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LL Cool J: Grammy Awards 2012 Will Be Hosted by Rapper

Posted Jan 18th 2012 11:10AM by Georgette Cline
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Mark Davis, Getty Images

The 54th Annual Grammy Awards will finally have a dedicated person to command audience's attention throughout the prestigious ceremony. LL Cool J has been tapped to host the biggest night in music, which is an honor that hasn't been given to another entertainer since 2005.

"I'm thrilled to be part of Music's Biggest Night," the lauded rapper-turned-actor said in a statement. "I will always have fond memories of my first Grammy Awards and to now be hosting the Grammy show, in the company of so many other incredible artists, is a dream come true."

Seven years ago, Queen Latifah hosted the Grammys, and before her, TV hosts and actors such as Ellen DeGeneres and Jon Stewart have laid claim to the title.

Acclaimed rhymers like Kanye West and Nicki Minaj are up for awards during the ceremony -- West for Song of the Year, Best Rap Performance, Best Rap/Sung Collaboration, Best Rap Song and Best Rap Album while Minaj will compete for Best New Artist. Singers such as Bruno Mars earned nods for Song of the Year, Record of the Year and Album of the Year. Rihanna also faces off against the crooner in the latter category for her fifth studio LP 'Loud.'

The 54th Annual Grammy Awards air live from the Staples Center at 8PM EST on Feb. 12, 2012.

Watch 'LL Cool J Reminisces About His Grammy Past'