Busta Rhymes Ignites VMAs Stage, Accepts Inaugural Rock the Bells Visionary Award

Busta Rhymes delivered an electrifying medley of his greatest hits and received the first­ever Rock the Bells Visionary Award at the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards at UBS Arena in Elmont, New York, on September 7.

The veteran rapper’s high-energy performance featured rapid-fire verses and surprise guest appearances, culminating in an emotional acceptance speech that paid tribute to the late MTV VJ Ananda Lewis.

Nut Graf

Honoring a 35-year career defined by trailblazing style and cultural influence, Rhymes used his VMAs spotlight to salute a cherished colleague and underscore hip-hop’s enduring legacy. His recognition as the inaugural Visionary Award recipient spotlights the genre’s pioneers while showcasing Rhymes’s continued impact on music and culture.

Medley of Hits and Special Guests

  • Opened with “Break Ya Neck,” “Gimme Some More,” and “Put Your Hands Where My Eyes Could See.”
  • Invited Joyner Lucas, Papoose, GloRilla and DJ Scratch for dynamic collaborations on classic tracks.
  • Crowd-rousing choreography and red-clad dancers amplified the spectacle.

Visionary Award Acceptance

Upon receiving the award from host LL Cool J, Rhymes declared, “If it takes 35 years to get one of these, next time y’all gonna let me talk as long as I want,” before thanking family, collaborators and MTV.

He paid homage to Ananda Lewis, who passed away in June after a battle with breast cancer, calling her “an extraordinary woman who loved me and uplifted our culture.”

Event Context and Significance

  • The Visionary Award was introduced to honor hip-hop’s boundary-breaking artists.
  • Busta Rhymes has performed at the VMAs since 1997 but had never won a Moon Person trophy until now.
  • The ceremony featured performances by Doja Cat, Tate McRae and Ricky Martin, who accepted the inaugural Latin Icon Award.

By blending nostalgia with contemporary flair, Busta Rhymes reaffirmed his status as a pioneering force in hip-hop and demonstrated that his influence remains as potent as ever.