LL COOL J is set to host this year’s MTV Video Music Awards. The hip-hop icon co-hosted the show back in 2022 with Nicki Minaj and Jack Harlow, but MTV and CBS announced on Thursday that Uncle L is emceeing this year solo for the first time.
In addition to his previous hosting gig, the Queens rap legend has a lengthy history with the VMAs. He took home the award for Best Rap Video back in 1991. He was the first rapper to receive the Video Vanguard Award in 1997.
His single “Murdergram Deaux” (feat. Eminem) is also nominated this year for best hip-hop. The song is from his 2024 album THE FORCE. And LL is obviously quite comfortable as an awards show host: he emcees the Grammys for five consecutive years from 2012-16; and he’s also hosted the iHeartRadio awards in both 2022 and 2025.
As far as this year’s VMAs, Lady Gaga leads nominations with 12 nods, including video of the year, artist of the year and best album. Bruno Mars landed 11 nominations.
Among the others leading the pack are Kendrick Lamar, Sabrina Carpenter, Beyoncé, Ariana Grande, The Weeknd, Blackpink singer Rosé, Billie Eilish and Charli XCX. Also, the VMAs finally added a Best Country category to the show’s lineup.
The 2025 MTV Video Music Awards air live from New York’s UBS Arena on September 7 at 8pm EST on CBS. This is the awards show’s first time airing on CBS— in addition to their longtime home on MTV and streaming live on Paramount+. More performers, presenters and guests will be revealed in coming weeks.
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