When you grow up as the child of a famous rapper and actor, people often expect you to follow the same path. But Italia Anita Maria Smith chose something different. As the oldest daughter of hip-hop legend LL Cool J, she decided to build her own career away from the bright lights of Hollywood. Today, she works as a successful real estate agent while also being a loving wife and mother of three children.
Personal Info
| Full Name | Italia Anita Maria Smith |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | January 3, 1991 |
| Age | 34 years old (as of 2025) |
| Birthplace | United States |
| Parents | LL Cool J (James Todd Smith) and Simone Smith |
| Siblings | Najee Laurent Todd Eugene Smith, Samaria Leah Wisdom Smith, Nina Simone Smith |
| Profession | Licensed Real Estate Agent |
| Education | Business Administration (Northeastern University), Commercial Real Estate Certificate (Cornell University) |
| Husband | Lamar Cardinez |
| Children | Three (King, Faith, and one more) |
| Famous For | Being LL Cool J’s daughter and her real estate career |
Early Life and Family Background
Italia Anita Maria Smith was born on January 3, 1991, in the United States. She grew up in Long Island, New York, in a home filled with love and strong family values. Her father, LL Cool J (whose real name is James Todd Smith), is one of the most famous rappers in American music history. Her mother, Simone Smith, is a jewelry designer and businesswoman who survived cancer.
Growing up with a famous father was not always easy, but Italia’s parents made sure their children had a normal childhood. LL Cool J has always said that he did not want to spoil his kids. He wanted them to work hard and understand the real world. This teaching helped Italia become the strong and independent woman she is today.
Italia is the second of four children. Her older brother is Najee Laurent Todd Eugene Smith, who works as a photographer. Her two younger sisters are Samaria Leah Wisdom Smith, a fashion designer, and Nina Simone Smith, a singer who followed in their father’s musical footsteps. The Smith siblings are very close and support each other in everything they do.
Education and Career Path
Italia knew from a young age that education was important. She attended Manhasset Senior High School and graduated in 2009. After high school, she went to Northeastern University, where she earned a degree in Business Administration. This gave her strong skills in marketing, business, and working with people.
But Italia did not stop there. She wanted to learn more about real estate, so she got a Commercial Real Estate Certificate from Cornell University in 2019. This special training helped her understand the property business better and prepared her for a successful career.
Before working in real estate, Italia tried working in the entertainment industry. She worked behind the scenes at CBS in marketing and social media. However, she soon realized that she wanted to do something different from her father’s world. She decided to switch to real estate, where she could help people find their dream homes.
Italia has worked for well-known real estate companies like Douglas Elliman Real Estate and Keller Williams Realty. She started in New York City but later focused on Long Island, where she grew up. Her clients trust her because she works hard and cares about their needs. Italia has built a good name for herself in the competitive real estate market.
Personal Life and Marriage
Italia’s personal life is just as beautiful as her career. She met her husband, Lamar Cardinez, when they were both students at Northeastern University in 2009. They fell in love and dated for several years before getting engaged in November 2015.
On June 17, 2017, Italia and Lamar got married in a beautiful ceremony at Sparkling Pointe Vineyards in Long Island, New York. The wedding was magical and attended by many famous people, including family friends from the entertainment world. Italia’s mother, Simone, shared lovely photos from the wedding on social media, showing how happy the couple was on their special day.
The wedding took place on the eve of Father’s Day, making it even more special for the family. Since then, Italia and Lamar have built a strong marriage with no scandals or problems. They focus on their family and live a quiet, happy life together.
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Motherhood and Family Life
Italia and Lamar are proud parents of three children. Their first child, a son named King Cardinez, was born on March 14, 2018. Their daughter, Faith Cardinez, was born on September 23, 2020. In 2023, Italia announced that she was pregnant with their third child, and the family welcomed another baby.
Being a mother is one of Italia’s greatest joys. She often shares photos and stories about her family on Instagram, where she has over 40,000 followers. Italia describes motherhood as challenging but also the most important blessing in her life. She talks about the late nights, early mornings, and daily challenges of raising children, but she also celebrates the growth and happiness her kids bring.
LL Cool J is a loving grandfather to Italia’s children. She often posts photos of him spending time with his grandchildren, showing that family bonds are very strong in the Smith household. The famous rapper has said that being a grandfather is one of his favorite roles.
Living Life on Her Own Terms
What makes Italia special is that she chose her own path. Many children of famous people try to become actors, singers, or celebrities. But Italia wanted something different. She wanted to work hard and succeed based on her own skills, not just her father’s name.
Italia’s Instagram bio shows what matters most to her: “Wife, Mommy, Kingdom Minded, Real Estate, Psalm 23.” This tells us that she values her faith, her family, and her career. She is a Christian woman who believes in staying close to God while building a good life for her family.
Despite having a famous last name, Italia lives a relatively private life. She does not seek attention or try to be in the spotlight. Instead, she focuses on her work, her husband, and her children. This shows that she is confident in who she is and does not need fame to be happy.
Conclusion
Italia Anita Maria Smith proves that you can write your own story, even when you come from a famous family. She took the values her parents taught her—hard work, faith, and family—and built a successful life in real estate. She is a loving wife, a dedicated mother, and a professional businesswoman who earns respect through her own efforts.
While her father LL Cool J continues to entertain millions around the world, Italia quietly helps families find their perfect homes. She shows us that success does not always mean being famous. Sometimes, the best success is building a happy family and doing work you love. Italia Anita Maria Smith is living proof that you can honor your family’s legacy while creating your own path to happiness.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who is Italia Anita Maria Smith? Italia Anita Maria Smith is the oldest daughter of famous rapper and actor LL Cool J and his wife Simone Smith. She works as a real estate agent.
2. How old is Italia Anita Maria Smith? Italia was born on January 3, 1991, which makes her 34 years old as of 2025.
3. What does Italia Anita Maria Smith do for work? She is a licensed real estate agent who has worked for companies like Douglas Elliman Real Estate and Keller Williams Realty.
4. Is Italia Anita Maria Smith married? Yes, she married Lamar Cardinez on June 17, 2017, in a beautiful wedding ceremony in Long Island, New York.
5. How many children does Italia have? Italia and her husband Lamar have three children: a son named King (born 2018), a daughter named Faith (born 2020), and a third child born in 2023.
6. Where did Italia Anita Maria Smith go to school? She attended Northeastern University and earned a degree in Business Administration. She also got a Commercial Real Estate Certificate from Cornell University.
7. Does Italia Anita Maria Smith work in entertainment like her father? No, she chose a different career path. She works in real estate instead of entertainment.
8. How many siblings does Italia have? Italia has three siblings: one older brother named Najee and two younger sisters named Samaria and Nina.
9. Is Italia Anita Maria Smith active on social media? Yes, she has an Instagram account (@italiaanitasmith) where she shares family photos and moments from her life. She has over 40,000 followers.
10. What is Italia Anita Maria Smith’s relationship with her father LL Cool J? Italia has a close and loving relationship with her father. They maintain strong family bonds, and LL Cool J is an active grandfather to her children.
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