LL Cool J Talks Iconic Career, Abusive Childhood, & Home Invasion with Oprah

After making headlines for her interview with 50 Cent last year, Oprah sat down with hip-hop icon LL Cool J for “Oprah’s Next Chapter” on OWN. The 45-year-old rapper-turned-actor, born James Todd Smith, invited Oprah to his house in L.A. to speak about his legendary career, abusive childhood, and transition from sex symbol to happily-married father of four.

When he was only four years old, LL’s father shot his mother and grandfather for leaving him and taking LL with her (She later forgave him). He was also physically abused at the hands of his mother’s friend, who made him strip naked while he hit him.

During their candid conversation, the “NCIS: Los Angeles” star also opened up about the night an intruder entered his house. LL went into defense mode to protect his family and ended up breaking the man’s nose, jaw, and ribs. “There’s no telling what could have happened,” he said. “He had bad intentions.”

LL was also joined by his wife, Simone, who shared what it’s like to be married to the sex symbol, and their four children.

Next up, LL will host the Grammy Awards on February 10. His first album in five years, Authentic Hip Hop, is due later this year.

[MWP]