Books Written by LL Cool J
Books Written by Rapper LL Cool J
LL Cool J, born James Todd Smith, is one of Rap/Hip-Hop’s true pioneers and a cultural icon whose influence stretches far beyond music. In addition to being a Grammy-winning rapper and a successful actor, LL has also published several books over the years for adults and younger readers. His writing ranges from candid memoir to fitness & lifestyle guides and kid-friendly stories, showing the same charisma and work ethic that made him a crossover star. How many books has LL Cool J written? 1. (so far at the time of this post). Here’s a look at the books written by LL Cool J:
1. I Make My Own Rules (1997)
Co-written with Karen Hunter
Publisher: St. Martin's Press
Release Date: January 1, 1997
Page Length: 214 pages
ISBN: 9780312171100
LL Cool J’s debut full-length book is a candid autobiography co-written with Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Karen Hunter. The book traces his upbringing in Queens, New York, his relentless rise to fame as one of Def Jam’s first breakout stars, and the personal and professional obstacles he faced along the way. I Make My Own Rules mixes behind-the-scenes music-industry moments with honest reflections on family, ambition, and the discipline that carried him through the highs and lows of an unprecedented career. It’s a straight-up, reflective look at how LL built and protected his legacy.
What’s Inside LL Cool J’s I Make My Own Rules book?:
• LL’s difficult childhood in Queens, New York and early battles with violence and poverty.
• Stories from the early days of Def Jam and the making of his first hits.
• Personal reflections on balancing fame, family, and discipline.
• A look at the mindset that kept him grounded while the hip-hop world exploded.
2. And the Winner Is… (2002, LIMITED)
Publisher: Hipkidhop/Scholastic Press
Release Date: 2002
Page Length: 32 pages
ISBN: 9780439389112
Released and illustrated with JibJab Media, And the Winner Is… is LL Cool J’s kid-oriented story (part of the Hip Kid Hop line) that uses sports (the example of a young basketball player) to teach lessons about sportsmanship, humility, and self-belief. Often packaged with a companion CD or musical tie-ins in some editions, the book blends playful, rhythmic text with upbeat messaging that makes it ideal for classrooms and family reading. And the Winner is... is about a young basketball player who learns the importance of winning and losing gracefully. It’s a clear example of LL using his platform to reach younger audiences with positive values.
What’s Inside LL Cool J’s And the Winner Is… book?:
• A story about a young athlete learning to win and lose gracefully
• Themes of humility, teamwork, and confidence
• Rhythmic, kid-friendly text (ties to LL’s musical roots)
• Editions that include a CD or musical elements for classroom use
• Ideal for read-alouds and youth programs
3. LL Cool J's Platinum Workout: Sculpt Your Best Body Ever with Hollywood's Fittest Star (2007)
Co-written with Dave Honig and Jeff O'Connell
Publisher: Rodale Books
Release Date: December 12, 2006
Page Length: 256 pages
ISBN: 9781594866081
In this fitness and lifestyle book, LL Cool J shares the exact routines and strategies that have kept him in peak condition throughout his career. Co-written with Dave Honig and Jeff O’Connell, it’s part workout guide, part motivational blueprint.
What’s Inside LL Cool J's Platinum Workout: Sculpt Your Best Body Ever with Hollywood's Fittest Star book?:
• Detailed workout programs for all fitness levels, from beginner to advanced.
• Photos and step-by-step instructions of LL’s exercises.
• Nutrition plans and healthy eating tips.
• Motivational advice on discipline, confidence, and building a strong mindset.
4. LL Cool J’s Platinum 360 Diet and Lifestyle: A Full-Circle Guide to Developing Your Mind, Body, and Soul (2010)
Co-written with Chris Palmer, Dave Honig, and Jim Stoppani
Publisher: Rodale Books
Release Date: April 27, 2010
Page Length: 240 pages
ISBN: 9781605295411
This book captures LL’s holistic approach to health and performance. Coauthored with his trainer, it mixes workout plans, nutrition guidance, and mindset tips designed for people who want a sustainable, disciplined lifestyle rather than crash fixes. The book reads like a coach’s manual: practical routines, motivational pep talks, and examples from LL’s own regimen that underscore consistency, recovery, and mental focus.
What’s Inside LL Cool J’s LL Cool J’s Platinum 360 Diet and Lifestyle: A Full-Circle Guide to Developing Your Mind, Body, and Soul book?:
• Structured workout programs and training principles
• Nutrition tips and meal-planning strategies
• Mental habits for discipline and persistence
• Personal anecdotes and examples from LL’s routine
• Advice for integrating fitness with busy careers
5. LL COOL J Presents The Streets Win: 50 Years of Hip-Hop Greatness (2023)
Co-written with Alec Banks and Vikki Tobak
Publisher: Rizzoli
Release Date: October 3, 2023
Page Length: 336 pages
ISBN: 9780847873166
LL’s most recent book project; “LL COOL J Presents The Streets Win: 50 Years of Hip-Hop Greatness'' is a hardcover book co-authored by LL COOL J, journalist Vikki Tobak, and Rock The Bells' Alec Banks, celebrating the 50th anniversary of hip-hop. The book was released during the the 50th anniversary of hip-hop and features intimate stories from hip-hop pioneers and icons, over 150 iconic images, and artifacts like album covers and graffiti art, chronicling the genre's evolution from its origins to its global influence.
What’s Inside LL Cool J's LL COOL J Presents The Streets Win: 50 Years of Hip-Hop Greatness book?:
• 150+ Iconic Images
• Stories from Hip-Hop/Rap entrepreneurs
From his gritty autobiography to his motivational and fitness guides, LL Cool J has shown that he’s more than an entertainer. LL is a storyteller, mentor, and motivator. His books give readers a closer look at the determination and mindset that helped him become one of Rap/Hip-Hop’s most enduring icons.
Want to read more Hip-Hop books like any of these titles? Check our full collection at HipHopBooks.com for the greatest books in Rap/Hip-Hop.
A book every Rap/Hip-Hop fan should have in their library is the Rap Dictionary.
You can read our ultimate list of rappers who have written books/books written by rappers here.
