LL Cool J will host the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards, airing live coast-to-coast from UBS Arena in New York on Sunday, Sept. 7, at 8 p.m. Eastern/5 p.m. Pacific.
This will be his first time as the solo host of the show. He previously co-hosted in 2022 with Nicki Minaj and Jack Harlow. Hip-hop stars have frequently hosted the VMAs in recent years. Minaj hosted solo in 2023, and Megan Thee Stallion hosted last year.
LL Cool J has a notable history with the VMAs. He won best rap video in 1991 for “Mama Said Knock You Out” and was the first rapper to receive the Video Vanguard Award in 1997. He performed at the last two VMAs, participating in an all-star tribute to hip-hop’s 50th anniversary in 2023 and leading a 40th-anniversary tribute to Def Jam Recordings in 2024, which featured surprise appearances by Chuck D and Flavor Flav of Public Enemy.
This year, LL Cool J’s single “Murdergram Deaux,” featuring Eminem, is nominated for best hip-hop. The track is from his 2024 album “The Force.”
LL Cool J has hosted numerous awards shows, including the Grammys, which he emceed for five consecutive years from 2012 to 2016.
Additional performers, presenters, and special guests for the VMAs will be announced in the coming weeks.
Lady Gaga leads the nominations for the 2025 MTV VMAs with 12 nods, followed by Bruno Mars with 11 for their duet “Die With a Smile.” Other top nominees include Kendrick Lamar with 10, ROSÉ and Sabrina Carpenter with eight each, Ariana Grande and The Weeknd with seven each, and Billie Eilish with six.
MTV has not yet announced this year’s Video Vanguard Award recipient. Billboard’s Andrew Unterberger listed eight potential candidates, ranking them by likelihood. Last year, he accurately predicted Katy Perry as the recipient.
This year marks the first time the VMAs will be broadcast by CBS. The show will also simulcast on MTV and stream on Paramount+ in the United States.
The 2025 MTV VMAs are executive produced by Bruce Gillmer, Jesse Ignjatovic of Den of Thieves, and Barb Bialkowski. Van Toffler, CEO of Gunpowder & Sky, is the producer. Alicia Portugal is the co-executive producer. Jackie Barba is the executive in charge of production, Wendy Plaut oversees celebrity talent, and Lisa Lauricella manages music talent.
This event marks Toffler’s return to the VMAs after a decade-long absence.
