After serving as co-host alongside Nicki Minaj and Jack Harlow in 2022, LL Cool J has been officially announced as the solo host for the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards, marking a significant milestone in his longstanding relationship with the iconic awards show.
The rap legend, who won Best Rap Video in 1991 for “Mama Said Knock You Out” and became the first rapper to receive the prestigious MTV Video Vanguard Award in 1997, will take center stage at the UBS Arena in New York City on September 7.
This hosting announcement coincides with a major shift in the VMAs’ broadcast strategy, as the ceremony will air live on CBS for the first time while simultaneously streaming on MTV channels and Paramount+.
The expanded distribution approach reflects the evolving media landscape and positions LL Cool J as a bridge between traditional television and digital platforms, potentially reaching the broadest audience in the show’s history.
LL Cool J’s selection as solo host underscores hip-hop’s central position in contemporary music culture, a fitting recognition for an artist who has spent four decades shaping the genre.
Hip-hop’s cultural dominance shines through LL Cool J’s host role—a testament to his genre-defining four-decade legacy.
His continued relevance is evident in his recent work, including his 2024 single “Murdergram Deaux,” which has earned a nomination for Best Hip-Hop at this year’s ceremony. The announcement was made on August 14, 2025, generating immediate buzz across social media platforms.
Beyond his hosting duties, LL Cool J continues to exemplify career longevity through diverse income streams that include music licensing, merchandise sales, and television projects.
The artist’s enduring popularity demonstrates how effectively he has built his brand story and connection with audiences across different generations of music fans.
The 2025 VMAs will feature a diverse lineup of performers including Busta Rhymes, who will receive the inaugural MTV VMA Rock the Bells Visionary Award, and Ricky Martin, the first recipient of the MTV VMA Latin Icon Award.
Additional performers include J Balvin, DJ Snake, and Sabrina Carpenter, representing a global cross-section of musical talent.
As LL Cool J prepares to helm one of music’s most anticipated nights, his solo hosting role represents more than a career achievement—it symbolizes hip-hop’s journey from cultural movement to mainstream institution, with one of its pioneering voices leading the celebration of music’s continuing evolution across generations and genres.
This year’s ceremony promises to be particularly competitive with Lady Gaga leading the nominations race with an impressive 12 nods, followed closely by Bruno Mars with 11 and Kendrick Lamar with 10.
