LL Cool J is ready to get this party started!
The 57-year-old superstar, who is also the host of the evening, posed on the red carpet alongside wife Simone Smith at the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards on Sunday (September 7) at UBS Arena in Elmont, New York.
The two twinned in coordinating outfits on the red carpet. The couple are celebrating 30 years of marriage this year!
LL Cool J previously co-hosted the show in 2022 alongside Nicki Minaj and Jack Harlow.
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He’s no stranger to the VMAs stage: he won his first Moonperson in 1991 for Best Rap and became the first rapper to receive the Video Vanguard Award in 1997. More recent moments include a 2024 Def Jam 40th anniversary celebration with surprise guest Public Enemy and a 2023 all-star tribute for hip-hop’s 50th anniversary.
This year, LL Cool J is nominated for Best Hip-Hop for his single “Murdergram Deaux” featuring Eminem, from his 2024 album THE FORCE.
Lady Gaga leads the list of nominations this year with 12 nods and she’s part of the star-studded lineup of performers who will appear during the show. Make sure to tune in at 8pm ET/5pm PT for the live show.