ILL Cool J, or “Ladies Love Cool James,” is LL Cool J’s eldest daughter and one of the hip-longest-running hop’s successes.

In 1984, he signed with Def Jam Records, a new hip-hop label, and released his debut album, Radio, which was a big smash and won him a lot of praise. Bigger and Deffer, his second album, was also a big hit due to its pop-rap crossover.

This was only the beginning. After a successful musical career, the rapper moved on to acting, featuring in films such as BAPS, Halloween H2O, and Any Given Sunday. Despite his celebrity and the notorious lifestyle of rappers, LL Cool J had a steady and affluent personal life.

Since 1995, he has been happily married to Simone Smith, with whom he has four children. Their three daughters are Italia Smith, 30, Samaria Leah Smith, 25, and Nina Simone Smith, 20. Their oldest son is Najee, and their three daughters are Italia Smith, 30, Samaria Leah Smith, 25, and Nina Simone Smith, 20. Only Italia is married out of the entire family.

Here’s a look at Italia’s marriage and personal life.

The Wedding of Italia Smith

Italia, LL Cool J’s daughter, married her longtime boyfriend, Lamar Cardinez, on June 19, 2017, a day after Father’s Day, at the Sparkling Pointe Vineyards and Winery in Long Island. Martinez is a Vice President at Blue Owl Capital, according to his LinkedIn profile.

Grammy Award winners Mary J. Blige, Monica Brown, and actress Niecy Nash all attended the event, which was a star-studded affair.

Her bridesmaid, though, gave her a befitting send-off before she walked down the aisle. Tiffany Lighty, her best friend, prepared a fun-filled bachelor party for her and her bridal party in Miami, which included yacht excursions and pole dancing sessions.

Italia wore a strapless Marie Antoinette-inspired lace ball gown to the wedding, which shone in the beautiful twinkling decor lights. She changed into a pair of bejeweled sneaker wedges and a short tulle dress for her reception.

The entire Smith family was also seen wearing similar Grillz to present a unified front.

On His Daughter’s Wedding, LL Cool J

LL Cool J attended a red carpet event a few weeks after the wedding and was interviewed by Extra.

The host inquired about the occasion. Over the summer, the rapper revealed that he did not lose a daughter but did receive a boy, which he described as “fun.” He admits to being sad, but he tried not to show it and instead focused his efforts on giving his daughter the finest wedding possible.

Italia and her husband received a son, King James, in 2018 and a girl in September 2020, almost two years after their wedding. During his appearance on Strahan, Sara, and Keke, LL Cool J, who recently became a grandfather, discussed his life as a father and new grandfather.

He revealed that his grandchildren referred to him as “grand-man,” and that if his daughter learned anything from him, it was that “everything was possible.”

Italia and her husband just celebrated their fourth wedding anniversary and are still going strong.

Inside Her Wedding and Personal Life: Alia Has a Growing Family of Her Own