LL Cool J to Host 2025 MTV VMAs on CBS

Entertainment icon and GRAMMY® and VMA Award winner LL COOL J will host the 2025 MTV VMAs LIVE coast-to-coast from New York’s UBS Arena Sunday, September 7 @ 8:00 PM, ET/5:00 PM, PT on the CBS Television Network, simulcast on MTV and streaming on Paramount+ in the U.S.* Paramount+. Thousands of episodes, live TV & exclusive originals–all in one place. Get Started!

The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee and hip-hop trailblazer will take the VMAs reins solo for the first time, after previously serving as co-emcee in 2022 with Nicki Minaj and Jack Harlow.

He took home his first Moon Person in 1991 for Best Rap and was the first rapper to receive the Video Vanguard Award in 1997.

Other milestone moments on the VMAs stage include 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.

This year, his single “Murdergram Deaux” (ft. Eminem) is nominated for Best Hip Hop. The song was off his critically acclaimed 2024 album THE FORCE.

Additional performers, presenters, and special guests to be revealed in the coming weeks. Follow @CBS, @MTV, and @VMAs on social to keep up with all-things #VMAs.

About the 2025 VMAs:

Production Credits: The 2025 VMAs are produced by Gunpowder & Sky. Bruce Gillmer, Den of Thieves co-founder Jesse Ignjatovic, and Barb Bialkowski are executive producers. Alicia Portugal is co-executive producer. Jackie Barba is executive in charge of production. Wendy Plaut is executive in charge of celebrity talent. Lisa Lauricella is executive in charge of music talent.

Sponsors: Official sponsors of the 2025 VMAs include BACARDÍ® Rum, Burger King®, DORITOS®, Downy Unstopables, Dunkin’®, The General Insurance®, PANTENE and Under Armour.

*Paramount+ Premium plan subscribers will have access to stream live via the live feed of their local CBS affiliate on the service, as well as on demand. Paramount+ Essential subscribers will not have the option to st