Busta Rhymes, Ricky Martin, and others to make history at 2025 MTV VMAs

This year’s MTV Video Music Awards is set to make history by awarding two new honors to acclaimed artists in the realm of rap and Latin music.

Renowned rapper Busta Rhymes is slated to receive the pioneering MTV VMA Rock the Bells Visionary Award, while Ricky Martin will be recognized with the debut Latin Icon Award, as confirmed by the VMAs on Monday.

The Rock the Bells Visionary Award is intended to commemorate the hip-hop star’s groundbreaking cultural influence and exceptional music career, as stated in the announcement. Busta Rhymes, a veteran of the VMAs stage, having performed multiple times since his inaugural appearance in 1997, will also grace the ceremony with a live performance.

In addition, Ricky Martin, with a longstanding association with the VMAs which commenced with his first performance in 1999, is scheduled to perform and be lauded for a career spanning four decades that propelled Latin music and culture into the mainstream.

The upcoming 2025 VMAs, to be broadcast live from the UBS Arena on Long Island, New York, on September 7 at 8 p.m. Eastern, will feature a stellar lineup of performances including Busta Rhymes, Ricky Martin, Alex Warren, J Balvin, Sabrina Carpenter, and Sombr.

One of the nominees for Best New Artist, Best Pop, and Song of the Year, Alex Warren will be making his VMA debut by performing his breakout hit “Ordinary.” Additionally, newcomer Sombr, a singer, songwriter, and producer, will be making his awards show debut.

J Balvin is set to deliver an electrifying performance of “Zun Zun” alongside Latin artists Justin Quiles and Lenny Tavárez, as well as a rendition of “Noventa” with producer DJ Snake. Sabrina Carpenter, who previously clinched the Song of the Year award at last year’s VMAs, will return to perform “Manchild.”

LL Cool J, a seasoned winner, co-host, and performer at the MTV Video Music Awards, will be taking the helm as the host for the 2025 edition. Having previously co-hosted with Nicki Minaj and Jack Harlow in 2022, LL Cool J will now assume the solo hosting duties for the upcoming ceremony.

Moreover, Lady Gaga leads the nominations this year with 12 nods, including Artist of the Year. Gaga’s impressive haul of nominations surpasses previous top contender Taylor Swift, who managed to secure just one nomination in the Artist of the Year category.

Overall, the 2025 MTV VMAs promise to be a night of celebration honoring the groundbreaking achievements and contributions of iconic artists in the realms of rap and Latin music.