LL Cool J performs at Coachella 2025. Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images for Coachella Share on Facebook Share on X Share to Flipboard Send an Email Show additional share options Share on LinkedIn Share on Pinterest Share on Reddit Share on Tumblr Share on Whats App Print the Article Post a Comment LL Cool J, who is among the nominees at this year's MTV Video Music Awards, will be playing 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. THR Newsletters Sign up for THR news straight to your inbox every day Subscribe Sign Up Travis Kelce Taylor Swift's 'The Life of a Showgirl' Is "a Lot More Upbeat, a Lot More Fun Pop Excitement," Says Travis Kelce Taylor Swift Taylor Swift Reveals Tracklist and Release Date for New Album 'The Life of a Showgirl' On 'New Heights' Podcast music Austin Butler Says an Edible Is the Reason for His Awkward Dancing at Bad Bunny Concert THR Original Video Sylvester Stallone, Gloria Gaynor, Kiss Set for Kennedy Center Honors Amid Trump Overhaul THR, Esq Harvey Weinstein Awaits Possible Retrial on Rape Charge in New York music K-pop Rookies AtHeart on Their Debut EP 'Plot Twist,' Working with Katie Kang and Getting Some Valuable Advice From Girls Generation's Sooyoung Travis Kelce Taylor Swift's 'The Life of a Showgirl' Is "a Lot More Upbeat, a Lot More Fun Pop Excitement," Says Travis Kelce Taylor Swift Taylor Swift Reveals Tracklist and Release Date for New Album 'The Life of a Showgirl' On 'New Heights' Podcast music Austin Butler Says an Edible Is the Reason for His Awkward Dancing at Bad Bunny Concert THR Original Video Sylvester Stallone, Gloria Gaynor, Kiss Set for Kennedy Center Honors Amid Trump Overhaul THR, Esq Harvey Weinstein Awaits Possible Retrial on Rape Charge in New York music K-pop Rookies AtHeart on Their Debut EP 'Plot Twist,' Working with Katie Kang and Getting Some Valuable Advice From Girls Generation's Sooyoung