LL Cool J named host of 2025 VMAs

LL Cool J is making a grand return to the MTV Video Music Awards stage this 12 months—and he’s doing it solo. For the primary time, the hip-hop pioneer will host the VMAs completely on his personal, marking a brand new milestone in a profession crammed with them. Whereas many hosts over time have shared the highlight, LL is stepping up alone, bringing with him a mix of charisma, expertise, and hip-hop legacy that few can match.

This second marks LL Cool J’s second time helming the occasion, although his first stint in 2022 was as a part of a trio, alongside Nicki Minaj and Jack Harlow. That 12 months’s present had a vibrant, collaborative power, however 2025 is shaping as much as be one thing completely different—extra targeted, extra intentional, and undeniably private. There’s one thing particular about an business veteran taking full command of a stage that has lengthy celebrated—and at occasions outlined—the tradition he helped construct.

For viewers tuning in on September 7 through CBS or Paramount+, the 2025 VMAs promise not only a showcase of in the present day’s largest music stars however a testomony to endurance. And LL Cool J’s continued relevance proves that hip-hop icons aren’t simply a part of the style’s previous—they continue to be essential to its current.

A Legacy Written in VMA Historical past

LL Cool J’s historical past with the MTV VMAs dates again greater than three many years. In 1991, he gained his first Moon Individual trophy for Finest Rap Video with the long-lasting “Mama Mentioned Knock You Out.” That second didn’t simply highlight LL as a fierce MC—it underscored the rising presence of hip-hop in mainstream award exhibits.

In 1997, LL made historical past once more, turning into the primary rapper ever to obtain the Video Vanguard Award, MTV’s equal of a lifetime achievement honor. On the time, it was a daring recognition of rap’s impression on music movies and fashionable tradition. And it made LL Cool J a benchmark for others who adopted.

Through the years, he has continued to make his presence felt on the VMAs, each on and off the stage. In 2023, he helped shut out the present in the course of the explosive Hip-Hop 50 tribute, performing alongside heavyweights like Lil Wayne and Nicki Minaj in a celebration of the style’s roots. Then in 2024, he took the stage once more throughout a robust Def Jam tribute set, sharing the highlight with fellow pioneers Public Enemy. These performances weren’t simply nostalgic—they had been proof that LL Cool J nonetheless instructions the stage like few others.

“Murdergram Deux” and a Shock Comeback

Whereas many legends from his period have stepped again from the sales space, LL Cool J continues to make new music—and in 2025, he’s competing as soon as once more. His observe “Murdergram Deux,” a hard-hitting collaboration with Eminem, is nominated for Finest Hip-Hop. The track seems on his current comeback album The FORCE, produced by Q-Tip, and it’s been met with essential acclaim.

What makes this nomination so important is that it’s his first in a typical VMA class since 1996. Whereas the Vanguard Award honored his total contributions, this nod locations him again within the modern dialog—as a creator, not only a legend. For longtime followers, it’s a full-circle second. For brand new listeners, it’s a compelling introduction to an artist who by no means stopped evolving.

The album The FORCE itself is one thing of a shock. Many didn’t anticipate LL Cool J to return with such depth—or such high quality. But, with Q-Tip’s distinctive manufacturing and verses that really feel each traditional and recent, the mission has turn into one of the crucial talked-about comebacks in current hip-hop reminiscence.

Heavy Hitters Dominate the Nomination Listing

LL Cool J’s nomination sits alongside a few of the largest names in music proper now. Woman Gaga leads the 2025 VMAs with a powerful 12 nominations, together with Finest Album, Finest Track, and a number of visible and choreography classes. Her constant inventive reinvention retains her on the prime of VMA lists 12 months after 12 months.

Shut behind are Bruno Mars and Kendrick Lamar, every with 10 nominations. Bruno, identified for his throwback funk-pop model, stays a staple within the visible classes, whereas Kendrick’s nominations replicate the depth and impression of his storytelling and lyricism.

Rosé of BLACKPINK and rising pop star Sabrina Carpenter spherical out the highest 5 with eight nominations every. The combination of pop, hip-hop, Okay-pop, and R&B on this 12 months’s nominees exhibits how a lot the VMAs have expanded past simply American music charts. It’s now a world celebration of creativity—and LL Cool J’s place amongst these names exhibits his enduring cultural affect.

A Dwell Present With Evergreen Affect

Dwell tv occasions just like the VMAs are, by design, ephemeral. But sure moments reside on, replayed in spotlight reels, referenced in suppose items, and remembered by followers for years. LL Cool J internet hosting the VMAs solo has the potential to be a type of moments—not simply due to what he represents, however due to what he brings to the desk.

He’s one of many few artists who has efficiently transitioned from rapper to actor to cultural icon, with out ever shedding the credibility he constructed within the early ’80s and ’90s. His presence presents one thing uncommon: a bridge between hip-hop’s previous and its future.

However this isn’t nearly legacy. It’s about execution. LL Cool J is thought for his management on stage, his fast wit, and his capability to attach with audiences. That type of charisma doesn’t fade. And in an period the place internet hosting duties are sometimes cut up between influencers or comedians, LL brings weight, authority, and authenticity to the position.

Why Followers Ought to Tune In

Whether or not you’re a lifelong fan of LL Cool J or simply tuning in for in the present day’s hottest acts, this 12 months’s VMAs are shaping as much as be must-watch tv. Between the awards, the performances, and the potential for shock moments (you by no means know who may present up), the present presents one thing for everybody.

For hip-hop lovers, it’s a celebration of a style that’s nonetheless increasing. For pop followers, it’s an evening stuffed with visible spectacle. And for viewers focused on music historical past, LL Cool J’s solo internet hosting gig is a uncommon likelihood to witness a legend working at full pressure.

The VMAs aren’t nearly who wins. They’re about cultural moments—performances that pattern, speeches that spark dialog, visuals that linger. LL Cool J has delivered these moments earlier than. And odds are, he’s about to do it once more.

LL Cool J’s return to the VMAs as a solo host and Finest Hip-Hop nominee is greater than only a headline. It’s a reminder that legends don’t retire—they adapt, evolve, and reassert their place within the tradition. Because the world tunes in on September 7, audiences will see greater than a performer—they’ll see a blueprint for longevity in a quickly altering business.

The 2025 MTV Video Music Awards promise large performances, shock wins, and unforgettable moments. However due to LL Cool J, in addition they promise one thing else: a connection to the roots of hip-hop and a glimpse of its ongoing legacy. Whether or not you’re streaming out of your cellphone or watching reside on TV, that is one present you gained’t need to miss.