LL Cool J reflects on VMAs impact ahead of hosting: 'Melting pot of all kinds of music'

LL Cool J has been bringing the cool and captivating crowds with his voice for decades.

Following his epic six-minute medley at the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards, where he performed his hits "Going Back To Cali" and "Headsprung," the multihyphenate plans to bring the energy as the emcee for this year's celebration that captures the attention of different generations of music lovers.

"I enjoy hosting because it's a chance to get close to new fans (and) a chance to see fans that have been along for the journey," LL Cool J tells USA TODAY. "I get to see new artists, new acts."

For this year's event, the VMAs (airing live on MTV Sept. 7) will bring star power to the stage with Busta Rhymes, Sabrina Carpenter, Ricky Martin and Post Malone.

LL, who previously cohosted the show with Nicki Minaj and Jack Harlow in 2022, calls the VMAs "the ultimate playlist," adding that it's "a melting pot of all kinds of music and all kinds of images."

'Full circle' moment for LL Cool J, Mariah Carey at VMAs

Some of the most iconic moments in LL Cool J's career could be traced to the VMAs stage. Dressed in a leather hat and sleeveless vest, the rapper had the crowd with their hands in the air during his performance of "Mama Said Knock You Out" in 1991.

He won the award for best rap video for the song at the same show. Five years later, he made a grand entrance riding a motorcycle for a risqué performance to his song, "Doin' It," a chart hit.

However, being honored with the Video Vanguard Award in 1997 was a "really memorable moment" for him. It placed him in a class with legendary recipients before him that included Madonna, Janet Jackson, and Guns N' Roses.

"My performances stick out, but more than that, receiving the video Vanguard Award was pretty amazing," he says.

Back then, he broke barriers when he became the first rapper to receive the award, presented by prime Mariah Carey, who was selected for the award this year.

"Mariah Carey gave it to me back then, you know what I'm saying? And now come full circle, she's getting one," he continues.

This year, he could secure another moon person statue for best hip hop for "Murdergram Deux" with Eminem. The key to his longevity, he says, is remaining inspired and paying attention.

VMAs are 'relevant' now more than ever, LL Cool J says

The VMAs have been a medium for musicians to be acknowledged for their visual impact since its launch in the 1980s. "It's about your art impacting the world visually," LL says when reflecting on what the show means to him as an artist.

"We live in a time now where really a lot of people listen with their eyes, so it's kind of more relevant now than it's ever been. I think that's always been a dynamic part of hip-hop."

It also served as one of the vehicles for the genre, once considered a fad, to be highlighted on a global scale. By the '90s, hip-hop cemented itself as a mainstream mainstay, and the artists' compelling music videos brought the culture to new heights.

Busta Rhymes, a juggernaut championed for his visual contributions, is set to receive the first MTV VMA Rock The Bells Visionary Award.

"The whole world is kind of dancing to the beat of this hip-hop drum. Culturally, a lot of that has to do with the clothing, and a lot of that has to do with the jewelry," LL says. "A lot of that has to do with the cause, with the way that we presented ourselves from day one. The VMAs and MTV in general, were pivotal in in kind of … providing that platform."

He's dedicated to his duty to keep the crowd hype at this year's ceremony: "The goal is to just make it fun for everybody that's watching the show and make sure they have a good time."

Taylor Ardrey is a news reporter for USA TODAY. You can reach her at [email protected].