LL Cool J Set to Host 2025 MTV VMAs

LL Cool J, who is among the nominees at this year’s MTV Video Music Awards, will do double duty at the show, as it was announced Thursday he will also serve as the night’s host.

The rapper will take the VMAs stage solo for the first time, after previously serving as co-emcee in 2022 with Nicki Minaj and Jack Harlow. LL Cool J has a long history with the show as well, as he took home his first Moon Person in 1991 for best rap, was the first rapper to receive the Video Vanguard Award in 1997, and has performed in tributes for Def Jam Recording’s 40th anniversary and for hip-hop turning 50. This year, his single “Murdergram Deux” (ft. Eminem) is nominated for the best hip-hop category, off of his recent album The Force.

The VMAs are set to air live from New York’s UBS Arena on Sept. 7, with Lady Gaga leading this year’s nominations. Bruno Mars, Kendrick Lamar, Ariana Grande, Billie Eilish, Rosé, Sabrina Carpenter and The Weeknd are also among the top contenders, and the race for most-ever VMAs wins continues between Beyoncé and Taylor Swift, who are both nominated for artist of the year.

The awards will air on CBS for the first time in addition to their longtime home on MTV and stream live on Paramount+ (for subscribers to the service’s premium plan). Former MTV head Van Toffler and his company Gunpowder & Sky will produce the show along with Den of Thieves. Additional performers, presenters and special guests to be revealed in the coming weeks.