LL Cool J to Host The Grammy’s

44-year-old rapper/actor LL Cool J, has been announced as the official host for this year’s Grammy’s. In a statement, he explained:

“I’m thrilled to be part of Music’s Biggest Night…I will always have fond memories of my first Grammys Awards and to now be hosting the Grammy show, in the company of so many other incredible artists, is a dream.”

LL COOL J has hosted “The GRAMMY Nominations Concert Live!! — Countdown To Music’s Biggest Night” since its inception in December 2008, and this will be his first time hosting the annual GRAMMY Awards telecast. Recent past hosts include Queen Latifah at the 47th GRAMMY Awards and Jon Stewart for the 43rd and 44th GRAMMY telecasts. The show, which airs Feb. 12th, will include appearances by Taylor Swift, Nicki Minaj, Bruno Mars, Foo Fighters, Kelly Clarkson and Jason Aldean. [People]