I Make My Own Rules - Tapa blanda

LL Cool J reveals the trials of his childhood, discusses the controversial world of rap, tells the truth about his own decadent "champagne and gold chain" days, and relates how he turned himself around despite the odds. Reprint.

LL Cool J, born James Todd Smith, began rapping at the age of nine. He has won two Grammys and a host of other music awards for his recordings. Six of his albums have gone platinum or multiplatinum. His latest album, Phenomenon, is available on Def Jam Records.

The former star of the TV sitcome In the House, LL Cool J is also an acclaimed actor with numerous movie credits. He has recently finished filming Halloween H2O.

In addition, LL Cool J is a committed public servant who has been a spokesperson for Americorps, Rock the Vote, and numerous other charitable organizations. He is the founder of Camp Cool J, a youth leadership summer camp.

In recent years, LL Cool J has been selected to represent such internationally known brands as Coca-Cola, FUBU, the Gap, and Major League Baseball.

A native of Queens, New York, LL Cool J divides his time between Los Angeles and New York. He lives with his wife, Simone, and his three children, Najee, Italia, and Samaria.

Karen Hunter, an award-winning journalist, is a member of the editorial board at the New York Daily News, where she covers education and writes an occasional pop culture column. She has interviewed many rap artists.

A resident of East Orange, New Jersey, Karen also teaches journalism at New York University.