ELMONT, NEW YORK — It’s official: Busta Rhymes is now a proud VMA winner. The legendary New York rapper, who’s been shaping hip-hop for over three decades, finally got his moment at the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards on September 7. He snagged the inaugural Rock The Bells Visionary Award, presented by LL COOL J — an honor celebrating artists who push boundaries in hip-hop and music videos.
Even with 16 previous nominations under his belt, Busta handled his win with a light-hearted touch. “Y’all know I usually do these long speeches, I’m not gonna do one today. But next time y’all take 35 years to give me one of these, y’all gonna let me talk as long as I want!” he joked, earning laughter and applause from the crowd.
He didn’t stop there. Busta gave a heartfelt shoutout to LL COOL J, who not only hosted the show solo for the first time but also lends his name to the award. “My NY neighbor is the reason I wrote my first rhyme,” Busta said, giving props to LL for inspiring his early grind.
The rapper also honored the late Ananda Lewis, the former MTV VJ who passed away in June at age 52 after battling lung cancer. “I want to thank… and I think we all need to acknowledge the incredible woman that loved us very much when we came to MTV during the 90s… I miss her very much–the late, great, incredible, royal empress, Ananda Lewis,” Busta shared.
Before wrapping up, Busta added his signature positivity: “The blessings don’t stop, so we don’t stop, baby.” Fans also got a taste of his legendary energy as he performed hits like Gimme Some More, Touch It, and Pass the Courvoisier on the VMA stage.
Busta was among several hip-hop winners that night. Doechii claimed Best Hip-Hop for Anxiety and snagged Best Choreography, while Kendrick Lamar walked away with Best Cinematography for Not Like Us.
After decades in the game, Busta Rhymes’ VMA win proves good things come to those who keep pushing the culture forward — all while keeping it real.
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