LL Cool J is retuning as the host of the 57th Grammy Awards show. This will be the rapper’s fourth time hosting the Grammys. Recording Academy president and CEO, Neil Portnow, released the following statement in regards to LL Cool J hosting the show, “As both a Grammy-winning recording artist and an accomplished actor, LL Cool J’s wide range of talent, dynamic personality and charismatic energy make him the perfect choice to host the Grammy Awards.” Portnow also mentioned LL’s ability to connect with people is what makes him a great, Portnow also said the Grammys are honored to have him return as the host.
LL Cool J said he is excited to be hosting the event again, “I’m thrilled to again be part of music’s biggest night. The performances and moments you see on the Grammy stage are nothing less than amazing throughout the years…” The rapper added, “This year’s show is shaping up to be one you will never forget.” Some of this year’s Grammy performers include Madonna, Usher, Sam Smith, Pharrell Williams, Ariana Grande, and Miranda Lambert.
As a recording artist, LL Cool J has released thirteen studio albums. His first album Radio was released in 1985, and it sold over one million records. The album remained on the Billboard charts for thirty-eight weeks, and it was led by the hit singles “I Can’t Live Without My Radio” and “Rock the Bells.” LL Cool J became one of the first hip hop artists to achieve mainstream success. The hip hop star won two Grammy Awards in 1992 and 1997. In 1992, his song “Mama Said Knock You Out” won for Best Rap Solo Performance, and “Hey Lover” won the same award in 1997. In late 2014, the rapper announced he is releasing a new album entitled G.O.A.T. 2, although the album does not have an official release date. The album is expected to have a great deal of features including Eminem, T.I., J. Cole, Raekwon, and Maino.
LL Cool J also has an impressive acting resume. He currently co-stars on the CBS drama NCIS: Los Angeles with actor Chris O’Donnell. The television show has aired for six seasons, and it is the first successful spin-off of the NCIS series. The rapper has appeared in a number of films including Deep Blue Sea, Any Given Sunday, Charlie’s Angels, Deliver Us From Eva, S.W.A.T., and Last Holiday.