Busta Rhymes celebrated his first-ever VMA win on the 2025 MTV Awards with a tribute to LL Cool J and a heartfelt nod to Ananda Lewis.
Busta Rhymes snagged his first-ever MTV VMA on Sunday (September 7) on the UBS Area in Elmont, New York, accepting the inaugural Rock The Bells Visionary Award whereas saluting LL Cool J and remembering late MTV idol Ananda Lewis.
After 16 nominations and greater than three many years within the recreation, the Hip-Hop heavyweight lastly took dwelling a Moon Individual trophy.
“Y’all know I often do these lengthy speeches, I’m not gonna do one at present. However subsequent time y’all take 35 years to offer me one among these, y’all gonna let me discuss so long as I would like!” Busta joked on stage, drawing laughs and cheers from the group.
The Rock The Bells Visionary Award, introduced for the primary time this yr, acknowledges trailblazers who’ve redefined Hip-Hop tradition and music video artistry.
Busta Rhymes Offers LL Cool J His Flowers Throughout Acceptance Speech
The award is a part of a collaboration with the Rock The Bells model, based by LL Cool J, who additionally hosted the VMAs solo for the primary time.
Busta used the second to pay homage to LL, calling him “the explanation I wrote my first rhyme.”
He additionally delivered an emotional tribute to Lewis, the beloved MTV VJ who handed away in 2023.
“An unimaginable lady that beloved me, and she or he beloved us. She beloved the tradition; she lifted us up,” he mentioned, additionally thanking her household in attendance. “I like her very a lot. I miss her very a lot.”
He acknowledged his mother and father, youngsters and shut supporters, reflecting on the significance of getting his family members witness the milestone.
“The blessings don’t cease, so we don’t cease, child,” he mentioned to shut out his speech.
Earlier than accepting the award, Busta lit up the stage with a medley of his classics, together with “Gimme Some Extra,” “Contact It” and “Cross the Courvoisier,” reminding everybody why his presence in Hip-Hop stays unmatched.
The 2025 MTV Video Music Awards came about Sunday (September 7) at UBS Area in Elmont, New York.
