LL Cool J to Host the 2025 MTV VMAs

Legendary rapper LL Cool J has been tapped to host the MTV VMA awards.

Per a press release, this is the second time the entertainer will host the annual music awards show. He previously hosted in 2022 with Nicki Minaj and Jack Harlow.

LL is nominated for his single “Murdergram Deux,” featuring Eminem. The single is off his most recent album, The Force, released in September 2024.

Previously, the rapper was part of a show-stopping celebration for Def Jam Recordings' 40th anniversary and a celebration of the 50th anniversary of Hip-Hop in 2023. LL took home his first Moon Person in 1991 for “Best Rap” and was the first rapper to receive the Video Vanguard Award in 1997.

The music news channel announced the first group of superstar performers at this year’s awards show, including Alex Warren, Busta Rhymes, J. Balvin ft. DJ Snake, Ricky Martin, Sabrina Carpenter, and sombr.

During this year’s show, Rhymes will receive the MTV Rock the Bells Visionary Award. Additionally, Martin will be honored with the Latin Icon Award.

This year's VMAs nominees also include Kendrick Lamar, who has 11 nominations, which include the categories of "Artist of the Year," "Best Hip Hop" and "Video of the Year" for "Not Like Us." Bruno Mars has 10 nominations and The Weeknd has seven, including "Video of the Year" for “Timeless” with Playboi Carti.

Doechii was nominated four times, including "Song of the Year" for “Anxiety.” Fans can vote through September 5. Voting for Best New Artist remains active until the live show.

The MTV VMA Awards are celebrating their 41st anniversary. The first awards show was broadcast on September 14, 1984.

The show will be broadcast by CBS for the first time, simulcast on MTV, and available for streaming on Paramount+ in the United States.