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By Anslem Samuel | Published June 30, 2011 | Full size is 475 × 480 pixels

LL COOL J Ladies loved Cool James the moment he stepped into the hip-hop arena with his shirt off sporting a leather bucket hat at the tender age of 15. The worlds of film and fashion soon became enamored with him as well. Making an appearance in the classic hip-hop movie, Krush Groove, LL ventured into the clothing business early on, working with hip-hop fashion line TROOP in the ’80s and later assisting in launch of FUBU and his own Todd Smith line. With four books under his belt (both personal memoirs and fitness books), a music social networking site called Boomdizzle.com, and a hedge fund Cedarview Capital, LL is keeping busy well outside the booth. His acting has also become a staple in his career, with roles in over 30 sitcoms and films, including his current role on NCIS Los Angeles as special agent Sam Hanna, which brings his net worth to an reported $80 million.

LL COOL J Ladies loved Cool James the moment he stepped into…

(Image: Getty)