Today is the birthday of rapper L.L. Cool J, born James Todd

Smith 29 years ago in Queens, N.Y. Known for his ability to hold both street and pop credibility, L.L. had his first hit at age 15 and had made somewhat of a "comeback" at age 22. Raised by his grandparents in Queens, L.L. began rapping when he was nine, and got his first DJ turntable at 11. In 1984, his song "I Need a Beat" became Def Jam's first release, selling in excess of 100,000 copies. L.L. promptly dropped out of high school and began work on his first album, 1985's Radio. Its first single, "I Can't Live Without My Radio," went to #15 and L.L. appeared briefly in the film Krush Groove.

In 1987, L.L. returned with Bigger and Deffer, which featured the

first bona fide rap ballad with "I Need Love," which topped the R&B

charts. "I'm Bad" also went to #4. Word got out that his name stood for

Ladies Love Cool James and Playgirl named him one of the sexiest men in rock. By 1988, however, L.L. was losing touch with the rap community.

Although he had a minor hit with "Going Back to Cali," he was booed at the

Apollo after such confectioned hits as "I'm That Type of Guy."

L.L. returned in 1992 with Mama Said Knock You Out, whose title

track opened with the lines "Don't call it a comeback/I've been here for

years." Nevertheless, L.L.'s career was back in full swing with hits such as "Around the Way Girl" and "The Boomin' System." He became the first rap performer on MTV's Unplugged along with MC Lyte and De La Soul. Identity confusion stifled 1993's 14 Shots to the Dome, as L.L.'s attempt at gangsta rap failed (despite the album climbing to #1 on the R&B charts). He appeared in movies such as The Hard Way and Toys, played at Clinton's presidential inauguration, has supported "Stay in School"

programs and founded Youth Enterprises, which supports urban youth. His most recent album is Mr. Smith.

Other birthdays: Matt Lukin (Mudhoney); Barbra George, 56; Gordon Fleet

(Easybeats), 52; Gary Lozzo (American Breed), 52; Barry Hay (Golden

Earring), 49; James J.T. Taylor (Kool & The Gang), 44; Madonna, 39; M.C.

Remedee (Cookie Crew), 30; Tim Farriss (INXS) and Francis Bean Cobain, 5, (daughter of the late Kurt Cobain).