The rapper and "NCIS: Los Angeles" star will emcee the ceremony Feb. 12.

The Grammy Awards has announced its first host in seven years: LL Cool J.

"I'm thrilled to be part of music's biggest night," the rapper-actor and two-time Grammy winner said Wednesday 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. Great performances and great music – it's going to be a great night."

PHOTOS: 54th Annual Grammy Nominees

Queen Latifah was the show's last host, back in 2005. LL Cool J, who stars on the CBS prodecural NCIS: Los Angeles, has hosted the event's nominations concert show since 2008.

Performers were announced last week and include nominees Taylor Swift, Foo Fighters, Kelly Clarkson, Nicki Minaj and Bruno Mars.