When the 58th Grammy Awards airs in February, hip hop icon LL Cool J will again greet viewers, front and center. Recording Academy president Neil Portnow said that the Queens-bred recording artist’s expertise as a Grammy-winning artist and accomplished actor makes him best for the hosting role.
“His dynamic personality and charismatic energy set the perfect tone for our show,” said Portnow in a statement.
While it will be his fifth consecutive time hosting the awards, the 47 year-old Cool J seems like he’s still looking forward to emceeing. “The performances and moments that take place on the GRAMMY stage are awesome in so many ways for the audience and artists alike,” said LL Cool J in a statement. “I’m honored once again to host Music’s Biggest Night as we celebrate the talented music creators of today. It’s going to be an incredible night and I’m excited to share this experience with the world.”
The former Def Jam recording artist has two Grammy Awards, including one for his 1991 chart-topper Mama Said Knock You Out, and another for the 1995 single Hey Lover. His last LP, 2013’s Authentic, was his 13th studio record. He’s working on another called G.O.A.T. 2. “I’m having a lot of fun, and I have some really cool people on the record. It’s coming together slowly, so we’ll see,” said the rapper to Forbes earlier this year. “When it’s ready, I’ll put it out.”
The celeb also stars in NCIS: Los Angeles on CBS, and hosts Lip Sync Battle on Spike TV.
The 58th Grammy Awards, produced by AEG Ehrlich Ventures, will take place on February 15, 2016 at Staples Center in Los Angeles. It will be broadcast live on CBS at 8 p.m. ET. Ken Ehrlich is the executive producer, Louis J. Horvitz is the director, and David Wild and Ehrlich are the show’s writers.
