LL Cool J

Cast as Special Agent Sam Hanna in the CBS spin-off series, "NCIS: Los Angeles"

Released final album under the Def Jam label, Exit 13

Co-starred as a gang leader, opposite Ray Liotta, in "Slow Burn"

Played Queen Latifah's love interest in the comedy, "Last Holiday"

Co-starred in the thriller, "Edison"

Co-starred with Val Kilmer in Renny Harlin's pshchological thriller, "Mindhunters"

Released tenth studio album, The DEFinition"; earned a Grammy nomination for Best Rap Album

Cast as Deke in the action thriller, "S.W.A.T."

First lead role, playing a a womanizer who meets his match in the comedy feature, "Deliver Us From Eva"

Co-starred in the remake of "Rollerball"

Had leading role in the feature "Kingdom Come"

Appeared as Mr. Jones in the big screen remake of "Charlie's Angels"

Released the album, G.O.A.T. , which stood for the "greatest of all time"

Co-starred as a football player in Oliver Stone's "Any Given Sunday"

Won plaudits for his effective turn as an evil drug dealer in "In Too Deep"

Featured in the successful horror sequel, "Halloween H20: 20 Years Later"

Played a former professional football player in the sitcom, "In the House" (NBC, 1995-1996; UPN, 1996-1999)

Released his successful sixth album, Mr. Smith

Starred in Debbie Allen's feature directorial debut, "Out of Sync"

Formed own record label, P.O.G. (Power of God); signed multi-album deal with Def Records

Had a co-starring role, opposite Robin Williams, in Barry Levinson's "Toys"

Made acting debut in the film, "The Hard Way"; also featured his hit song, "Mama Said Knock You Out"

Released fourth album, Mama Said Knock You Out

Made early TV appearance singing on a Diana Ross special

Released second album, Bigger and Deffer

Appeared as himself in the film, "Krush Groove"

Released debut album, Radio , to critical acclaim

Released first single, "I Need a Beat," with Def Jam Records

Began producing and creating demos at age 16