Busta Rhymes celebrated his first-ever VMA win on the 2025 MTV Awards with a tribute to LL Cool J and a heartfelt nod to Ananda Lewis.

Busta Rhymes snagged his first-ever MTV VMA on Sunday (September 7) on the UBS Arena in Elmont, New York, accepting the inaugural Rock The Bells Visionary Award whereas saluting LL Cool J and remembering late MTV idol Ananda Lewis.

After 16 nominations and greater than three many years within the sport, the Hip-Hop heavyweight lastly took dwelling a Moon Person trophy.

“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!” Busta joked on stage, drawing laughs and cheers from the group.

The Rock The Bells Visionary Award, offered for the primary time this yr, acknowledges trailblazers who’ve redefined Hip-Hop tradition and music video artistry.

Busta Rhymes Gives LL Cool J His Flowers During Acceptance Speech

The award is a part of a collaboration with the Rock The Bells model, based by LL Cool J, who additionally hosted the VMAs solo for the primary time.

Busta used the second to pay homage to LL, calling him “the reason I wrote my first rhyme.”

He additionally delivered an emotional tribute to Lewis, the beloved MTV VJ who handed away in 2023.

“An incredible woman that loved me, and she loved us. She loved the culture; she lifted us up,” he stated, additionally thanking her household in attendance. “I love her very much. I miss her very much.”

He acknowledged his mother and father, kids and shut supporters, reflecting on the significance of getting his family members witness the milestone.

“The blessings don’t stop, so we don’t stop, baby,” he stated to shut out his speech.

Before accepting the award, Busta lit up the stage with a medley of his classics, together with “Gimme Some More,” “Touch It” and “Pass the Courvoisier,” reminding everybody why his presence in Hip-Hop stays unmatched.

The 2025 MTV Video music Awards happened Sunday (September 7) at UBS Arena in Elmont, New York.

Related