Najee Laurent Todd Eugene Smith, born on September 18, 1989, is best known as the eldest son of rapper and actor LL Cool J, but his life and work go far beyond being a celebrity child. Growing up in a creative and successful family, Najee has built his own path, especially in the world of fashion, where he has contributed designs to the Rock the Bells brand and developed his own artistic style. He is known for keeping a low-profile lifestyle, choosing privacy and personal growth over fame. While many recognize him through his family, Najee’s journey shows a young man shaping his own identity and career with creativity and independence.
Quick Bio: Najee Laurent Todd Eugene Smith
| Personal Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Najee Laurent Todd Eugene Smith |
| Nickname | Najee Smith |
| Birth Date | September 18, 1989 |
| Age | 35 (as of 2024) |
| Birthplace | United States of America |
| Nationality | American |
| Zodiac Sign | Virgo |
| Height | 6’1″ (185 cm) |
| Parents | LL Cool J (James Todd Smith) and Simone Smith |
| Siblings | Italia Anita Maria Smith, Samaria Leah Wisdom Smith, Nina Simone Smith |
| Occupation | Fashion designer, Creative Artist |
| Known For | Eldest son of LL Cool J; designer for Rock the Bells |
| Net Worth | Estimated $200,000 |
| Sexual Orientation | Straight |
| Children | None |
| Lifestyle | Private, creative, low-profile |
| Notable Work | “Drip Hoodie” and other streetwear designs |
Early Life and Family Background
Najee Laurent Todd Eugene Smith grew up in a celebrity household shaped by music, creativity, and strong family values. As the eldest of LL Cool J and Simone Smith’s four children, he spent his childhood surrounded by his three younger sisters—Italia, Samaria, and Nina—each of whom later chose different career paths. Growing up in New York exposed Najee to a rich mix of culture, fashion, and urban creativity, helping him form his own artistic interests from a young age. Despite LL Cool J’s fame, Najee’s parents made sure their children lived a grounded and humble life, teaching them the importance of kindness, unity, and respect. They kept their home life private, protecting their children from the pressures of the spotlight while still supporting their individual dreams. This balance of fame and normalcy shaped Najee into a thoughtful and independent young man who values both family and personal identity.
Educational Background
Although Najee Smith’s exact school history has not been shared publicly, it is clear that education played an important role in his upbringing. As the child of successful and disciplined parents, Najee likely attended private or high-quality schools that encouraged strong academics and personal development. His parents emphasized learning, responsibility, and confidence, helping the children build strong foundations for adulthood. While we do not know Najee’s specific degree or field of study, his later interest in fashion and creative design suggests he may have been drawn to artistic subjects or hands-on learning environments. What is clear, however, is that his education helped shape his creative mind and gave him the skills needed to enter and succeed in the world of design.
Career and Creative Work
Early Career Interests
Najee’s career interests began forming early in life, influenced by growing up around music, fashion, and the entertainment industry. Being LL Cool J’s son exposed him to the artistic world, but Najee wanted to create his own path rather than follow directly in his father’s footsteps. He explored different creative outlets and slowly developed a passion for street fashion, design, and expressive clothing styles. This desire to build an independent identity pushed him toward work that allowed him to express himself without relying on fame. His early creative experiments helped him discover his strengths and eventually led him into the fashion world.
Fashion Career and Rock the Bells
Najee Smith became more recognized for his work in fashion through his involvement with Rock the Bells, a hip-hop clothing and lifestyle brand created by LL Cool J. Najee contributed his own designs to the brand, showing his natural talent for style and creativity. One of his most well-known creations is the “Drip Hoodie,” a piece featuring bleach and dye techniques that give it a bold, artistic look. His work reflects New York street culture, combining edgy colors with urban-inspired patterns. Najee often shares glimpses of his designs on social media, calling himself a “Creative New Yorker,” a title that reflects both his personality and his artistic roots. His fashion journey shows that he is building something uniquely his own while still honoring the hip-hop culture he grew up around.
Personal Life
Najee Smith lives a very private lifestyle, choosing to stay out of the public eye despite being part of a well-known entertainment family. He does not share much about his relationships, hobbies, or personal activities, and he keeps his social media use minimal compared to many celebrity children. However, his name appeared in headlines in 2015 after he was arrested following an argument outside a New York restaurant. The incident was resolved when the charges were dropped, allowing Najee to move forward without lasting legal troubles. He has since remained focused on his personal growth and creative goals, avoiding unnecessary attention and keeping his life balanced and peaceful. His approach to privacy shows maturity and a strong desire to live life on his own terms.
Najee Laurent Todd Eugene Smith Father: LL Cool J
Najee has always had a close and respectful relationship with his father, LL Cool J—one of the most influential hip-hop artists of all time. LL Cool J’s dedication, hard work, and resilience served as strong examples for Najee, shaping his character and values. Despite his father’s worldwide fame, Najee does not rely on his father’s achievements to define his identity. Instead, he uses those lessons to build his own path, especially in creative fields. LL Cool J has often expressed love and pride for his children, and their relationship reflects mutual support, family unity, and shared respect. Najee’s independence is a reflection of the strong foundation his father helped give him.
Najee Laurent Todd Eugene Smith Mother: Simone Smith
Najee’s mother, Simone Smith, has had a powerful influence on his life through her strength, resilience, and dedication to family. In 2004, Simone was diagnosed with a rare form of bone cancer, and her long journey through treatment deeply affected the entire family. Her survival and continued health inspired Najee and his siblings to stay strong and appreciate life more deeply. Beyond her health journey, Simone is an entrepreneur, philanthropist, and jewelry designer, using her story to help raise awareness for cancer research. Her courage and loving spirit have shaped Najee’s outlook on life, teaching him empathy, perseverance, and the importance of giving back.
Najee’s Sisters and Their Careers
Najee shares a close bond with his three younger sisters, each of whom has chosen a unique and successful path.
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Italia Anita Maria Smith, the eldest sister, works in real estate, building a strong career outside of entertainment.
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Samaria Leah Wisdom Smith is a fashion designer who created her own brand, showing creativity similar to Najee’s.
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Nina Simone Smith, the youngest, is pursuing music and entertainment and has shown vocal talent in public appearances.
The siblings support and motivate each other, and their diverse interests show the wide range of talents within the Smith family. Their unity reflects the strong values their parents instilled in them.
Age, Height, and Physical Appearance
Born in 1989, Najee Smith is 35 years old as of 2024. He stands around 6 feet 1 inch tall, giving him a confident and noticeable presence. Although Najee does not frequently appear publicly or in the media, those who have seen him describe his look as stylish and modern, reflecting his interest in fashion and design. His appearance aligns with his quiet personality—simple, expressive, and confident without needing attention. Najee’s lifestyle seems balanced, focusing on creativity, wellness, and personal expression.
Philanthropy and Community Involvement
Inspired by his mother’s inspiring battle with cancer, Najee has participated in several charity events and fundraisers related to cancer awareness. The Smith family has long supported the American Cancer Society and similar organizations, using their platform to promote early detection, research, and support for patients. While Najee does not promote his charitable work publicly, his involvement shows a compassionate side of him that matches his family values. His philanthropy reflects gratitude, empathy, and a desire to make a positive difference in the lives of others.
Financial Status and Net Worth
Najee Smith’s estimated net worth is around $200,000 as of 2024. His income comes mainly from fashion design, Rock the Bells collaborations, and personal creative projects. Unlike many celebrity children, Najee does not depend on inherited wealth or his father’s success. Instead, he is committed to building his own career from the ground up. While his net worth is smaller compared to LL Cool J’s fortune, it represents his early growth as an independent creator, showing promise for future success.
Public and Media Perception
Najee Smith is known for keeping a low profile, which has earned him respect from both fans and media. Because he rarely appears in interviews or entertainment news, most public attention has focused on the 2015 incident. However, Najee handled the situation quietly, allowing it to fade without harming his reputation. Compared to many celebrity children who live publicly, Najee stands out for choosing stability and privacy. This has allowed him to maintain a mostly positive public image while building his career at his own pace.
Current Life and Future Plans
Najee currently lives in New York, where he continues to explore and grow his career in fashion and design. His creative style is evolving, and he has hinted at new projects that may include expanded clothing lines, collaborations, or independent artistic ventures. Najee’s focus is not on fame but on meaningful work, personal expression, and long-term goals. His future likely includes deeper involvement in fashion, entrepreneurship, and continued philanthropic efforts, showing that his story is only beginning.
Conclusion
Najee Laurent Todd Eugene Smith’s life reflects a powerful blend of creativity, independence, and quiet strength. Although he was born into fame as LL Cool J’s eldest son, Najee has charted his own path with dedication and self-expression. His journey shows resilience, privacy, and a commitment to growing as an artist while supporting meaningful causes. From fashion design to philanthropy, Najee continues to build a life shaped not by fame but by identity, purpose, and authenticity. He stands as an example of how a celebrity child can forge a future on their own terms while honoring the values of their family.
(FAQs) Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who is Najee Laurent Todd Eugene Smith?
Najee Laurent Todd Eugene Smith is the eldest son of rapper and actor LL Cool J and entrepreneur Simone Smith. He is known for his creative fashion work and contributions to the Rock the Bells brand. Despite his famous family, Najee maintains a private and grounded lifestyle.
2. When was Najee Laurent Todd Eugene Smith born?
Najee Smith was born on September 18, 1989, making him 35 years old as of 2024. He grew up in a supportive and creative household with three younger sisters. His birthday places him under the Virgo zodiac sign.
3. What does Najee Laurent Todd Eugene Smith do for a living?
Najee works in fashion and creative design, contributing to Rock the Bells, a hip-hop lifestyle brand created by his father. He is known for unique streetwear pieces, including the popular “Drip Hoodie.” His work reflects his artistic identity as a “Creative New Yorker.”
4. Is Najee Laurent Todd Eugene Smith involved in entertainment like his father?
Unlike LL Cool J, Najee has chosen not to pursue a career in music or acting. He prefers working behind the scenes on creative projects rather than being in the spotlight. This decision shows his desire to build a career separate from his father’s fame.
5. Has Najee Laurent Todd Eugene Smith faced any legal issues?
In 2015, Najee was arrested after an altercation outside a New York restaurant. The charges were later dropped, and he has since stayed out of legal trouble. The incident highlighted the pressures of growing up in public but did not define his life or career.
6. What is Najee Laurent Todd Eugene Smith’s net worth?
Najee Smith’s estimated net worth is around $200,000 as of 2024. His income mainly comes from his fashion design work and creative collaborations. Although his father is wealthy, Najee focuses on building his own independent financial path.
7. Does Najee Laurent Todd Eugene Smith participate in charity work?
Yes, Najee has been active in charity events related to cancer awareness, inspired by his mother Simone’s survival journey. The Smith family supports organizations like the American Cancer Society. Najee’s involvement reflects his commitment to giving back.
8. Does Najee Laurent Todd Eugene Smith have any siblings?
Najee has three younger sisters: Italia, Samaria, and Nina Simone Smith. Each sibling has followed a different career path, from real estate to fashion and entertainment. Their close bond reflects the strong family values LL Cool J and Simone emphasized while raising them.
