Rapper LL Cool J, who was born in Bay Shore, will receive the entertainment icon award at the fifth annual Urban One Honors on Friday.
The awards show, dubbed “Celebrating Icons of Culture,” will be taped Dec. 2 in Atlanta, and then air on Monday, Jan. 16, 2023, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, on TV One and Cleo TV. R&B singer and actor Tank will host the ceremony.
Born James Todd Smith, LL Cool J grew in Queens. His most popular hits include “Mama Said Knock You Out,” “Headsprung,” and “Hey Lover.”
The music and acting star came to fame in 1985 with his single “I Need A Beat.” He is a two-time Grammy Award winner for Best Rap Solo Performance for “Mama Said Knock You Out” and “Hey Lover.” He also hosted the Grammy Awards telecast for five years.
In 2017, LL Cool J received the Kennedy Center Honors, and in 2021, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in the music excellence category.
LL Cool J will be honored at Urban One Honors alongside David and Tamela Mann, Grammy winners for best gospel performance and song, who will receive the inspirational impact award. Awards will also be presented for the lifetime achievement honor, music innovation honor, and the first-ever Phoenix honor.
For more about the Urban One Honors, visit tvone.tv.
