Najee Laurent Todd Eugene Smith is best known as the eldest son of hip-hop icon LL Cool J and his wife Simone Smith, but beyond his famous last name, he has quietly shaped a life built on privacy, creativity, and independence. Born on September 18, 1989, Najee grew up in a privileged yet disciplined household where his parents balanced the spotlight of fame with strong family values, teaching their children humility, faith, and resilience.
Unlike many celebrity children who chase attention, Najee has chosen a low-key path, exploring business, media, and fashion projects while maintaining a reserved public image. At 35 years old, he continues to stand out for his grounded personality, close relationship with his siblings, and thoughtful approach to life, showing that he is more than just the son of a superstar—he is a man defining success on his own terms.
Profile Summary
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Najee Laurent Todd Eugene Smith |
| Date of Birth | September 18, 1989 |
| Age (as of 2024) | 35 years old |
| Birthplace | United States |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 6 feet 1 inch (185 cm) |
| Weight | 79 kg (approx.) |
| Father | James Todd Smith (LL Cool J) – Rapper, Actor, Entrepreneur |
| Mother | Simone Smith – Businesswoman, Jewelry Designer, Cancer Survivor |
| Siblings | Italia Anita Maria Smith (Real Estate), Samaria Leah Smith (Fashion), Nina Simone Smith (Singer) |
| Occupation | Business ventures, Media involvement, Fashion projects |
| Net Worth | Estimated between $200K – $5 Million |
| Marital Status | Not publicly disclosed |
| Children | Not publicly disclosed |
| Social Media | Maintains a limited and mostly private presence |
Early Life and Family
Najee Laurent Todd Eugene Smith was born on September 18, 1989, in the United States. He is the firstborn child of LL Cool J and Simone Smith, making him the eldest among four siblings. From the very beginning, Najee’s life was a mix of privilege and privacy. Even though he was raised in a household where music, movies, and fame were part of daily life, his parents worked hard to give him and his sisters a grounded upbringing.
Najee spent his childhood in comfortable surroundings, went to good schools, and enjoyed opportunities that many could only dream of, yet his parents always made sure he learned humility, respect, and discipline. These values shaped his personality and helped him grow into the thoughtful man he is today.
Najee Laurent Todd Eugene Smith Age
Najee Laurent Todd Eugene Smith was born on September 18, 1989, which makes him 35 years old as of 2024. Being the oldest of the Smith children, Najee grew up with a sense of responsibility, and his maturity has been acknowledged by both his parents and his siblings. At 35, Najee is still young, but he has already experienced many important lessons in life, balancing the privileges of being the son of a celebrity with the challenges of finding his own way.
Physical Appearance
Najee has a tall and athletic build, standing at six feet one inch (185 cm) and weighing around seventy-nine kilograms. His appearance is often compared to his father, LL Cool J, as many people say he resembles him closely. He has a strong presence but usually keeps a low profile, dressing stylishly without seeking too much attention. His natural confidence and fashion sense have also played a role in his interest in creative projects and design.
Her Father, James Todd Smith
Najee’s father is James Todd Smith, better known as LL Cool J. He is a legendary rapper, actor, and entrepreneur who became one of the most successful hip-hop artists of all time. LL Cool J began his career in the 1980s and went on to create timeless hits, star in movies, and become a beloved face on television. His role in NCIS: Los Angeles and his many Grammy Awards speak to his talent and work ethic.
For Najee, having LL Cool J as a father meant growing up under the shadow of an international icon, but it also meant having a role model who demonstrated discipline, hard work, and perseverance. LL Cool J has spoken proudly about Najee, describing him as capable and intelligent, and he has always emphasized the importance of family over fame.
Her Mother, Simone Smith
Najee’s mother is Simone Smith, a strong woman admired not only for being the wife of LL Cool J but also for her personal journey of resilience. Simone is a businesswoman who launched her own jewelry line and became known for her creative and stylish designs. Her story became even more inspiring after she battled and survived a rare bone cancer called chondrosarcoma. Her fight against cancer deeply impacted the entire family and taught Najee the importance of health, faith, and perseverance. Simone often talks about how proud she is of her children, and Najee shares a close bond with her, always respecting the lessons she taught him about family, strength, and giving back to others.
Najee Laurent Todd Eugene Smith Sisters
Najee has three younger sisters, and each of them has taken her own path in life. His sister, Italia Anita Maria Smit, was born in 1991 and became a successful real estate agent. She is married and has three children, which makes Najee an uncle who enjoys the role of guiding the next generation. His second sister, Samaria Leah Wisdom Smith, was born in 1995 and followed a career in fashion. She launched her own denim line and has gained recognition for her creative designs in the fashion industry.
His youngest sister, Nina Simone Smith, was born in 2000 and pursued music, just like her father. Nina launched her own songs and graduated from Berklee College of Music in 2023, showing that talent runs strong in the family. Najee shares a loving relationship with all three sisters, and as the oldest sibling, he often plays the role of a protector and supporter.
Education and Growth
Details about Najee’s education have been kept private, but it is believed that he pursued studies in business, which reflects his natural interest in entrepreneurship and creative ventures. His parents always emphasized the importance of learning, and Najee is known for valuing intellectual growth just as much as personal development. Unlike many celebrity kids who head straight into entertainment, Najee chose to build a strong foundation for himself, exploring where his talents could fit best. His education gave him the tools to think beyond the world of music and acting, opening doors to media production, fashion, and business, all areas where he could apply his creativity and analytical skills at the same time.
Career and Professional Work
Najee has chosen a career path that is different from his father’s. While LL Cool J built his life around music, acting, and entertainment, Najee has leaned more toward behind-the-scenes roles and business. He has been involved in media production and has also shown a strong interest in entrepreneurship. One of the most notable projects connected to him is Rock the Bells, a lifestyle and fashion brand founded by LL Cool J. Najee contributed to creative projects for the brand, including the design of pieces like the “Drip Hoodie,” which highlighted his talent for combining fashion with culture. His careful and thoughtful approach to work shows that he prefers building something meaningful over chasing quick fame.
Challenges and Lessons
In 2015, Najee Laurent Todd Eugene Smith faced public scrutiny after being arrested during a nightclub incident in New York City, a situation that quickly drew media attention because of his father’s fame. Though the event was a setback, it became a valuable lesson that reminded him of the importance of responsibility and careful choices. Rather than letting the incident define him, Najee moved forward quietly, focusing on his personal growth and career, showing resilience and maturity in the way he handled adversity.
Public Image and Personality
Najee is different from many children of celebrities because he does not chase constant attention. His social media accounts are either private or very limited, and he rarely makes public appearances without his family. This decision to remain low-key has only added to his intrigue, making people more curious about him. When he does appear at events, Najee carries himself with dignity and calmness, showing that he values substance over show.
His personality has often been described as thoughtful and grounded, much like his father’s off-stage demeanor. LL Cool J himself has spoken proudly about his son, describing him as capable, intelligent, and mature. Najee’s choice to maintain privacy in today’s world of overexposure is a strong reflection of his self-awareness and the values instilled in him from childhood.
Private Life
Najee Laurent Todd Eugene Smith lives a very private life and does not share much about his personal relationships, marriage, or children with the public. Unlike many celebrity children, he stays away from gossip and prefers to keep things low-key, showing that he values peace and privacy. He has a small social media presence, keeping his accounts private, and is only seen at family events or special occasions with his parents and sisters. Outside of the spotlight, Najee enjoys fashion, creativity, and business projects, but he chooses to live quietly, focusing on family and personal growth rather than public attention.
Philanthropy and Giving Back
Although Najee does not seek publicity for his charitable activities, he is believed to be involved in philanthropic efforts, especially in causes related to cancer research and awareness. This is a natural extension of his family’s history, as his mother Simone is a cancer survivor who has worked with organizations like the American Cancer Society. The Smith family has always placed importance on giving back to the community, and Najee appears to carry this same sense of responsibility. Whether through donations, participation in events, or behind-the-scenes support, his quiet approach to philanthropy speaks volumes about his values and character.
Net Worth and Finances
There are conflicting reports about Najee’s financial status, with estimates ranging from around two hundred thousand dollars to as much as five million. This variation comes from his involvement in family businesses, creative projects, and fashion ventures. While his father’s fortune is much larger, what stands out about Najee is his effort to build something independently. His income reflects his personal choices rather than just inherited wealth, and his measured approach to business shows that he is more interested in sustainability than in short-term gain.
Future Outlook
Najee’s future looks promising, as he continues to build a life that is creative, thoughtful, and grounded. His work in fashion and business has already shown that he has both vision and style, and his involvement with Rock the Bells suggests that he may continue to expand in this field. His decision to remain low-key while still contributing meaningfully makes him stand out in today’s culture of oversharing. Whether he chooses to fully embrace a public career or continue working behind the scenes, Najee’s path is one of steady growth, individuality, and purpose. He may not be following his father into music or acting, but he is still building a legacy—one that is uniquely his own.
Conclusion
Najee Laurent Todd Eugene Smith is much more than just the son of LL Cool J. He is a man of quiet ambition, grounded values, and a creative spirit. His journey has been shaped by the love and discipline of his parents, the support of his siblings, and the lessons learned from both privilege and challenge. While the world may not see him on stage or in movies, Najee’s influence is felt in the worlds of fashion, business, and family.
He represents a different kind of success story—one that values privacy, dignity, and authenticity in an age where fame often overshadows substance. As he continues to grow and evolve, Najee shows that sometimes the strongest legacies are not built in the spotlight but in the quiet, steady pursuit of one’s true purpose.
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 legendary rapper and actor LL Cool J and his wife Simone Smith.
2. When was Najee Laurent Todd Eugene Smith born?
He was born on September 18, 1989, in the United States, and he is 35 years old as of 2024.
3. What does Najee Laurent Todd Eugene Smith do for a living?
Najee has explored business, fashion, and media projects, including work with Rock the Bells, his father’s lifestyle and fashion brand.
4. Does Najee Laurent Todd Eugene Smith use social media?
He maintains a very private presence online, keeping his accounts limited and only appearing occasionally at family events.
5. What is Najee Laurent Todd Eugene Smith’s net worth?
His net worth is estimated between $200,000 and $5 million, earned through business ventures and creative projects.