najee.laurent. He shares posts about fashion, lifestyle, and photography. His account has around 17–18k followers, but it is not verified. He does not appear to use Twitter, TikTok, or other major platforms. His social media use stays true to his low-profile style.
Business and Financial Overview
Najee is believed to have an entrepreneurial mindset and is possibly involved in creative business projects like fashion or media. His net worth is not public, but he likely lives comfortably due to his family’s success. His father, LL Cool J, has a net worth of about $120 million. Najee seems to be building his own income while still benefiting from his family’s support.
Philanthropy and Advocacy
There is no public record of Najee being active in charity or social causes, but his parents are deeply involved. His mother, Simone Smith, is a cancer survivor and works with the American Cancer Society. LL Cool J also supports many causes. It is possible that Najee may support these efforts privately or take part in future charity work.
Public Appearances
Najee has been seen at family events, including award shows like the BET Awards and fashion events. In public, he appears quiet, respectful, and confident, often standing beside his family without seeking attention. The media has noted his calm presence and simple style, which matches his private lifestyle.
Legacy and Future Plans
Najee focuses on personal growth rather than fame. He is building a life with purpose and privacy, likely continuing in fashion or a creative business. He may also explore future projects in advocacy or entrepreneurship, but he prefers to grow quietly, on his own terms.
Conclusion
Najee Laurent Todd Eugene Smith lives by the values of privacy, family, and personal growth. Even as the son of LL Cool J, he has created his own path. His story shows that fame is not always the goal—sometimes living with purpose and staying true to yourself is the greatest success.
FAQs About Najee Laurent Todd Eugene Smith
1. Who is Najee Laurent Todd Eugene Smith?
Najee Laurent Todd Eugene Smith is the eldest son of famous rapper and actor LL Cool J and his wife Simone I. Smith. He is known for keeping a low profile while building his own life outside the spotlight.
2. When was Najee Laurent Todd Eugene Smith born?
Najee was born on September 18, 1989, in the United States. As of 2025, he is 35 years old.
3. What does Najee Smith do for a living?
Najee Smith is known to work behind the scenes in creative fields. He has been linked to fashion, photography, and projects like Rock The Bells, a lifestyle brand founded by his father.
4. Is Najee Laurent Todd Eugene Smith an actor or rapper like his father?
No, Najee has not followed his father’s path in music or acting. Instead, he focuses on creative and personal ventures, staying mostly out of the public spotlight.
5. Does Najee Smith have Instagram or social media?
Yes, Najee is believed to be active on Instagram under the name @najee.laurent, where he shares creative content. However, he does not have a verified public profile and keeps his online presence very low-key.
6. Is Najee Smith married or in a relationship?
As of now, there is no public information confirming if Najee Smith is married or has a girlfriend. He values privacy and does not share details about his personal relationships.
7. How many siblings does Najee Smith have?
Najee has three younger sisters:
-
Italia Anita Maria Smith – a real estate professional
-
Samaria Leah Wisdom Smith – a fashion designer
-
Nina Simone Smith – an aspiring singer
8. What is Najee Laurent Todd Eugene Smith known for?
Najee is best known for being the son of LL Cool J. But beyond that, he is recognized for his private lifestyle, creative interests, and staying grounded despite growing up in a famous family.
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