LL Cool J to Host 2012 Grammy Awards

LL Cool J will be playing a new role at this year's Grammy Awards. The hip hop pioneer will go from Grammy winner to Grammy host. According to People magazine, the rapper/actor has been tapped to host the 54th Annual Grammy Awards ceremony next month and he couldn't be happier about it.

"I'm thrilled to be part of Music's Biggest Night," he said. "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. Great performances and great music — it's gonna be a great night!"

The BET Hip Hop Awards 2011 I Am Hip Hop Icon Award-winner will be the first person to host the award show since Queen Latifah was given the honor in 2005.

Although this will be LL's first time leading the ceremony, he has had the honor of hosting "The GRAMMY Nominations Concert Live!! — Countdown to Music's Biggest Night" every year since it began in December 2008.

The 54th Annual Grammy Awards will air live from Staples Center in Los Angeles on February 12 on CBS at 8 p.m.

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(Photo: Phil McCarten/PictureGroup)