LL Cool J Returns to the VMAs: The ‘Crossing Guard’ of Hip-Hop Ready to Steer the Show!

When MTV announced that LL Cool J would once again take the stage as host of the Video Music Awards, there was a collective nod of approval from fans and industry veterans alike.

Few figures embody the marriage of hip-hop and mainstream entertainment as seamlessly as LL. At 57 years old, the rapper-turned-actor, whose career spans nearly four decades, is preparing to guide the 2025 VMAs with the kind of steady hand only a seasoned veteran can provide.

The show will air live this Sunday, September 7, from New York’s UBS Arena, and if LL’s comments are anything to go by, the night promises to be as smooth as it is celebratory.

In typically self-deprecating fashion, LL Cool J described his role as “like a junior high crossing guard,” quipping that his responsibility is to make sure the night flows safely without unnecessarily stealing the spotlight.

“I’m not here to be the show,” he explained in a recent interview. “I’m here to guide the show. Think of me like the crossing guard with the stop sign, making sure the kids get across the street in one piece.”

It’s a refreshingly grounded perspective, particularly in an industry where hosts often try to outshine the performers they introduce.

But make no mistake—LL Cool J’s presence at the VMAs carries its own weight. Since his breakout in the mid-1980s, LL has been one of the most influential voices in hip-hop, balancing a career that spans classic rap hits, blockbuster films, television stardom, and even entrepreneurial ventures.

He hosted the VMAs once before and has appeared at countless award shows, but his return in 2025 feels especially symbolic. As hip-hop continues to cement its place as a dominant cultural force, having one of the genre’s elder statesmen steering the evening adds a layer of gravitas.

This year’s ceremony will also mark the introduction of a new accolade: the Rock the Bells Visionary Award, named after LL’s 1985 hit “Rock the Bells.” The award is designed to honor individuals who have reshaped and expanded the boundaries of hip-hop culture.

The inaugural recipient will be none other than Busta Rhymes, a legend in his own right, whose energetic style, lyrical dexterity, and larger-than-life persona have made him a cornerstone of rap history. LL himself expressed pride in being able to present such an honor, calling it “a full-circle moment for hip-hop.”

The decision to tie the award to LL’s iconic song is no coincidence. “Rock the Bells” wasn’t just a track—it was a statement of intent, announcing a brash teenager’s arrival on the world stage.

Forty years later, that energy has evolved into an institution, with LL’s Rock the Bells brand serving as a cultural hub celebrating classic hip-hop. By embedding the award into the VMAs, MTV acknowledges not just the past but also the enduring influence of the genre’s pioneers.

Fans tuning in can expect LL’s signature blend of charisma, humor, and respect for the culture. While he teased that there will be a few outfit changes—“not excessive, don’t worry”—he emphasized that his focus is on keeping the spotlight where it belongs: on the performers and the moments.

“It’s their night,” he said, “I’m just here to make sure everything goes smoothly.” That philosophy is a stark contrast to some of the chaotic hosting stints of the past, when comedians or musicians attempted to dominate the show with skits or controversial antics.

LL Cool J, by contrast, offers stability and class.

The choice of UBS Arena in New York as the venue adds another layer of significance. For LL Cool J, a Queens native, hosting the VMAs in his home state carries personal resonance.

The rapper has long spoken about the importance of New York as hip-hop’s birthplace, and bringing one of music’s biggest nights back to the Empire State feels like a homecoming of sorts. Expect subtle nods to the city’s role in shaping both LL’s career and the genre at large.

Of course, the VMAs are never just about the host. The night is expected to feature explosive performances, viral fashion statements, and unpredictable moments that have defined the award show for decades.

But in an era where live television increasingly struggles to capture the cultural zeitgeist, LL Cool J’s steady hand could help anchor the show in tradition while allowing the new generation of stars to shine.

The announcement of his hosting gig has already sparked buzz across social media. Fans praised MTV for choosing a figure who embodies both credibility and entertainment value.

“LL Cool J is the definition of cool,” one fan tweeted. “No gimmicks, just pure class. Perfect host.” Another wrote, “From ‘Mama Said Knock You Out’ to hosting the VMAs at 57—he’s living legend status.”

Even younger fans, who may know him more from NCIS: Los Angeles than his rap career, expressed excitement at seeing him bring his presence to one of music’s most unpredictable stages.

The VMAs have always been about creating moments—whether shocking, hilarious, or deeply moving—and LL Cool J is uniquely equipped to bridge generations.

He knows how to honor the pioneers while embracing the current chart-toppers. He understands the rhythm of live television, the demands of a global audience, and the unpredictability of artists who may decide to push the boundaries in real time.

As he put it, “My job is to make sure the show doesn’t go off the rails, but still feels like the VMAs. That’s the balance.”

If history is any guide, LL will succeed. His previous hosting stints and countless live appearances have proven his ability to adapt and command a room without overshadowing it.

More importantly, his reputation within the hip-hop community ensures that when he speaks—whether introducing a performer or presenting an award—it carries weight.

As Sunday approaches, anticipation is building not just for the performances and surprises, but for how LL Cool J will guide the evening.

Will he crack a few jokes? Certainly. Will he remind us of hip-hop’s deep roots and its bright future? Absolutely.

And will he, like the crossing guard he likened himself to, ensure that every artist, every performance, and every award makes it safely across the stage? Without a doubt.

In the end, LL Cool J’s return to the VMAs is more than a hosting gig—it’s a reminder of the genre’s evolution, the resilience of its pioneers, and the enduring cool of a man who has been redefining the word for nearly 40 years.

As the lights go up at UBS Arena and the cameras roll, one thing is clear: with LL Cool J at the helm, the 2025 MTV VMAs are in very good hands.