LL Cool J's Traumatic Childhood Includes Stepfather's Physical Abuse after Biological Dad Shot His Mom

The hip-hop Icon LL Cool J opened up about his rough childhood and the abusive nature of his stepdad and his biological father who he claimed shot his mother when he was just a child.

LL Cool J is a legendary rapper who has recorded over nine albums in the last 15 years and won many awards, including three Grammys. He is one of the few veteran lyricists who has managed to survive over the years in the music industry despite the changes.

He is a self-acclaimed greatest rapper of all time, but before the glitz and glamor, the rapper had a tough childhood that barely reflects on his style of music.

The rapper released his autobiography "I Make My Own Rules," which talked about his early childhood and the domestic abuse he suffered from both his biological dad and his stepdad.

In the book, the rapper talked about how he was physically abused by Roscoe, who was his mother's boyfriend at the time. He talked about how Roscoe beat him up, tormented him, and consumed lots of cocaine and marijuana.

LL Cool J, whose real name is James Todd Smith, opened up about the trauma he went through in his early childhood. The book portrays Roscoe as the villain in LL Cool J's early life.

The rapper described living with Roscoe as sleeping in the cemetery with a dragon — a horrible experience. He described his stepdad as negatively as he did his biological father, who he said once shot his mother and grandfather.

LL Cool thanked him for the experiences he gave him and also proclaimed his love for him.

The rapper described how defenseless he felt during that period and how he was beaten by his stepdad with fists, extension cords, and even vacuum cleaners.

Even with his rough childhood, the rapper grew up to be a hip-hop icon and is far from modest in detailing his accomplishments. The lyricist has gone toe to toe with renowned hip hop icons like MC Hammer, Ice T, etc.

Rap battles such as these were what created the "LL buzz," and although he doesn't lift his hands to throw a punch or use a weapon, his tactics are just as deadly when it comes to his lyrics.

Even with his multiple hit songs and award-winning career, the rapper still takes time out for his family. LL Cool J is married to Simone Smith, and together they have four children — Najee, Italia, Samaria, and Nina.

The rapper opened up about fatherhood, saying everything he learned about being a father was from the experiences passed down to him from different men during periods of his life, and that's what helped him become a better person.

LL Cool J spoke about his family in a sit-down with Oprah Winfrey. He disclosed how he forgave his father. The rapper shared a tweet after the death of his father where he thanked him for the experiences he gave him and also proclaimed his love for him.

He spoke about being a parent and described it as leading by example, encouraging the kids, and teaching them to believe in themselves and not be limited.

The hip-hop sensation seems to be living his best life and is proud of his past accomplishments, despite his forlorn childhood, he has shown that growth is possible.