Najee Laurent Todd Eugene Smith, born in September 1989, is the eldest son of legendary rapper and two-time Grammy Award winner LL Cool J. As opposed to following his father’s musical footsteps, Najee has carved his own path in the fashion and entrepreneurial world, especially through his active role in Rock The Bells.
This article explores in detail the life of LL Cool J son Najee, from his upbringing in a famous family to his career choices. Moreover, we’ll examine Najee Laurent Todd Eugene Smith siblings, his relationship with his parents, insights into Najee Laurent Todd Eugene Smith wife and personal life, and Najee Laurent Todd Eugene Smith net worth, which is estimated at around $200,000.
Who is Najee Laurent Todd Eugene Smith?
Birth and early years
The first child of James Todd Smith (LL Cool J) and Simone Johnson-Smith entered the world on September 18, 1989. His mother shared the experience years later, revealing that after 28 hours of labor, Najee Laurent Todd Eugene Smith arrived weighing 7 pounds 16 ounces and measuring 21 inches long. Born in New York City, Najee entered a household where music, culture, and creativity formed the backdrop of daily life.
His early years unfolded in an environment shaped by both privilege and purpose. Simone Smith, a jewelry designer and cancer survivor who battled chondrosarcoma and was declared cancer-free in 2004, brought resilience and strength to the family dynamic. The combination of his father’s musical legacy and his mother’s entrepreneurial spirit created a unique foundation. Faith and education anchored the household, establishing principles that would define Najee’s character.
Growing up as LL Cool J’s son
Red carpet events, studio sessions, and public appearances marked Najee’s childhood from an early age. Cameras often surrounded the family, yet his parents maintained strict boundaries to ensure a balanced upbringing. LL Cool J and Simone focused on teaching responsibility rather than privilege, refusing to let fame dictate their parenting approach.
In an interview for Oprah’s Master Class, LL Cool J articulated his philosophy: “I don’t want [them] to let people set the bar for [them] because I am [their] father, especially for my son. He’ll go and do some work … he’s working because he’s going to be a real person”. This blue-collar mentality shaped the household, where discipline and respect remained non-negotiable values.
Being the oldest child carried additional responsibility. Najee naturally became protective of his three younger sisters, developing maturity and independence at a young age. His parents emphasized humility, hard work, and helping others, ensuring that access to opportunities never translated into entitlement.
Najee’s personality and values
Najee Laurent Todd Eugene Smith is described as calm, creative, and private. Unlike many who grow up in celebrity households, he does not actively seek media attention. His social media presence remains thoughtful rather than flashy, reflecting a deliberate choice to value authenticity over visibility.
Faith serves as the cornerstone of his life. A devout Christian, Najee’s beliefs extend beyond Sunday church attendance. Christianity functions as a lifestyle and foundation that influences his choices and defines his relationships. This spiritual grounding shapes everything he does.
He values depth over superficiality, seeking meaningful connections rather than transactional relationships. His charity work remains private, though he supports cancer awareness programs given his mother’s experience. This quiet approach to service reflects his broader philosophy: authenticity matters more than recognition.
Najee Laurent Todd Eugene Smith siblings and family background
LL Cool J and Simone Smith as parents
LL Cool J and Simone Johnson first crossed paths in 1987 when both were teenagers. Their relationship spanned eight years before they married in 1995, creating a foundation built on genuine connection rather than celebrity flash. Together, they raised four children: Najee, Italia, Samaria, and Nina.
The couple approached parenthood with intentionality. LL Cool J emphasized real-world preparation over privilege, stating he refused to raise spoiled children who “think they don’t have to do anything to contribute”. Simone, a cancer survivor who overcame chondrosarcoma and was declared cancer-free in 2004, brought strength and perspective to their parenting approach. In 2011, she launched her jewelry line, and in 2023, partnered with LL Cool J to co-found Majesty, a men’s jewelry line.
Italia Smith – the real estate professional
Born in January 1991, Italia Anita Maria Smith pursued business administration at Northeastern University and earned a commercial real estate certificate from Cornell University. She worked as a real estate agent in New York City for five years before focusing on Long Island communities. Italia filed a lawsuit against real estate broker Judy Z. Etman in Nassau County Supreme Court, claiming commission disputes after selling at least 15 properties. She married Lamar Cardinez in 2017 and has three children: daughter Faith, son King, and a newborn daughter.
Samaria Smith – the fashion designer
Samaria Leah Smith, born September 15, 1995, studied design and merchandising at the Fashion Institute of Technology. She launched her Los Angeles-based brand, Samaria Leah, known for sustainable practices and vintage denim reworking. Her designs blend 90s-inspired handcrafted vintage with modern esthetics, featured in Teen Vogue, Coveteur, and Glamor.
Nina Simone Smith – the musician
Nina Simone Smith, born August 2000, is the only sibling pursuing music. She debuted her single “Call Me” in 2019 on her 19th birthday. Nina graduated from Berklee College of Music in May 2023 with a bachelor’s degree in songwriting.
Career and involvement with Rock The Bells
What does Najee Laurent Todd Eugene Smith do?
Najee Laurent Todd Eugene Smith found his creative outlet outside the entertainment industry. He works in fashion and design, particularly through his involvement with Rock The Bells. On Instagram, he identifies as a “Creative New Yorker,” reflecting his artistic approach to style and self-expression.
His work centers on hands-on creation rather than digital design. Najee started bleaching t-shirts because existing options didn’t appeal to him. He explained his methodology in 2021: “I consider myself an artist. When I think of graphic design, I think more of people designing on the computer. I started bleaching T-shirts because I don’t like anyone’s T-shirts”. He added that he began experimenting with fabric dyes, developing this craft for about four years.
His role in Rock The Bells
Najee contributes actively to his father’s brand, Rock The Bells. He brings fresh entrepreneurial flair to the business, proving he inherited creative genes with his own spin. His responsibilities include design, creative direction, and promoting new collections. The brand embraces hip-hop culture, and Najee works to keep it true to its roots while introducing modern influences.
His most recognized creation remains the Drip Hoodie, designed in 2021. The piece showcases his bleaching and fabric dyeing techniques, reflecting bold, original esthetics.
Why Najee chose fashion over music
LL Cool J emphasized independence during Najee’s upbringing. In Oprah’s Master Class, he stated his goal: raising children who work and become “real people”. This philosophy shaped Najee’s decision to pursue fashion rather than follow his father into music or acting.
Building his own identity
Najee operates behind the scenes, valuing craft over celebrity. His professional choices reflect commitment to passion and intentionality over expectation. He merges diverse interests into work that feels authentic rather than obligatory.
Najee Laurent Todd Eugene Smith wife, net worth, and personal life
Relationship status and marriage
Najee Laurent Todd Eugene Smith is not publicly known to be married. There is no confirmed information about him having a wife or being in a relationship. He rarely discusses romantic matters in interviews or on social media. This discretion reflects his desire to live outside constant public attention.
Najee Laurent Todd Eugene Smith net worth
As of recent estimates, Najee Laurent Todd Eugene Smith has an approximate net worth of around $200,000. This amount primarily reflects his involvement in fashion projects and contributions to Rock The Bells. Unlike his father’s multimillion-dollar fortune, estimated at $120 million, Najee’s earnings represent his independent efforts. He has not relied solely on inheritance or celebrity status but works toward building his own professional standing.
Maintaining privacy in a famous family
Najee Laurent Todd Eugene Smith values privacy intensely. His Instagram account remains private, and he rarely appears in public unless attending family events. He chooses depth over superficiality, seeking meaningful connections rather than transactional relationships. This approach stands in stark contrast to typical celebrity culture.
The 2015 incident and moving forward
In September 2015, Najee was arrested at a New York restaurant after a disagreement with security guards. He was charged with criminal trespassing. However, the charges were dropped in December 2015. Since then, Najee has maintained a clean record and focused on his work.
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Conclusion
Najee Laurent Todd Eugene Smith proves that growing up with a famous father doesn’t require following the same path. By the same token, his dedication to fashion and creative work demonstrates genuine passion over inherited fame. His commitment to privacy, faith, and authentic relationships sets him apart in celebrity culture. As a result, Najee continues building his own identity through Rock The Bells and independent ventures, showing that success comes in many forms beyond the spotlight.
FAQs
Q1. Does LL Cool J’s son work as his bodyguard?
No, Najee Laurent Todd Eugene Smith is not his father’s bodyguard. He works in fashion and design, particularly with the Rock The Bells brand, where he focuses on creative direction and design work including his signature bleached t-shirts and fabric dyeing techniques.
Q2. How many children does LL Cool J have?
LL Cool J and his wife Simone Smith have four children together: Najee (born 1989), Italia (born 1991), Samaria (born 1995), and Nina (born 2000). The couple has been married since 1995 after first meeting as teenagers in 1987.
Q3. Does LL Cool J have any grandchildren?
Yes, LL Cool J has grandchildren through his daughter Italia Smith. She married Lamar Cardinez in 2017 and has three children: a daughter named Faith, a son named King, and a newborn daughter.
Q4. Does LL Cool J have siblings?
Yes, LL Cool J has a brother named Ian Smith, who is an entrepreneur and restaurateur based in Los Angeles. Ian has built his own career in the restaurant industry separate from his brother’s entertainment legacy.
Q5. What is Najee Laurent Todd Eugene Smith’s net worth?
Najee Laurent Todd Eugene Smith’s estimated net worth is approximately $200,000, which he has earned through his independent work in fashion and his contributions to the Rock The Bells brand, rather than relying on his father’s wealth.