LL Cool J is headed to the VMAs!
The entertainment icon and GRAMMY® and VMA Award-winner is set to host the 2025 MTV VMAs in New York this September, MTV and CBS revealed earlier today (August 14).
While LL is stranger to the big show, it will be the first time the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee and Hip-Hop trailblazer will take the VMAs reins solo, after previously serving as co-emcee in 2022 with Nicki Minaj and Jack Harlow. His single “Murdergram Deaux” (ft. Eminem) — off his 2024 critically-acclaimed album The Force — is also nominated for “Best Hip-Hop.”
Fans may also remember LL’s other milestone moments on the VMAs stage, which included a show-stopping celebration for Def Jam Recording’s 40th anniversary with surprise guest Public Enemy in 2024 and celebrating Hip-Hop turning 50 with an all-star tribute in 2023.
Last week, MTV revealed the nominees across 19-gender-neutral categories, and to no surprise,Lady Gaga leads the pack with a whopping twelve nominations at this year’s show, where she will be looking to add to her 18 VMAs wins with nominations in Video of the Year, Artist of the Year, Best Album and more. This marks the third time Gaga has led nominations, previously in 2010 (13 nods) and 2020 (tied with 9 nods).
Fns can vote for their favorites by visiting vote.mtv.com through September 5th @ 6PM ET; voting for “Best New Artist” will remain active into show on Sunday, September 10th.
The 2025 MTV VMAs air LIVE from the UBS Arena in New York on Sunday, September 7th @ 8PM ET/5PM PT on the CBS Television Network, simulcast on MTV and streaming on Paramount+ in the U.S.
