Mama must’ve told Doja Cat to knock out LL Cool J at the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards.
As host LL Cool J (real name James Todd Smith) was wrapping up his opening monologue at the Sept. 7 ceremony, a pre-recorded video of the “Paint the Town” rapper started playing on the jumbotron behind him on stage at the UBS Arena in New York. (Click here to see all the celebrities on the red carpet.)
“I don’t want not to be rude, but I’d just like to interrupt,” Doja began. “Can everyone sit down?”
She continued, “I’ve got something really special up my sleeve featuring me and Kenny G. So sit back, relax and turn the volume up.”
The 29-year-old then launched into an electric performance of “Jealous Type” featuring the famed saxophone player.
But LL Cool J was not mad about his monologue being cut short at all. In addition to being in on the gag, the “Going Back to Cali” rapper spoke about celebrating music in all forms during his opening.
“Music is the force that brings us all together,” he told the crowd. “No matter what you’re bumping on your playlist these days—pop, country, Latin, hip hop, K-pop, straight up rock—it’s all here.
This is the 57-year-old’s second time hosting the award show. In 2022, he shared emcee duties with Nicki Minaj and Jack Harlow.
“I remember the first time I hit the VMAs stage,” LL Cool J said at the time, recalling how he made his debut back in 1991. “In a lot of ways, we were introducing hip-hop to the world.”
And it was certainly a night to remember for the Any Given Sunday star, who nabbed a Best Rap Video award for his smash hit “Mama Said Knock You Out.” Six years later in 1997, he was given the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award, becoming the first-ever rapper to be honored with the prize.
In a full circle moment, he received the special Moon Person from Mariah Carey, who is this year’s Vanguard Award recipient.
In March, LL Cool J praised his “I’ll Be Lovin’ You Long Time” collaborator, calling her “one of the greatest singers, songwriters and artists of all time.”
“Year after year, decade after decade, Mariah has continued to share her stunning voice, her songwriting and her deeply personal story with millions of fans everywhere,” he shared onstage during the 2025 iHeartRadio Awards. “Along the way, Mariah has broken virtually every chart record around the globe.”
He added of the singer, “This is the extraordinary story, a successful story of a hero, a fantasy, a butterfly, a vision of love, who always has us feeling emotions.”
To see more celebrities at the 2025 MTV VMAs, keep reading.
Lady Gaga
In Marc Jacobs.
Sabrina Carpenter
In custom Valentino.
Ariana Grande
In custom Fendi and Swarovski jewelry.
Jessica Simpson
In Christian Siriano.
Doja Cat
In Balmain.
Ice Spice
In Ralph Lauren.
Paris Hilton
In The Blonds.
FKA twigs
Conan Gray
In Erik Charlotte.
GloRilla
In Helen Anthony.
Lenny Kravitz
In Saint Laurent.
Ciara
In Schiaparelli.
Taylor Momsen
Alix Earle
In Tom Ford.
Tyla
In vintage Chanel.
Ricky Martin
Tate McRae
In custom Ludovic de Saint Sernin.
Nicky Hilton
Yungblud
Ashlee Simpson
Malin Akerman
Brittany Snow
Summer Walker
With a Simitri bag.
Megan Moroney
Nicole “Snooki” Polizzi
Mike “The Situation” Sorrentino & Lauren Sorrentino
Sexxy Red
Nikki Glaser
In Ludovic de Saint Sernin.
KATSEYE
In Dolce & Gabbana.
Ty Dolla $ign
