With the summer rapidly coming to a close, fall is fast approaching, and with it comes the 2025 MTV VMAs.
This year, LL COOL J will take the reins for the first time as solo emcee, bringing his Hip-Hop royalty status to the UBS Arena in NYC on Sunday, Sept. 7 at 8 PM ET/5 PM PT. The show airs live on CBS (for the first time ever). It will be simulcast on MTV and streamed on Paramount+ in the U.S.
This isn’t LL’s first VMA rodeo. In 2022, he co-hosted with Nicki Minaj and Jack Harlow, but this year it’s all him, energy dialed up. His VMA history runs deep: first Moon Person in 1991 for “Best Rap,” the first rapper ever to take home the Video Vanguard Award in 1997, and unforgettable on-stage moments like last year’s Def Jam 40th anniversary blowout with Public Enemy and 2023’s 50 Years of Hip-Hop tribute that had the whole arena on its feet.
This time, LL isn’t just hosting — he’s nominated. His track “Murdergram Deaux” featuring Eminem, from his 2024 critically acclaimed album THE FORCE, is up for Best Hip-Hop. It’s a full-circle moment: the pioneer who helped shape the genre is still in the running decades later.
The rest of the night? Still under wraps — for now. MTV promises more performers, presenters, and surprise guests to be announced in the coming weeks. If past VMAs are anything to go by, expect big names, bigger moments, and maybe even a few jaw-dropping collabs.
The 2025 VMAs come from production powerhouse Gunpowder & Sky, with Bruce Gillmer, Jesse Ignjatovic (co-founder of Den of Thieves), and Barb Bialkowski serving as executive producers. Alicia Portugal steps in as co-executive producer, Jackie Barba is the executive in charge of production, Wendy Plaut oversees celebrity talent, and Lisa Lauricella handles music talent.
Paramount+ Premium subscribers can watch live through their local CBS affiliate and stream on demand. Essential subscribers get on-demand access the next day.
This year’s VMAs are already shaping up to be a landmark — not just for LL COOL J, but for Hip-Hop’s ongoing legacy on the VMA stage. Be sure to get your votes in for the 2025 VMA’s here.
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