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LL COOL J to Host 2025 MTV “VMAs” on CBS

LL COOL J to Host 2025 MTV “VMAs” on CBS

Photo Credit: Peter Yang

 

  • 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, Sept. 7 at 8PM ET/5 PM PT on the CBS Television Network, simulcast on MTV and streaming on Paramount+ in the U.S.*
    • 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 2024 critically acclaimed album THE FORCE.
  • Additional performers, presenters and special guests to be revealed in the coming weeks. Follow @CBS, @MTV & @VMAs on social to keep up with all-things #VMAs.
  • Press Assets:

 

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.

 

PRESS CREDENTIAL APPLICATION:

  • To apply for 2025 “VMAs” Press Credentials, fill out the application HERE no later than Friday. Aug. 15, 2025 @ 8PM ET / 5PM PT. *Please note that submitting an application does NOT guarantee approval. 

 

*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 stream live but will have access to on-demand the day after the special airs. 

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MTV Press Contacts:

Lauren Nowell: Lauren.Nowell@paramount.com

Ali Marszalkowski: Ali.Marszalkowski@paramount.com

Kelly Andersen: Kelly.Andersen@paramount.com

Parker Moreno: Parker.Moreno@paramount.com

Sophie Kaiser: Sophie.Kaiser@paramount.com

Triple 7 PR: vmas@triple7pr.com

 

CBS Press Contacts:

Kate Fisher: khfisher@cbs.com

Victoria Saavedra: Victoria.Saavedra@paramount.com

 

UBS Arena Press Contact:

Kerry Graue: kerry.graue@ubsarena.com

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