Hip-hop icon LL Cool J is returning to the MTV Video Music Awards stage as host of the 2025 ceremony.
According to a press release, this marks his second time hosting the annual event. He first did so in 2022 alongside Nicki Minaj and Jack Harlow.
LL is also up for an award this year, scoring a nomination for “Murdergram Deux” featuring Eminem, a track from his 2024 album The Force.
The rapper’s VMA history runs deep — he snagged his first Moon Person back in 1991 for “Best Rap” and became the first rapper to ever receive the Video Vanguard Award in 1997. He’s also been part of milestone celebrations, including Def Jam’s 40th anniversary and Hip-Hop’s 50th in 2023.
This year’s show is already shaping up to be star-studded, with performers like Alex Warren, Busta Rhymes, J. Balvin ft. DJ Snake, Ricky Martin, Sabrina Carpenter, and sombr. Busta Rhymes will be honored with the MTV Rock the Bells Visionary Award, while Ricky Martin is set to receive the Latin Icon Award.
Leading the nominations is Kendrick Lamar with 11 nods, including “Artist of the Year,” “Best Hip Hop,” and “Video of the Year” for “Not Like Us.” Bruno Mars follows with 10 nominations, and The Weeknd trails with seven, including “Video of the Year” for his collab “Timeless” with Playboi Carti. Rising star Doechii earned four nominations, including “Song of the Year” for “Anxiety.”
Fans can vote until September 5, with the “Best New Artist” category staying open right up until the live broadcast.
Now in its 41st year, the VMAs will be broadcast on CBS for the first time, simulcast on MTV, and available to stream on Paramount+ in the U.S.
