LL Cool J has been officially announced as the host of the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards, marking yet another milestone in his decades-long connection with one of the music industry’s most iconic nights.
The star-studded ceremony is set for Sunday, September 7, at New York’s UBS Arena. For the first time, the event will be broadcast live on both CBS and MTV, with global streaming available via Paramount Plus, expanding its reach to millions of music fans worldwide.
The 57-year-old rap pioneer won’t just be holding the microphone as host — he’s also in the running for an award. His track Murdergram Deux with Eminem has secured a nomination for Best Hip Hop. The competitive category also features Doechii’s Anxiety, Drake’s NOKIA, Eminem and Jelly Roll’s Somebody Save Me, GloRilla and Sexyy Red’s WHATCHU KNO ABOUT ME, and Kendrick Lamar’s Not Like Us.
LL Cool J’s history with the MTV VMAs runs deep. He first claimed a Moon Person trophy in 1991, winning Best Rap Video for Mama Said Knock You Out. Six years later, in 1997, he became the first rapper to earn the prestigious Video Vanguard Award. Over the years, he has returned to the stage multiple times — including a 2022 co-hosting role alongside Nicki Minaj and Jack Harlow, a 2023 performance celebrating hip hop’s 50th anniversary, and a 2024 appearance for Def Jam’s 40th anniversary tribute.
This year, Lady Gaga leads the pack with twelve nominations — the third time she’s topped the list, setting a new record. Bruno Mars follows with eleven, while Kendrick Lamar boasts ten. Rising stars Rosé and Sabrina Carpenter each earned eight nods, with recognition in major categories such as Best Pop and Artist of the Year.