The 2025 MTV Video Music Awards are already shaping up to be a historic night for music and culture. MTV has announced that two legendary figures, Busta Rhymes and Ricky Martin, will each receive inaugural awards that celebrate their trailblazing contributions to music as reported by AP.

Busta Rhymes will be honored with the first-ever Rock the Bells Visionary Award, while Ricky Martin will take home the first-ever Latin Icon Award. Both artists will also perform live during the ceremony, which airs September 7 from the UBS Arena in Long Island.

Honoring Legends Across Generations

Busta Rhymes: Hip-Hop Visionary

Known for his rapid-fire flow, futuristic videos, and genre-bending collaborations, Busta Rhymes has been a pillar of hip-hop culture since the 1990s. From his early days with Leaders of the New School to chart-topping solo hits like Put Your Hands Where My Eyes Could See and Break Ya Neck, Busta’s career has spanned decades with unmatched energy.

His MTV VMA performances are the stuff of legend, and the Rock the Bells Visionary Award—named after LL Cool J’s iconic platform dedicated to preserving and elevating hip-hop—cements his status as a cultural innovator.

Ricky Martin: Latin Icon

At the same time, Ricky Martin will become the first recipient of the Latin Icon Award, honoring his role in bringing Latin pop to the global mainstream. From Livin’ la Vida Loca to She Bangs, Ricky helped usher in a wave of Latin crossover hits in the late 1990s and early 2000s that forever changed the landscape of pop culture.

Even today, Martin’s performances continue to inspire new generations of artists, proving that his influence is as strong as ever.

Performances to Watch

This year’s VMAs won’t stop with the honorees. A star-studded lineup is set to take the stage:

• Alex Warren, the breakout star, will make his VMA debut.

• J Balvin will perform alongside Justin Quiles, Lenny Tavárez, and DJ Snake in what’s expected to be a high-energy reggaeton showcase.

• Sabrina Carpenter returns after a massive year of chart success.

• Rising artist sombr will perform at the VMAs for the very first time.

With Busta Rhymes and Ricky Martin headlining the night, the 2025 VMAs promise a dynamic mix of nostalgia and new wave energy.

Hosted by LL Cool J

Adding another layer of cultural impact, the 2025 VMAs will be hosted by LL Cool J, a hip-hop pioneer and longtime figure in MTV history. His involvement underscores the ceremony’s commitment to celebrating hip-hop’s 50+ year legacy while also honoring music’s global future.

Why This Matters for Urban Culture

For urban media and culture, the recognition of both Busta Rhymes and Ricky Martin represents more than awards—it’s a celebration of authenticity, innovation, and cultural crossover.

• Busta Rhymes embodies hip-hop’s ability to evolve while staying true to its roots.

• Ricky Martin symbolizes the global rise of Latin music and its powerful influence on mainstream pop.

• Together, their honors show how genres once seen as niche have become pillars of global entertainment.

Final Word

As the countdown begins to the 2025 MTV VMAs, all eyes will be on Busta Rhymes and Ricky Martin as they take their well-deserved place in history. With performances from today’s hottest stars and a nostalgic nod to icons who paved the way, this year’s show promises to be one of the most impactful in recent memory.

📺 The 2025 MTV VMAs air Sunday, September 7 on MTV.