By Nolan Strong
Rap star LL Cool J is one of 12 nominees that could be inducted into the prestigious Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
LL's name is included on a shortlist of artists that includes acts like Kiss, Red Hot Chili Peppers, The Chantels, Donna Summer, Jimmy Cliff, Laura Nyro and others.
"Words can't express the gratitude I feel right now I'm truly thankful," LL Cool J told AllHipHop.com. "I stand on the shoulders of those who came before me and I share the honor of this nomination with all those who helped me along the way."
Ballots will be sent to over 500 voters, who will determine which five of the 12 groups will be inducted into The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2010.
To be eligible, an artist or group must have released its first single or album at least 25 years prior to the year of the nomination.
In 1984, LL Cool J released his first single "I Need A Beat," which was produced by Rick Rubin and T-La Rock.
He dropped his classic debut album Radio one year later for Rick Rubin and Russell Simmons' seminal label, Def Jam.
The album contained several rap classics, including "Rock The Bells" and "I Can’t Live Without My Radio."
LL has released 12 full-length albums since his debut and has sold over 20 millions of records worldwide, landing hits with songs like "I'm Bad," "I Need Love," "Jinglin' Baby," "Around the Way Girl," "Head Sprung," "I Can Love You Better" and others.
In addition to transitioning into a successful Hollywood actor with his own sitcom (In The House), LL continues to release hit records.
LL just dropped the track "NCIS: No Crew is Superior" in honor of his new starring role in the series NCIS: L.A.
Artists that are inducted into the famed monument to pop music are featured in the Museum's Hall of Fame exhibit, which includes a computerized jukebox of all of the inductees works that includes etched-glass signatures of each group member.
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's 25th Annual Induction Ceremony is slated to take place March 15 at the Waldorf Astoria in New York.
LL Cool J made his debut on NCIS: Los Angeles last night, to an audience of 18 million viewers, giving CBS its largest premiere week since 1993.