LL COOL J will host the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards on Sept. 7, marking his first time as the show’s solo emcee. The live broadcast from UBS Arena will air at 8 p.m. Eastern on CBS, simulcast on MTV, and streamed on Paramount+ in the United States.
The rapper, actor, and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee is a longtime fixture at the VMAs. He won his first Moon Person trophy in 1991 for Best Rap and became the first rapper to earn the Video Vanguard Award in 1997.
In addition to his music career, LL COOL J has starred in films such as “Any Given Sunday” and “Deep Blue Sea” and appeared in the long-running CBS drama “NCIS: Los Angeles.”
In recent years, he has returned to the VMA stage for notable moments, including a 2023 performance celebrating Hip-Hop’s 50th anniversary and a 2024 tribute marking Def Jam Recordings’ 40th anniversary alongside Public Enemy.
His latest single, “Murdergram Deaux” featuring Eminem, is nominated this year for Best Hip-Hop. The track is featured on his 2024 album “The Force.”
MTV says more performers, presenters, and special appearances will be announced in the weeks leading up to the show.
