Rapper and actor LL Cool J gets his star on Hollywood's Walk of Fame

LOS ANGELES, Jan. 22 (UPI) -- Rapper and NCIS: Los Angeles actor LL Cool J got his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame Thursday, marking a long, successful career in pop culture.

LL Cool J received the 2,571st star on the WOF, in the Recording category for his pioneering work in rap. He was the first rapper to have 10 consecutive platinum-plus albums in sales. His star will sit in front of the Hard Rock Cafe on Hollywood Boulevard.

Born on Long Island, New York in 1968, James Todd Smith grew up in Queens, where he took the stage name that stands for Ladies Love Cool James. He's a two-time Grammy winner, NAACP Image Award winner and two-time Rock and Roll Hall of Fame nominee in a career that has lasted three decades.

"I'm grateful," he said. "This is pretty big for me."

LL Cool J will host the Grammys next month for the fifth consecutive year.