Grammy Awards 2012: Nicki Minaj Expresses Love for LL Cool J — Video

As excitement builds for the 54th Annual Grammy Awards, one of rap's hottest stars, Nicki Minaj and the smooth, well-preserved face of old school MC LL Cool J drop a joint teaser video. LL, this year's Grammy host, was charming it up earlier for the occasion with Taylor Swift, but this latest promo has bite, taking advantage of the duo's generational gap.

As LL, 44, proclaims his love for Nicki and her music, Nicki, 29, giggles, "You know this is really exciting for me because like I've been listening to you since I was a baby," blinking her doe eyes and coyly swinging her tassled chest. Awkward, but that's about right. She would have been three when his album 'Radio' came out. "I love you less now," LL quips back, but we know it's all in good fun.

Grammy nominated Nicki Minaj could go home with trophies for Best Rap Album ('Pink Friday') and Best Rap Performance ('Moment 4 Life,' featuring Drake), as well as Best New Artist.

The 54th Annual Grammy Awards will air live from Los Angeles' Staples Center, Feb. 12 at 8PM ET on CBS. See the full list of nominees in all genres here.