LL Cool J Performs “Headsprung,” “Doin It” and More at the 2024 VMAs: Watch

Almost 25 years after he was the first to GOAT (which his dancers referenced with posters of the farm animal), LL Cool J reminded us at the MTV VMAs on Wednesday night that he deserves that title. Between classics like “Around the Way Girl” and “Doin' It,” he performed “Passion” and “Proclivities” from his recently released 14th studio album, The poweranother acronym, this time for Frequencies of Real Creative Energy.

LL was introduced by Busta Rhymes, who cheekily told fans to “put your hands where my eyes can see” while explaining that his colleague was the first artist to release an album on famed hip-hop label Def J, which is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year. His Def Jam labelmates Flavor Flav and Chuck D also came together as Public Enemy to perform “Bring the Noise.”

Last year, LL Cool J took part in the VMA salute to hip-hop's 50th anniversary, singing a medley of “I'm Bad” and “Mama Said Knock You Out.” It was his first performance at the awards show in a quarter century.

In 1997, the rapper was the first hip-hop artist to be awarded the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award by MTV. Mariah Carey presented him with the award. He received his first Moon Person in 1991 in the category “Best Rap Video” for “Mama Said Knock You Out”, which he also performed at this awards ceremony.

Other artists nominated at this year's VMAs include Megan Thee Stallion, Lenny Kravitz, Sabrina Carpenter, Shawn Mendes and Chappell Roan. The most nominated artists are Taylor Swift and Post Malone.