Busta Rhymes is set to make history once again. The hip-hop powerhouse, fresh off receiving his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, will be the very first recipient of the MTV VMA Rock the Bells Visionary Award at the 2025 Video Music Awards. MTV has praised him as “one of hip-hop’s greatest visual artists,” and this new honour cements his position as one of the culture’s most enduring and innovative forces. Fans can also look forward to one of his explosive live performances during the ceremony, a signature highlight of any event Busta touches.
The Rock the Bells Visionary Award was created to celebrate artistry that transcends boundaries, and few artists embody that ethos like Busta. With a career spanning decades, the rapper has sold over 20 million albums worldwide, landed seven Top 10 debuts on the Billboard 200, and earned 12 Grammy nominations. His catalogue boasts more than 60 million certified gold and platinum records, proof that his influence isn’t just cultural but commercial as well. In 2024, he was also recognised with the MTV Global Icon Award, a clear indicator of his staying power.
This year’s VMAs, set for September 7 at UBS Arena in New York, will be hosted by another hip-hop giant, LL COOL J. The “Mama Said Knock You Out” legend is returning to helm the show after previously co-hosting in 2022 alongside Nicki Minaj and Jack Harlow. LL himself shares a deep history with MTV, having won his first Moon Person in 1991 and becoming the first rapper to claim the Video Vanguard Award in 1997. His presence on stage alongside Busta’s groundbreaking recognition underscores the VMAs’ renewed commitment to honouring hip-hop’s trailblazers.
The nominations for this year’s ceremony reflect a stacked roster of global superstars. Lady Gaga leads with 12 nods, marking the first time in her career she’s topped the VMA nominations list. Kendrick Lamar and Bruno Mars follow closely with 11 each, while ROSÉ and Sabrina Carpenter scored eight apiece. Ariana Grande and The Weeknd are both contenders with seven nominations, Billie Eilish secured six, and Charli XCX earned five. Beyoncé and Taylor Swift, two of music’s biggest forces, will also face off for Artist of the Year.
For the first time, the VMAs will air live not only on MTV but also on CBS, with simultaneous streaming on Paramount+. Between the historic debut of the Rock the Bells Visionary Award, LL COOL J’s hosting return, and a star-studded list of nominees, the 2025 VMAs are shaping up to be one of the most unforgettable nights in music television.
