I Make My Own Rules (Young Adult Version) [Hardcover]

L L Cool J (Author), L (Author), Karen Hunter (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 1997

With nearly 20 million albums sold since his 1985 debut, LL Cool J is the #1-selling rap artist of all time. Long known as a positive role model, LL Cool J is also widely respected for his commitment to public service. This fascinating autobiography offers the candid and inspirational story of this sexy, good-guy rapper who has become an international celebrity. of color photos.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"A stellar example of how to endure, grow up and become an adult in the perpetually adolescent world of rap." --The Source

"There are rebels and there are innovators. I'm an innovator." --L.L. Cool J

"Keeping it real ain't about carrying a gun or smoking blunts. It's about being true to yourself and those around you." --L.L. Cool J

"In this business, sex is like candy-plentiful and cheap." --L.L. Cool J

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From the Publisher

Praise for I MAKE MY OWN RULES:

"Meet an LL Cool J that few know...Revealing." -JET

"Smith candidly shares his life lessons, blessings and hardships...RULES is a charismatic page-turner...RULES is funny, entertaining and enlightening, but what makes it so special is that it's the first memoir from an around-the-way, self-proclaimed student of Hip-Hop, who tells us how we can simultaneously succeed and stay true to ourselves at the same time."

-RAP PAGES --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 196 pages
• Publisher: St. Martin's Press (September 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0312171099
• ISBN-13: 978-0312171094
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.4 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (58 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,502,673 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars "Tell the truth & nothing but the truth so help me God.", October 22, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: I Make My Own Rules (Mass Market Paperback)

This is a quote from the book "I Make My Own Rules",by LL Cool J. This book is a national bestseller. I can understand why,because after reading it,it was positive and influential.It definetly moved me.From the beginning, the book caught my attention. I couldn't put it down.It was captivating.This book should be read by the youth, everywhere. The story is an autobiography of a rap artist named James Todd Smith, better known as Ladies Love Cool James(LL Cool J). It told the story of the world of rap through the years. Also how Mr. Smith endured obstacles in life such as;abuse, neglect, drugs, money problems and addiction to sex. You can read Mr. Smith's rules on relationships, family, religion, music, and his experiences. I learned alot about him,the rap world and life. He did a thorough job in telling his story. He told the truth and nothing but the truth.It was all him,good or bad. This book teaches the readers that they make their own choices in life. Only you can make a difference and overcome difficult obstacles. As said from,Rap Pages; "It shows how you can suceed and stay true to yourself without making your mistakes haunt you." You should always look forward.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars LL Cool J Uncensored, May 11, 2003

By 

The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers (RAWSISTAZ.com and BlackBookReviews.net) - See all my reviews

This review is from: I Make My Own Rules (Mass Market Paperback)

James Todd Smith, AKA LL Cool J, lays bare his heart and soul in this engaging and candid autobiography. He tells of his somewhat traumatic childhood that was filled with domestic violence, and the affect that it continues to have on his life. He also gives a realistic, behind the scenes, view of the music industry-the sex, groupies, and drugs. With emotion he tells of a time in his life that he was not proud of, a time when he was young, immature, and had plenty of money to throw around. Smith uses his life to teach the lesson to youngsters that we all make mistakes and to view them as a learning experience. The book also shares some of LL Cool J's opinions about the current state of rap, the murders of Biggie Smalls and Tupac, and other pertinent issues.

This book is exciting, inspiring, and heartfelt. It tells a story of one man's obstacles and triumphs to go from a troubled boy to a multi-platinum-recording artist and actor. Readers will walk away from this book with a true sense of both James Todd Smith and LL Cool J. I highly recommend this work.

*Note this refers to the Parent Advisory Edition

Reviewed by Latoya Carter-Qawiyy
of The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars a good book, January 23, 2000

By 

A customer "mistermaxxx" (usa) - See all my reviews
(HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: I Make My Own Rules (Mass Market Paperback)

i respect LL Cool J alot.i like his older music better than his newer stuff but i always keep an ear on this rap pioneer.so when i found out about this book i was excited and it was real good.the rise of his career&the inside of the business especially chapter 9.this is the first book that i've ever read that had a sticker on it.that alone peaked my interest.he has done alot with his career from rapping,to actor on tv&film.a good solid read.