LL Cool J isn't a "flash guy" and wants to use his money to "do good things"

He told The Sunday Times newspaper: "I'm not a flash kinda guy. People will say, 'LL Cool J is worth X million dollars'.

"Yes, but I can honestly say money is not my end goal. When I got that first big royalty cheque, I went crazy. I wanted the car, the gold chains, the VCR. Now I use the money to do good things."

He went on to insist being wealthy doesn't mean he spoils his kids, but he did try to give them the best possible start in life.

The rapper added: "Do I spoil my kids? I gave all four of them a car and a debt-free education. The rest they have to figure out for themselves."

LL Cool J has four adult kids with his wife Simone Johnson, who he married in 1995, and he insists their relationship is still strong almost 30 years later.

He explained: "When you mix money, music and success, real life can suffer. I'm thankful that Simone has been with me all the way.

"The chemistry is still there, I hope it never goes away. Faith has played a big part in that. We both pray at night - Simone earlier than me 'cos I'm up till 3am.

"It connects us as a family. The world gets rough and you sometimes need a little help to ride out those rough times. Ain't no shame in that!"