LL COOL J to Host the 2025 MTV VMAs Solo, Live from New York

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.

VMAs 2025 Performer & Honoree Announcement

With a major update, organizers just revealed the first wave of performers and honorees.

Here’s who you can expect to see onscreen:

• Alex Warren will make his VMAs debut this year. He already holds nominations for Best New Artist, Best Pop, and Song of the Year for his global smash “Ordinary.”
• Busta Rhymes will receive the inaugural Rock the Bells Visionary Award, honoring his boundary-breaking 20+ year career—12 GRAMMY® nods, millions of album sales, and iconic VMA moments since his 1997 debut.
• J Balvin, accompanied by DJ Snake, will return with a fiery performance of his hit “Zun Zun”. He’ll be making his VMAs debut with the live premiere of their collaboration “Noventa.”
• Ricky Martin is set to receive the first-ever Latin Icon Award, marking his four-decade influence on music, culture, and Latin representation. This also marks 26 years since his legendary 1999 VMA performance.
• Sabrina Carpenter, fresh off winning Song of the Year at the 2024 VMAs, returns with eight nominations this year. Nominations include Video of the Year for “Manchild,” off her upcoming album Man’s Best Friend.
• sombr, the breakout singer-songwriter and producer, will make his award show debut, with nominations for Best New Artist and Best Alternative for his hit “back to friends.”

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.