In a world where celebrity kids often grow up in the spotlight, Najee Laurent Todd Eugene Smith has chosen a different route—one of privacy, creativity, and staying grounded. As the eldest son of hip-hop icon LL Cool J (real name James Todd Smith) and successful entrepreneur Simone I. Smith, Najee was born into fame. But rather than chasing headlines or using his family name to build a brand, he’s quietly crafting a path that’s all his own.
A Strong Foundation: Family, Fame, and Focus
Najee was born on September 18, 1989, and raised in New York alongside his three younger sisters: Italia, Samaria, and Nina. Growing up in a household filled with creativity, success, and strong values, Najee had a front-row seat to the highs and challenges of fame. His father’s rap career started in the golden era of hip-hop and later transitioned to TV, most notably on NCIS: Los Angeles. Meanwhile, his mother, Simone, built a successful jewellery business while also becoming a powerful voice as a cancer survivor and advocate.
But in the Smith household, fame wasn’t handed out—it had to be earned. LL Cool J has always stressed the importance of hard work and self-reliance, a message he drilled into all of his children. Najee took that lesson to heart.
Choosing His Lane
Unlike many celebrity kids who thrive on constant social media exposure or TV appearances, Najee prefers to stay behind the scenes. He has built a quiet yet impactful career in the creative world, focusing on fashion, graphic design, photography, and streetwear.
He works closely with Rock the Bells, a hip-hop lifestyle brand founded by his father, where he contributes to clothing designs and visual concepts. One of his standout pieces, the “Drip Hoodie,” reflects his artistic vision—bold, urban, and expressive. Najee’s work pulls from his New York roots and blends them with modern street fashion, showing a refined understanding of culture and style.
On Instagram, where he has a modest but loyal following, he shares glimpses of his work—never showy, always authentic. His feed is more like a creative journal than a fame-chasing platform, filled with design previews, behind-the-scenes content, and quiet moments from everyday life.
A Moment in the Headlines
In 2015, Najee faced brief media attention when he was arrested during a birthday outing at a rooftop venue in New York. It was a minor incident involving a disagreement with security and was resolved quickly, with no serious consequences. Since then, he’s kept a clean slate and has focused on his creative journey, proving that a mistake doesn’t define a person.
Why People Are Noticing Him Now?
As hip-hop culture continues to evolve and celebrate its legacy, there’s more attention on the next generation of families tied to that history. With Rock the Bells gaining popularity through fashion drops, live events, and radio, fans are starting to notice the people working behind the scenes, like Najee.
What’s refreshing about him is how different his approach is. In a time where everyone seems to be fighting for followers and likes, Najee stands out for doing the opposite. He doesn’t chase attention. He earns respect through effort, talent, and authenticity.
A Creative Family, A Unified Vision
Najee’s relationship with his siblings is a strong part of his story. Italia works in real estate, Samaria runs her denim fashion brand, and Nina is building a music career after graduating from Berklee College of Music. Each sibling has carved their path, and Najee supports them wholeheartedly, often helping with design, branding, or just being present. 
Their bond reflects the values instilled in them: work hard, stay grounded, and uplift one another.
Looking Ahead: Legacy, Not Limelight
Najee currently lives in New York City, staying true to the city’s energy that continues to inspire his work. While he might not be trending on TikTok or headlining events, his influence is growing among those who appreciate authentic creativity. Quietly but steadily, he’s making his mark.
His story reminds us that legacy isn’t about how many followers you have or how often you go viral. Sometimes, it’s about showing up, doing the work, and staying true to yourself—even when nobody’s watching.
Final Considerations
Najee Laurent Todd Eugene Smith is proof that you don’t need to be loud to be powerful. While many children of celebrities chase fame, Najee has chosen something much harder to achieve—authenticity. Through art, fashion, and quiet leadership, he’s building a legacy of his own, inspired by his roots but not defined by them. In a world full of noise, his quiet strength speaks volumes.
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