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Amateur wrestling is the most widespread form of sport wrestling.^{[citation needed]} There are two international wrestling styles performed in the Olympic Games under the supervision of FILA (Fédération Internationale des Luttes Associées or International Federation of Associated Wrestling Styles): Greco-Roman and freestyle. Freestyle is possibly derived from the English Lancashire style. A similar style, commonly called collegiate (also known as scholastic or folkstyle), is practiced in colleges and universities, secondary schools, middle schools, and among younger age groups in the United States. Where the style is not specified, this article refers to the international styles played on a mat.

Scoring[link]

Greco-Roman and freestyle differ in what holds are permitted; in Greco-Roman, the wrestlers are permitted to hold and attack only above the waist. In both Greco-Roman and freestyle, points can be scored in the following ways:

• Takedown: 2 points is where wrestler gaining control over his opponent from a neutral position.
• Reversal: 2 points is where wrestler gaining control over his opponent from a defensive position.
• Exposure or the Danger Position: A wrestler exposing his opponent's back to the mat for several seconds, also awarded if one's back is to the mat but the wrestler is not pinned.
• Penalty: Various infractions (e.g. striking the opponent, acting with brutality or intent to injure, using illegal holds, etc.). (Under the 2004–2005 changes to the international styles, a wrestler whose opponent takes an injury time-out receives one point unless the injured wrestler is bleeding.)^[1] Any wrestler stepping out of bounds while standing in the neutral position during a match is penalized by giving his opponent a point.^[1]

Scores only awarded in collegiate wrestling[link]

As in the international styles, collegiate wrestling awards points for takedowns and reversals. Penalty points are awarded in collegiate wrestling according to the current rules, which penalize moves that would impair the life or limb of the opponent. However, the manner in which infractions are penalized and points awarded to the offended wrestler differ in some aspects from the international styles. Collegiate wrestling also awards points for:

• Near Fall: This is similar to the exposure (or danger position) points given in Greco-Roman and freestyle. A wrestler scores points for holding his opponent's shoulders or scapulae to the mat for several seconds while his opponent is still not pinned.
• Time Advantage or Riding Time: On the college level, the wrestler who controlled his opponent on the mat for the most time is awarded a point; provided that the difference of the two wrestlers' time advantage is at least one minute.
• Escape: A wrestler getting from a defensive position to a neutral position. This is no longer a way to score in freestyle or Greco-Roman.

Period format[link]

Women's wrestling

In the international styles, the format is now three two-minute periods. A wrestler wins the match when he has won two out of three periods. For example, if one competitor were to win the first period 1–0 and the second period 1–0, the match would be over. However, if the other competitor were to win the second period, then a third and deciding period would result. Only a fall, injury default, or disqualification terminates the match; all other modes of victory result only in period termination.^[2]

One side effect of this format is that it is possible for the losing wrestler to outscore the winner. For example, periods may be scored 3–2, 0–4, 1–0, leading to a total score of 4–6 but a win for the wrestler scoring fewer points.

In collegiate wrestling, the period structure is different. A college match consists of one three-minute period, followed by two two-minute periods, with an overtime round if necessary.^[3] A high school match typically consists of three two-minute periods, with an overtime round if necessary.^[4] Under the standard rules for collegiate wrestling, draws are not possible; this rule is sometimes modified for young wrestlers.

Victory conditions in the international styles[link]

Two U.S. Air Force members wrestling in a Greco-Roman match.

A match can be won in the following ways:

• Fall: A fall, also known as a pin, occurs when one wrestler holds both of his opponents' shoulders on the mat simultaneously.^[5]
• Technical Superiority: If one wrestler gains a 6-point lead over his opponent at any point in the period, the current period is declared over, and he is the winner of that period. Also, if a wrestler executes one 5-point throw or two 3-point throws in a single period, the current period is declared over, and he is the winner of that period by technical superiority. If a wrestler wins two out of three periods in this way, he is then the winner of the match by technical superiority.^[6]
• Decision: If neither wrestler achieves either a fall or technical superiority, the wrestler who scored more points during the period is declared the winner of that period. If the wrestlers have gained the same number of points at the period's end, then the winner is determined in the following order:
  • 1. The number of cautions given to each wrestler for penalties
  • 2. Most three-point moves
  • 3. Most two-point moves
  • 4. Most one-point moves
  • 5. Last technical point scored.

In freestyle, if neither wrestler has scored a point at the end of the two-minute period then a procedure known as The Clinch is used to decide the winner. The referee flips a colored disk with a blue side and a red side. This determined which wrestler will take the opponent's leg while kneeling in front of his opponent. Once the referee blows his whistle, the kneeling wrestler has 30 seconds to score a point and win the period. If he does not score or his opponent scores first, then the wrestler whose leg was taken to start the period is declared the winner.^[7]

In Greco-Roman, the Clinch procedure is slightly different. The first 60 seconds of a Greco-Roman wrestling period feature both wrestler attempting to gain takedowns and other points from a neutral position. At the end of the first minute, in general, the wrestler who has scored the most points is awarded an Olympic lift from an open par terre position on the other wrestler. This position is known as The Clinch in Greco-Roman wrestling. If neither wrestler at the end of the first minute of the period has any points, the wrestler receiving the Olympic lift will be the winner of a colored disk toss. At the end of thirty seconds, the clinch position is reversed with the other wrestler receiving the Olympic lift, and the period is decided by who accumulated the most points during both standing and ground phases. During the ground phase if the top wrestler cannot score, the other wrestler is awarded one point. In the case of no scoring moves being executed during either ground phase the score will be 1–1, and in this case generally the wrestler to score last will be awarded the period.^[7]

• Default: If one wrestler is unable to continue participating for any reason or fails to show up on the mat after his name was called three times before the match begins, his opponent is declared the winner of the match by default, forfeit, or withdrawal.^[2]
• Injury: If one wrestler is injured and unable to continue, the other wrestler is declared the winner. This is also referred to as a medical forfeit or injury default. The term also encompasses situations where wrestlers become ill, take too many injury time-outs, or bleed uncontrollably. If a wrestler is injured by his opponent's illegal maneuver and cannot continue, the wrestler at fault is disqualified.^[8]
• Disqualification: Normally, if a wrestler is assessed three Cautions for breaking the rules, he is disqualified. Under other circumstances, such as flagrant brutality, the match may be ended immediately and the wrestler disqualified and removed from the tournament.^[9]

Victory conditions in collegiate wrestling[link]

An example of medals that are usually rewarded to the winner of a match.

While having similar victory conditions with Greco-Roman and freestyle, such as wins by fall, decision, injury, and disqualification, victory conditions in collegiate wrestling differ on some points from the international styles:

• Fall: A fall, also known as a pin, occurs when one wrestler holds any part of both of his opponent's shoulders or both of his opponent's shoulder blades (scapulae) in continuous contact with the mat. The fall must be held in collegiate wrestling for two seconds in high school wrestling matches^[10] and one second in college wrestling matches.^[11] A win by fall is worth six team points in a dual meet.^[12]
• Technical fall: If, at any break in action, one wrestler leads the other by 15 points and a pinning situation is not imminent, the match ends.^[13] The winning team is then usually awarded five team points. On the college level, five team points are awarded if the winner in the course of the match received points for a near fall; four team points are awarded if the wrestler did not score near fall points.^[12]
• Major decision: In collegiate (scholastic or folkstyle) wrestling, a decision in which the winner outscores his opponent by eight or more points is a "major decision" and is rewarded with four team points in a dual meet.^[14]
• Decision: After the three wrestling periods have expired and the winning wrestler possesses a difference of one to seven in points, the wrestler is given a "decision", and the team is awarded three team points in a dual meet.^[14]
• Default: If a participant cannot continue wrestling for any reason during the course of the match (e.g. illness, injury, etc.), his opponent wins by default,^[13] worth six team points in a dual meet.^[12]
• Disqualification: For flagrant misconduct or for a certain number of penalties assessed, a wrestler is disqualified from the match, and his opponent is declared the winner.^[15] In a dual meet, this victory is worth six team points.^[12] Rules for how penalties and disqualifications are determined vary somewhat in collegiate wrestling from the international styles.
• Forfeit: If one wrestler fails to appear on the mat at the start of the match for some reason, and the other wrestler appears on the mat, the wrestler on the mat at the start of the match is automatically declared the winner.^[15] The winning team in a dual meet is then awarded six team points.^[12] If during the course of a tournament, a wrestler wishes to no longer participate because of illness or injury, then his opponent wins by medical forfeit,^[15] worth the same number of individual and team tournament placement points as a forfeit.^[16]

Dual meet scoring is very similar on the high school level.^[17]

Illegal moves[link]

Andrell Durden (top) and Edward Harris grapple for position during the All-Marine Wrestle Offs.

Amateur wrestling is a positionally-based form of grappling, and thus generally prohibits the following:

• Biting
• Pinching or poking with the fingers, toes, or nails, including fish-hooking the nose or mouth
• Gouging or intentionally scratching the opponent – eye-gouges especially are grounds for disqualification and banned status in most amateur wrestling competitions
• Strikes using the hands, fists, elbows, feet, knees, or head
• Joint locks, including armlocks, leglocks, spinal locks, wristlocks, and small joint manipulation.
• Chokeholds, strangling, suffocating, or smothering
• Spiking, or lifting and slamming the opponent head-first to the mat (though other forms of slamming are generally allowed in the international styles; in collegiate, slamming per se is illegal)
• Grasping or holding the opponent's genitals
• Using a triangle (grappling hold) scissors (where one knee is bent at a 90° angle and placed behind the other knee) on the head. Scissors can be used on the body or limbs, while the figure four has been made completely illegal as of 2011.
• Most types of amateur wrestling also discourage or prohibit the use of one's own or the opponent's clothing for grasping or performing any type of hold.

• Full Nelson, When both arms are under both opponents forearms or arm and both hand are behind his neck or head, although, it is now legal in Junior and Senior, if you do it to the side and do not bend the head down.

Equipment[link]

Two college wrestlers in the United States with headgear competing in collegiate (scholastic or folkstyle) wrestling.

While there is not much equipment that a wrestler wears, it is still highly specialized. A wrestling singlet is a one-piece, tight-fitting, colored, lycra uniform. The uniform is tight-fitting so as not to get grasped accidentally by the opponent and allows the referee to see each wrestler's body clearly when awarding points or a pin. Women wrestlers wear a higher cut singlet usually with a sports-bra underneath.

Wrestling shoes are light, flexible, thin-soled, ankle-high sneakers that allow maximum speed and traction on the mat without giving up ankle support. The current rules call for laces (if any) to be covered so that they do not come untied during competition.

In American high school and college wrestling headgear is mandatory to protect the ears from cauliflower ear and other injuries. Headgear is made from molded plastic polymer or vinyl coated energy absorbing foam over a rigid hard liner and strapped to the head tightly. In the international styles headgear is optional.^[18]

Wrestling is conducted on a padded mat that must have excellent shock absorption, tear resistance, and compression qualities. Most mats are made of PVC rubber nitrile foam. Recent advances in technology have brought about new mats made using closed cell, cross-linked polyethylene foam covered in vinyl backed with non-woven polyester.

World participation[link]

The countries with the leading wrestlers in the Olympic Games and World Championships are Iran, the United States, Russia (and some of the former Soviet Union republics, especially Armenia, Georgia, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, and Kazakhstan), Bulgaria, Turkey, Hungary, Cuba, Japan, South and North Korea, Germany, and historically Sweden and Finland.

Women's amateur wrestling (a modified form of freestyle) is gaining popularity around the world, and has recently been added as an Olympic sport.

• Amateur wrestling in Australia
• Amateur wrestling in Europe
• Amaresu (Japan)
• Amateur wrestling in the United States

See also[link]

• List of World and Olympic Champions in men's freestyle wrestling
• United States results in men's freestyle wrestling
• Wrestling Talk (Social Network)
• Greco-Roman wrestling (Style of Wrestling)
• Freestyle wrestling (Style of Wrestling)
• Collegiate wrestling (Style of Wrestling)
• Wrestling weight classes
• List of amateur wrestlers

Notes[link]

1. ^ ^{a b} International Federation of Associated Wrestling Styles (2006-12-01). "International Wrestling Rules: Greco-Roman Wrestling, Freestyle Wrestling, Women's Wrestling". p. 36. FILA. http://www.fila-wrestling.com/images/documents/lutte/wr230107.pdf. Retrieved 2008-10-28. 
2. ^ ^{a b} International Federation of Associated Wrestling Styles (2006-12-01). "International Wrestling Rules: Greco-Roman Wrestling, Freestyle Wrestling, Women's Wrestling". pp. 27, 30. FILA. http://www.fila-wrestling.com/images/documents/lutte/wr230107.pdf. Retrieved 2008-10-28. 
3. ^ National Collegiate Athletic Association (2008-08-01). "2009 NCAA Wrestling Rules and Interpretations". pp. WR-10, WR-29-WR-31. NCAA. http://www.ncaapublications.com/Uploads/PDF/Wrestling_9_9_2008bf011438-719d-4418-ba9b-975c7b60f84c.pdf. Retrieved 2008-10-30. ^{[dead link]}
4. ^ National Federation of State High School Associations (2008-08-01). 2008–09 NFHS Wrestling Rules Book. NFHS. pp. 32, 35–36. 
5. ^ International Federation of Associated Wrestling Styles (2006-12-01). "International Wrestling Rules: Greco-Roman Wrestling, Freestyle Wrestling, Women's Wrestling". p. 41. FILA. http://www.fila-wrestling.com/images/documents/lutte/wr230107.pdf. Retrieved 2008-10-28. 
6. ^ International Federation of Associated Wrestling Styles (2006-12-01). "International Wrestling Rules: Greco-Roman Wrestling, Freestyle Wrestling, Women's Wrestling". pp. 27, 28, 41. FILA. http://www.fila-wrestling.com/images/documents/lutte/wr230107.pdf. Retrieved 2008-10-28. 
7. ^ ^{a b} International Federation of Associated Wrestling Styles (2006-12-01). "International Wrestling Rules: Greco-Roman Wrestling, Freestyle Wrestling, Women's Wrestling". pp. 30–31, 43–46. FILA. http://www.fila-wrestling.com/images/documents/lutte/wr230107.pdf. Retrieved 2008-10-28. 
8. ^ International Federation of Associated Wrestling Styles (2006-12-01). "International Wrestling Rules: Greco-Roman Wrestling, Freestyle Wrestling, Women's Wrestling". pp. 30, 52–53. FILA. http://www.fila-wrestling.com/images/documents/lutte/wr230107.pdf. Retrieved 2008-10-28. 
9. ^ International Federation of Associated Wrestling Styles (2006-12-01). "International Wrestling Rules: Greco-Roman Wrestling, Freestyle Wrestling, Women's Wrestling". pp. 31, 50. FILA. http://www.fila-wrestling.com/images/documents/lutte/wr230107.pdf. Retrieved 2008-10-28. 
10. ^ National Federation of State High School Associations (2008-08-01). 2008–09 NFHS Wrestling Rules Book. NFHS. p. 23. 
11. ^ National Collegiate Athletic Association (2008-08-01). "2009 NCAA Wrestling Rules and Interpretations". pp. WR-23-WR-24. NCAA. http://www.ncaapublications.com/Uploads/PDF/Wrestling_9_9_2008bf011438-719d-4418-ba9b-975c7b60f84c.pdf. Retrieved 2008-10-30. ^{[dead link]}
12. ^ ^{a b c d e} National Collegiate Athletic Association (2008-08-01). "2009 NCAA Wrestling Rules and Interpretations". p. WR-49. NCAA. http://www.ncaapublications.com/Uploads/PDF/Wrestling_9_9_2008bf011438-719d-4418-ba9b-975c7b60f84c.pdf. Retrieved 2008-10-30. ^{[dead link]}
13. ^ ^{a b} National Collegiate Athletic Association (2008-08-01). "2009 NCAA Wrestling Rules and Interpretations". p. WR-24. NCAA. http://www.ncaapublications.com/Uploads/PDF/Wrestling_9_9_2008bf011438-719d-4418-ba9b-975c7b60f84c.pdf. Retrieved 2008-10-30. ^{[dead link]}
14. ^ ^{a b} National Collegiate Athletic Association (2008-08-01). "2009 NCAA Wrestling Rules and Interpretations". pp. WR-24, WR-49. NCAA. http://www.ncaapublications.com/Uploads/PDF/Wrestling_9_9_2008bf011438-719d-4418-ba9b-975c7b60f84c.pdf. Retrieved 2008-10-30. ^{[dead link]}
15. ^ ^{a b c} National Collegiate Athletic Association (2008-08-01). "2009 NCAA Wrestling Rules and Interpretations". p. WR-25. NCAA. http://www.ncaapublications.com/Uploads/PDF/Wrestling_9_9_2008bf011438-719d-4418-ba9b-975c7b60f84c.pdf. Retrieved 2008-10-30. ^{[dead link]}
16. ^ National Collegiate Athletic Association (2008-08-01). "2009 NCAA Wrestling Rules and Interpretations". pp. WR-49-WR-51. NCAA. http://www.ncaapublications.com/Uploads/PDF/Wrestling_9_9_2008bf011438-719d-4418-ba9b-975c7b60f84c.pdf. Retrieved 2008-10-30. ^{[dead link]}
17. ^ National Federation of State High School Associations (2008-08-01). 2008–09 NFHS Wrestling Rules Book. NFHS. p. 48. 
18. ^ International Federation of Associated Wrestling Styles (2006-12-01). "International Wrestling Rules: Greco-Roman Wrestling, Freestyle Wrestling, Women's Wrestling". p. 10. FILA. http://www.fila-wrestling.com/images/documents/lutte/wr230107.pdf. Retrieved 2008-10-28. 

References[link]

• International Federation of Associated Wrestling Styles (2006-12-01). "International Wrestling Rules: Greco-Roman Wrestling, Freestyle Wrestling, Women's Wrestling". FILA. http://www.fila-wrestling.com/images/documents/lutte/wr230107.pdf. Retrieved 2008-10-28. 
• National Collegiate Athletic Association (2008-08-01). "2009 NCAA Wrestling Rules and Interpretations". NCAA. http://www.ncaapublications.com/Uploads/PDF/Wrestling_9_9_2008bf011438-719d-4418-ba9b-975c7b60f84c.pdf. Retrieved 2008-10-30. ^{[dead link]}
• National Federation of State High School Associations (2008-08-01). 2008–09 NFHS Wrestling Rules Book. NFHS. 

External links[link]

Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Amateur wrestling

• International Federation of Associated Wrestling Styles (FILA)
• The Wrestling Talk
• TheMat.com – The Official Site of USA Wrestling
• InterMat
• IllinoisWrestling.Com – Amateur Wrestling Photos

LL Cool J
LL Cool J in 2010.
Background information
Birth name	James Todd Smith
Also known as	L.L. Cool J, Ladies Love Cool James, Luv, Cool J, LL, The G.O.A.T., Jack the Ripper, Mr. Smith, Uncle LL
Born	(1968-01-14) January 14, 1968 (age 44) Bay Shore, New York, United States
Genres	Hip hop
Occupations	Rapper, Actor
Instruments	Vocals, turntables
Years active	1984–present
Labels	Def Jam, Violator
Associated acts	Z-Trip, Dr. Dre, L.A. Posse, Keith Murray, Timbaland, G-Unit, D12, Young MC, DMX, 50 Cent, Method Man
Website	llcoolj.defjam.com

James Todd Smith (born January 14, 1968), better known as LL Cool J (an abbreviation for Ladies Love Cool James^[1]), is an American rapper, entrepreneur, and actor from Bay Shore, New York. He is known for romantic ballads such as "I Need Love", "Around the Way Girl" and "Hey Lover" as well as pioneering hip-hop such as "I Can't Live Without My Radio", "I'm Bad", "The Boomin' System", and "Mama Said Knock You Out". He has released thirteen studio albums and two greatest hits compilations, including 2008's Exit 13, the last for his record deal with Def Jam Recordings. He has also appeared in numerous films, and currently stars as NCIS Special Agent Sam Hanna on the CBS crime drama television series NCIS: Los Angeles.

As he grew older, Smith found a way to escape the effects of his abuse, and his bullying attitude: hip-hop music. He fell in love with it at the age of nine, and by 11 he was writing lyrics and making his own songs with some DJ equipment his grandmother gave him to stop him riding motorcycles or doing karate.^[2] Before too long, LL was an established member of the Hip-Hop community in his area. He gained notoriety through his many rap battles against well-established MCs, including the battle against Chicken and Porn that rocketed him to fame.^[3]

Influenced by Grandmaster Flash, Afrika Bambaataa, funk legend Rick James, Kurtis Blow, and pioneers Run-DMC, LL started to create his own rap style.

Music career[link]

[edit] Radio (1985)

Radio was released to critical acclaim, both for production innovation and LL's powerful rap.^[4] "I Can't Live Without My Radio" and "Rock the Bells" were singles that helped the album go platinum with 1,500,000 sales.^{[citation needed]}

[edit] Bigger and Deffer (1987)

In 1987, he released Bigger and Deffer which included "I Need Love". Also featured on the album was "Go Cut Creator Go", which pays homage to the DJ. The album sold about 2,300,000 copies.^{[citation needed]} In 1998, The Source Magazine named it as one of the top 100 albums ever.^[5] "I Need Love" was the second single from LL Cool J's second album, Bigger and Deffer. The song, released in the fall of 1987, reached No. 1 on the R&B/Hip Hop charts, No. 14 on the Billboard Hot 100 charts, and No. 8 in the UK Singles Chart. The single won a Soul Train Music Award for Best Rap – Single in 1987.^[2] "I Need Love" was ranked No. 13 on the 100 Greatest Rap Songs.^[3]

[edit] Walking with a Panther (1989)

LL Cool J's third album was 1989's Walking with a Panther. The album featured the singles "Going Back to Cali", "I'm That Type of Guy", "Jingling Baby", and "Big Ole Butt" and went platinum with 1,100,000 sales.^{[citation needed]}

[edit] Mama Said Knock You Out (1990)

As an answer to people saying that his music had become too soft due to the inclusion of several ballads on his previous album, LL Cool J released Mama Said Knock You Out. The album was fully produced by Juice Crew producer Marley Marl, one of the premier producers in the hip-hop industry at the time. Mama Said Knock You Out contained three singles, "The Boomin' System", "Around the Way Girl", and the title track, which he performed during an episode of MTV Unplugged. It was also featured in the film The Hard Way. The album went on to sell over 2,700,000 copies.^{[citation needed]}

[edit] 14 Shots to the Dome (1993)

After acting in The Hard Way and Toys, LL Cool J released 14 Shots to the Dome. The album had three singles ("How I'm Comin'", "Back Seat" and the strangely titled "Pink Cookies in a Plastic Bag Getting Crushed by Buildings") and guest-featured labelmates Lords of the Underground on "NFA-No Frontin' Allowed". The album went gold.

[edit] Mr. Smith (1995)

LL Cool J starred in In the House, an NBC sitcom, before releasing Mr. Smith (1995), which went on to sell over two million copies. Its singles included "Doin' It" (that samples "My Jamaican Guy" by Grace Jones) and "Loungin" (that samples "Who Do You Love?" by Bernard Wright). Another of the album's singles, "Hey Lover", featured Boyz II Men sampling Michael Jackson's "The Lady in My Life," which eventually became one of the first hip hop music videos to air on VH1^{[citation needed]}. The song also earned him a Grammy Award. Yet another single from the album, "I Shot Ya Remix", included vocal work by Foxy Brown.

[edit] Phenomenon (1997)

In 1997, he released the album Phenomenon. The singles included "Phenomenon" and "Father". The official second single from Phenomenon was "4, 3, 2, 1," which featured Method Man, Redman & Master P and introduced DMX and Canibus.

[edit] G.O.A.T. (2000)

In 2000, LL Cool J released the album G.O.A.T., which stood for the "greatest of all time." It debuted at number one on the Billboard album charts,^[6] and went platinum. LL Cool J thanked Canibus in the liner notes of the album, "for the inspiration".

[edit] 10 (2002)

LL Cool J's next album 10 from 2002, was his 9th studio (10th overall including his greatest hits compilation All World), and included the singles "Paradise" (featuring Amerie), "Luv U Better", produced by The Neptunes and the 2003 Jennifer Lopez duet, "All I Have". The album reached platinum status.

[edit] The DEFinition (2004)

LL Cool J's 10th album The DEFinition was released on August 31, 2004. The album debuted at No. 4 on the Billboard charts. Production came from Timbaland, 7 Aurelius, R. Kelly, and others. The lead single was the Timbaland-produced "Headsprung," which peaked at No. 16 on the Billboard Hot 100. The second single was the 7 Aurelius – produced, "Hush," which peaked at No. 26 on the Billboard Hot 10.

[edit] Todd Smith (2006)

LL Cool J's 11th album, Todd Smith, was released on April 11, 2006. It includes collaborations with 112, Ginuwine, Juelz Santana, Teairra Mari and Freeway. The first single was the Jermaine Dupri produced "Control Myself" featuring Jennifer Lopez. They shot the video for "Control Myself" on January 2, 2006 at Sony Studios, New York. The second video, directed by Hype Williams, was "Freeze" featuring Lyfe Jennings.

[edit] Exit 13 (2008)

LL Cool J performing in Wilmington, Delaware in August 2008.

LL Cool J in concert at the Arizona State Fair in Phoenix, Arizona.

In July 2006, LL Cool J announced details about his final album with Def Jam recordings, the only label he has ever been signed to. The album is titled Exit 13. The album was originally scheduled to be executively produced by fellow Queens rapper 50 Cent.^[7] Exit 13 was originally slated for a fall 2006 release, however, after a 2 year delay, it was released September 9, 2008 without 50 Cent as the executive producer. Tracks that the two worked on were leaked to the Internet and some of the tracks produced with 50 made it to Exit 13.

LL Cool J partnered with DJ Kay Slay to release a mixtape called "The Return of the G.O.A.T.". It was the first mixtape of his 24 year career and includes freestyling by LL Cool J in addition to other rappers giving their rendition of his songs. A track entitled "Hi Haterz" was leaked onto the internet on June 1, 2008. The song contains LL Cool J rapping over the instrumental to Maino's "Hi Hater". He toured with Janet Jackson on her Rock Witchu tour, only playing in Los Angeles, Chicago, Toronto, and Kansas City.

[edit] NCIS: No Crew Is Superior (2009)

In September 2009, LL Cool J released a song about the NCIS TV series. It is a single and is available on iTunes. The new track is based on his experiences playing special agent Sam Hanna. "This song is the musical interpretation of what I felt after meeting with NCIS agents, experienced Marines and Navy SEALs," LL Cool J said. "It represents the collective energy in the room. I was so inspired I wrote the song on set."^[8]

[edit] Touring and Collaborations (present)

In March 2011 at South by Southwest, LL Cool J was revealed to be Z-Trip's special guest at the Red Bull Thre3Style showcase. This marked the beginning of a creative collaboration between the rap and DJ superstars. The two took part in an interview with Carson Daly where they discussed their partnership^[9]. Both artists have promised future collaborations down the road, with LL Cool J calling the duo "organic"^[10] One early track to feature LL's talents was Z-Trip's remix of British rock act Kasabian's single "Days Are Forgotten", which was named by influential DJ Zane Lowe as his "Hottest Record In The World"^[11] and received a favorable reception in both Belgium and the United Kingdom. In January 2012, the pair released the track "Super Baller" as a free download to celebrate the New York Giants Super Bowl victory. The two have been touring together since 2011, with future dates planned through 2012 and beyond.

Acting career[link]

While LL Cool J first appeared as a rapper in the movie Krush Groove (performing "I Can't Live Without My Radio"), his first acting part was a small role in a high school football movie called Wildcats. He continued to pursue acting, landing the role of Captain Patrick Zevo in the 1992 film Toys.^[12] In 1995, when he landed his own television sitcom, In the House. He starred as an ex-Oakland Raiders running back who finds himself in financial difficulties and is forced to rent part of his home out to a single mother and her two children.

In 1998 he had a role in the film Halloween H20. In 1999's Deep Blue Sea, he played the wise-cracking cook on a top-secret sea base besieged by genetically enhanced sharks. He received rave review for his role as Dwayne Gittens, an underworld boss, nicknamed "God" in In Too Deep. Later that year, he had a starring role in Any Given Sunday, in which he played Julian Washington, the talented but selfish running back on the dysfunctional Miami Sharks. Since then, LL Cool J has appeared in a variety of films, such as the 2002 remake of Rollerball, Deliver Us from Eva, Mindhunters, and S.W.A.T..

Stuttgart/Germany 2001

In 2005, he returned to television in a guest starring role on the Fox medical drama House as a death row inmate felled by an unknown disease.

LL Cool J also appeared as Queen Latifah's love interest in the 2006 movie Last Holiday.

He also guest starred on 30 Rock in the 2007 episode "The Source Awards" as the hip hop producer Ridiculous, who Tracy Jordan fears is going to kill him.

LL Cool J appeared in Sesame Street's 39th season where he introduced the word of the day, "Unanimous", in episode 4169 (Sept. 22, 2008) and performing "The Addition Expedition" in episode 4172 (Sept. 30, 2008).

LL Cool J is currently a series regular on the CBS police procedural NCIS: Los Angeles, a spin-off of NCIS (which itself is a spin-off of the naval legal drama JAG). He portrays NCIS Special Agent Sam Hanna, an ex–Navy SEAL who is fluent in Arabic and an expert on West Asian culture. The series debuted in autumn of 2009, but the characters were introduced in an April 2009 crossover episode on the parent show.

LL Cool J appeared in a cameo role, where he is credited with being the product lead of Google's Gmail Tap, an April Fool's Day joke launched by the Gmail team, purporting to bring a Morse code keyboard to the platform.

Other works and venture[link]

Fashion[link]

LL Cool J worked behind the scenes with the mid-eighties Hip-Hop sportswear line TROOP.^[13] In the mid 90's, he also helped to launch the clothing line FUBU.

LL Cool J launched a clothing line (called "Todd Smith").^[14] The brand produces popular urban apparel. Designs include influences from LL's lyrics and tattoos, as well as from other icons in the hip-hop community.^[15]

Books[link]

LL Cool J has written four books, including 1998's I Make My Own Rules, an autobiography co-written with Karen Hunter. His second book was the children-oriented book called And The Winner Is... published in 2002. In 2006, LL Cool J and his personal trainer, Dave "Scooter" Honig wrote a fitness book, The Platinum Workout. His fourth book LL Cool J (Hip-Hop Stars) was co-written in 2007 with hip-hop historian Dustin Shekell and Public Enemy's Chuck D.

Businessman and entrepreneur[link]

LL Cool J at MyCokeFest at Centennial Olympic Park in Atlanta, Georgia.

LL Cool J started his own businesses in the music industry such as the music label in 1993 called P.O.G. (Power Of God) and formed the company Rock The Bells to produce music. With the Rock The Bells label, he had artists such as Amyth,^{[16][unreliable source?]} Smokeman, Natice, Chantel Jones and Simone Starks. Rock the Bells Records was also responsible for the Deep Blue Sea soundtrack for the 1999 movie of the same name. Rufus "Scola" Waller was also signed to the label, but was released when the label folded.^[17]

LL Cool J appears in the music video "Mrs. Right" by Mindless Behavior.

Stuttgart/Germany 2001

LL Cool J founded and launched Boomdizzle.com, a record label / social networking site launched in September 2008. The website accepts music uploads from aspiring artists, primarily from the hip hop genre, and the site's users rate songs through contests, voting, and other community events.^[18]

Personal life[link]

LL Cool J was born in Bay Shore, New York, the son of Ondrea and James Smith.^[19] He married Simone I. Johnson, on August 9, 1995 at his home in Long Island, New York. The couple have four children: son Najee Laurent Todd Eugene Smith (born September 18, 1989) and daughters Italia Anita Maria Smith (born January 1, 1991), Samaria Leah Wisdom Smith (born September 15, 1995) and Nina Simone Smith (born 2001). In 2002, he threw his support behind sitting Republican Governor of NY George Pataki's bid for a 3rd term.^[20] In 2003, LL Cool J appeared before a senate committee hearing on P2P file-sharing, voicing his support alongside the RIAA, expressing that he just wished "music could be downloaded legitimately."^[21] In 2004, LL Cool J was seen leaving the Republican National Convention.^[22] He has also voiced his support for New York State Senator Malcolm Smith, a Democrat, during an appearance on the senator's local television show^[23] and has worked with Smith in putting on the annual Jump and Ball Tournament (since 2003) in the rapper's childhood neighborhood of St. Alban's, Queens.^[24]

Discography[link]

Filmography[link]

Awards and nominations[link]

Grammy Awards

MTV Video Music Awards

• 1991 – MTV Video Music Award for Best Rap Video, for "Mama Said Knock You Out"
• 1997 – MTV Video Music Vanguard Award, for "career achievement"

NAACP Image Awards

• 1996 – Best Rap Artist, for "Mr. Smith"
• 1997 – Best Rap Artist, for "Mr. Smith"
• 2001 – Outstanding Hip-Hop/Rap Artist, for "G.O.A.T."
• 2003 – Outstanding Male Artist

Soul Train Music Awards

• 1987 – Soul Train Music Award for Best Rap - Single for "I Need Love"
• 2003 – Quincy Jones Award, for "outstanding career achievements in the field of entertainment"

Blockbuster Entertainment Awards

• 2000 – "Favorite Supporting Actor – Action" from Deep Blue Sea

The New York Music Awards

• 15 New York Music Awards

Soul Train Awards

• 10 Soul Train Awards

Billboard Awards

• 1 Billboard Award

Rock The Vote Award

• 1997 – "Patrick Lippert Award"'

Source Awards

• 2003 – Source Foundation Image Award, for "his community work"

Long Island Music Hall of Fame

• 2007 – Inducted as part of the Inaugural Class of Inductees for his contribution to Long Island's rich musical heritage

BET Hip Hop Awards

• 2011 – Honored with the I Am Hip Hop Award for his contributions to hip-hop culture

References[link]

External links[link]

Wikimedia Commons has media related to: LL Cool J

• Official website
• LL Cool J at the Internet Movie Database